Digital Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner code: 2_AA_DART
Control number: 03923
Financial aid: Eligible
This major will prepare the student for employment in the field of graphic design illustration. It consists of experiences in applied design, digital imaging, graphic design principles, layout and design, and web page design. The focus is upon an introduction to advertising, visual communication, and skills in graphic design, illustration, and preparing art for reproduction.
Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:
- Web Designer
- Animator
- Corporate Designer
- In-house Designer
- Advertising Designer
- Freelance Designer
- Editorial Designer
- Typography Designer
- Illustrator
Program Level Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Generate artwork utilizing advanced principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of advanced level digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate advanced level digital art projects.
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
(See GWC website for the most up-to-date information on Associate Degree Requirements.)
- Completion of General Education Requirements by one of the following methods:
- Completion of a minimum of 18 units as listed under Areas A through E, including the Cultural Diversity Requirement.
- Completion of a minimum of 39 units of CSU General Education requirements. Students who complete this pattern are also eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education Breadth.
- Completion of a minimum of 34 (UC) or 37 (CSU) units of Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements. Students who complete this pattern are also eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement in IGETC.
- Completion of a Major or Area of Emphasis—a minimum of 18 units.
- Completion of additional elective units to a total of 60 units.
- 2.0 overall Grade Point Average at GWC and 2.0 overall Grade Point Average for all colleges attended.
- At least 12 units completed at GWC.
Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| DART G103 | Digital 2D Design | 3 |
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| DART G170 | Graphic Design Principles | 3 |
| DART G174 | Introduction To Page Layout & Design - Adobe Indesign | 3 |
| DART G177 | Graphic Design Principles On The Computer | 3 |
| DART G178 | Introduction To Web Page Design | 3 |
| DART G179 | Prepress | 3 |
| Major Total | 24 | |
| GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC) | 18-39 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Recommended Program Sequence
These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students. The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| DART G170 | Graphic Design Principles | 3 |
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| ENGL G100 | Freshman Composition ^ | 4 |
| Area E: Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development or Area A: English Language, Area B: Natural Sciences, Area C: Arts & Humanities, Area D: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| DART G103 | Digital 2D Design | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| Area C: Arts & Humanities course | 3 | |
| Elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of Algebra 2 in High School with a "C" or better): | ||
| MATH G030 | Intermediate Algebra | 4 |
| MATH G040 | Accelerated Elementary and Intermediate Algebra | 5 |
| MATH G080 | Pre-Statistics | 5 |
| If Math competency is satisfied, take Elective coursework for a total of 3 units. | 3 | |
| Units | 15-17 | |
Year 2:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| DART G178 | Introduction To Web Page Design | 3 |
| DART G177 | Graphic Design Principles On The Computer | 3 |
| Area B: Natural Sciences course | 3 | |
| Area D: Social & Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
| Elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| DART G174 | Introduction To Page Layout & Design - Adobe Indesign | 3 |
| DART G179 | Prepress | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity requirement # | 3 | |
| Elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units | 3-5 | |
| Units | 12-14 | |
| Total minimum units required | 60 | |
| # | Cultural Diversity requirement list of approved courses |
| ^ | Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement. |