Digital Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner Code: 2_AA_DART
Control Number: 03923
Financial Aid Eligible
This major will prepare students for employment in the fields of graphic design, illustration, website design, advertising and marketing, and social media marketing. It consists of experiences in applied design, digital imaging, graphic design principles, layout and design, and website design. The focus is on an introduction to design thinking, visual communication, and skills in graphic design, illustration, web design, and graphic art for print and digital delivery.
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:
- Apply graphic design principles in the ideation, development, and production of visual messages.
- Communicate solutions that address audiences and contexts by recognizing the human factors that determine design decisions.
- Identify design history, theory, terminology, and criticism from a variety of perspectives.
- Utilize software applications and technology in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
- Synthesize design processes and strategy from ideation to production to creatively solve communication problems.
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ART G115 | Typography | 3 |
| DART G100 | Introduction To Digital Arts | 3 |
| DART G105 | Digital 2D Design & Color Theory | 3 |
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| DART G152 | Digital Imaging II: Intermediate Photoshop | 3 |
| DART G170 | Graphic Design Principles | 3 |
| DART G174 | Print and Digital Publication Design | 3 |
| DART G177 | Professional Practice for Designers | 3 |
| DART G178 | Web Design I | 3 |
| PHOT G190 | Digital Photography 1 | 3 |
| Major Total | 33 | |
| 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 G100 | Introduction To Digital Arts | 3 |
| DART G105 | Digital 2D Design & Color Theory | 3 |
| ENGL G100 | Freshman Composition ^ | 4 |
| ART G115 | Typography | 3 |
| 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 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| DART G152 | Digital Imaging II: Intermediate Photoshop | 3 |
| Area C: Arts & Humanities course | 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 G170 | Graphic Design Principles | 3 |
| DART G178 | Web Design I | 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 | Print and Digital Publication Design | 3 |
| DART G177 | Professional Practice for Designers | 3 |
| DART G179 | Digital Prepress | 3 |
| PHOT G190 | Digital Photography 1 | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity requirement # | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| 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.