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Visual Communications

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Visual Communications 2024-08-13T17:48:01+00:00

Visual Communications

The Visual Communications program (VICOM) prepares students for jobs in the graphic design field.  In this program students learn the fundamentals of graphic design to develop creative solutions for branding and visual identity; web, mobile, and motion design; animation and character development; and advertising and marketing.  Students leave the program skilled in using a variety of mediums to create printed materials and online media for interactive presentations using industry-standard software and equipment.

Career

  • Graphic Design
  • Logo and Brand Identity Design
  • Web and Mobile Design
  • User Interface Design (UI)
  • User Experience Design (UX)
  • Print and Publication Design
  • Packaging Design
  • Animation and Character Design
  • Clothing Design
  • Advertising Design
  • Art Director

Bachelor’s Degree

Highline’s newest Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in integrated design takes a holistic approach to design by combining your passion for visual design, technology and problem solving with accessibility, equity and universal design. Discover the relationships between various design fields, and prepare yourself to become part of the next generation of forward-thinking designers.

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Program Map

Career

Depending on your area of interest students are working in the following fields:
Interior Design
Graphic Design
Multimedia Design
Drafting Design
Web Design

Department/Program URL:

BAS Integrated Design Program

GPA Requirement:

2.0 Overall

Number of Credits:

180

Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:

  • Articulate, research and conceptualize multiple solutions to any design problem.
  • Communicate design intent, clearly and competently, in their work, their speech and their writing.
  • Convert abstract design requirements into original and creative design work.
  • Integrate the use of technology seamlessly into the design process.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership, group and collaborative skills to work across disciplines in successfully implementing a design.

Top Transfer-To institutions

  • Seattle University (Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership)

Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate

Apply for program when you have completed 60 credits of your Associate Degree

Key Advisors

Tamara Hilton

Associate Degrees

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in graphic design prepares each student with the essential skills they need to compete in the field of graphic design. Courses are designed by industry professionals, with a focus on real-world projects that students can then include in their professional design portfolios. Students will gain on-the-job experience by completing a graphic design internship.

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Program Map

Department/Program URL:

Art and Design Department – Visual Communications Program

GPA Requirement:

Students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.

Number of Credits:

94-96

Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop and implement solutions to visual communication problems.
  • Demonstrate the use of formal design principles such as balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm, variety and unity.
  • Demonstrate effective use of color theory and typography.
  • Interpret and use market research information to draw reasonable conclusions.
  • Articulate design concepts in a professional manner and connect to the intended audience using visual, oral and written presentation skills unique to the field of visual communications.
  • Identify and use technology consistent with the graphics industry standard.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in technology consistent with the graphics industry standards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform effectively in a team environment.
  • Identify and determine how differences in audiences and cultures affect the nature of the visual product.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will have a portfolio that reflects a balance of presentation work that include print and online media.

Top Transfer-To institutions

  • Highline College Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Design
  • Lake Washington Technical College Bachelor of Applied Arts Design

Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate

N/A

Key Advisors

Tamara Hilton

The Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree in graphic design prepares each student with the essential skills they need to compete in the field of graphic design. Courses are designed by industry professionals, with a focus on real-world projects that students can then include in their professional design portfolios. Students will gain on-the-job experience by completing a graphic design internship.

View in Catalog

Program Map

Department/Program URL:

Art and Design Department – Visual Communications Program

GPA Requirement:

Students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.

Number of Credits:

94-96

Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop and implement solutions to visual communication problems.
  • Demonstrate the use of formal design principles such as balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm, variety and unity.
  • Demonstrate effective use of color theory and typography.
  • Interpret and use market research information to draw reasonable conclusions.
  • Articulate design concepts in a professional manner and connect to the intended audience using visual, oral and written presentation skills unique to the field of visual communications.
  • Identify and use technology consistent with the graphics industry standard.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in technology consistent with the graphics industry standards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform effectively in a team environment.
  • Identify and determine how differences in audiences and cultures affect the nature of the visual product.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will have a portfolio that reflects a balance of presentation work that include print and online media.

Top Transfer-To institutions

  • Highline College (Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Design)
  • Lake Washington Technical College (Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design)

Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate

N/A

Key Advisors

Tamara Hilton

Certificates

View in Catalog

Program Map

Department/Program URL:

Art and Design Department – Visual Communications Program

GPA Requirement:

2.0 Overall

Number of Credits:

60

Certificate Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop and implement solutions to visual communication problems.
  • Interpret and use market research information to draw reasonable conclusions.
  • Articulate design concepts in a professional manner and connect to the intended audience using visual, oral and written presentation skills unique the field of visual communications. Identify and use technology consistent with the graphics industry standard.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in technology consistent with the graphics industry standards. Demonstrate the ability to perform effectively in a team environment.
  • Identify and determine how differences in audiences and cultures affect the nature of the visual product.
  • Student will demonstrate the use of formal design principles such as balance, visual hierarchy, rhythm and unity and include effective use of contrast, color and typography.

Key Advisors

Tamara Hilton