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Graphic Design: Creative Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

Graphic design by definition is the applied art of designing any information, thought, idea or message for print and digital media. Graphic designers skillfully master advanced technology to transform an idea or concept. The transformation procedure is an integral part of the print or digital media production process. Graphic designers have an inherent ability to create by utilizing basic design principles and color theory; applying typographical knowledge and techniques; capturing digital graphic images; and manipulating photos and illustrations through various industry standard software and hardware components. The finished design may be delivered via the printed piece or web.

The field of graphic design is an exciting and challenging career choice, a choice that gives the individual the power to be an effective participant in the world of media communications. This degree is also an excellent stepping-stone for those students who wish to pursue a four-year degree at some point in the future.

 

Award Outcomes

Utilize the elements and principles of design

Integrate the use of industry standard technology and design

Develop visual solutions to communicate client's needs

Exhibit proficient use of technology workflow

Produce clean proofs and prints for press-ready documents

Demonstrate the roles and functions of working on a team

Develop a creative portfolio of work that demonstrates skills as a designer and visual communicator

Career Opportunities

Graphic design is an ever-changing and evolving professional career with many occupational categories and opportunities. One might find employment in a production environment, customer service, customer support, sales, creative production, consulting or training. Occupational titles include but are not limited to creative designer, graphic designer, print production artist, web designer, web producer, web developer, production artist, advertising artist, art typographer. Common working environments might include design or production, in a corporation, agency, advertising or marketing setting, printing company, or graphics service bureau.

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 51 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1010Basic Drawing

3

MGDP1205Fundamentals of Graphic Design

3

MGDP1210Graphic Design Essentials

3

MGDP1220Concepts in Creativity

3

MGDP1230Photoshop

3

MGDP1240Illustrator

3

MGDP1310InDesign

3

MGDP1330Advanced Page Layout

3

MGDP1340Advanced Photoshop

3

MGDP1350Advanced Illustrator

3

MGDP1360Acrobat

2

MMVP1640Social Media Production I

2

MGDP1645Social Media Production II

2

MGDP2010Applied Graphic Design

3

MGDP2030Packaging and Display Advertising

3

MGDP2040Collateral Advertising

3

MGDP2080Applied Typography

3

MGDP2200Design Portfolio

3

General Education Required 12 Credits

Choose one of the following:

COMM1250Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

COMM1280Public Speaking

3

 

Choose one of the following:

ENGL1070Technical Writing

3

ENGL1100Writing and Research

4

ENGL1300Introduction to Creative Writing

3

 

Choose any course from MnTC Goal Area 2

3

 

Choose any course from MnTc Goal Area 5

3

General Education Elective 3 Credits

Choose credits from Hennepin Technical College's Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) general education courses.

Technical Studies Elective 3 Credits

Any Audio Production (ARSP), Information Technology (ITEC), Graphic Design (MGDP) or Interactive Design and Video Production (MMVP) course that is not required for this award may be used to satisfy an elective requirement.

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1120Introduction to Digital Photography

2

MGDP2215Graphic Design Internship

1 - 12

Total Associate in Applied Science Degree Credits 69

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park Only

First Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1010Basic Drawing

3

MGDP1205Fundamentals of Graphic Design

3

MGDP1210Graphic Design Essentials

3

MGDP1220Concepts in Creativity

3

MGDP1310InDesign

3

MGDP1360Acrobat

2

Total Credits  17

Second Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1230Photoshop

3

MGDP1240Illustrator

3

MMVP1640Social Media Production I

2

MGDP1645Social Media Production II

2

MGDP2010Applied Graphic Design

3

MGDP2080Applied Typography

3

Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Areas 3-10

3

Total Credits  19

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
Choose one of the following:

COMM1250Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

COMM1280Public Speaking

3

 

Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 2

3

Total Credits  6

Third Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1330Advanced Page Layout

3

MGDP1340Advanced Photoshop

3

MGDP1350Advanced Illustrator

3

MGDP2040Collateral Advertising

3

 

Choose one of the following:

ENGL1070Technical Writing

3

ENGL1100Writing and Research

4

ENGL1300Introduction to Creative Writing

3

Total Credits  15

Fourth Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP2030Packaging and Display Advertising

3

MGDP2200Design Portfolio

3

 

Technical Studies Electives

3

 

Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 5

3

Total Credits  12

Technical Studies Electives

Any Audio Production (ARSP), Information Technology (ITEC), Graphic Design (MGDP) or Interactive Design and Video Production (MMVP) course that is not required for this award may be used to satisfy an elective requirement.

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
MGDP1120Introduction to Digital Photography

2

MGDP2215Graphic Design Internship

1 - 12

Choose a Total of:  3 Credits 

General Education Electives

A complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses and Goal Areas that can be used to meet General Education requirements can be found at www.hennepintech.edu.  The same course cannot satisfy more than one MnTC Goal Area requirement.

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Choose a Total of:  3 Credits

MnTC Goal Area 2

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
BIOL1000Biology in Society

4

BIOL1100Nutrition and Health

3

BIOL1300Introduction to Forensic Science

3

BIOL1400Human Biology

4

BIOL2005General Biology I

4

BIOL2125Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIOL2225Anatomy and Physiology II

4

BIOL2235Microbiology

4

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

MATH1150Applications of Quantitative Reasoning

3

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

PHYS1005Introductory Physics I

3

PHYS1010Introductory Physics II

3

SOCI1100Introduction to Sociology

3

MnTC Goal Area 5

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ECON1200Principles of Microeconomics

3

ECON1300Principles of Macroeconomics

3

ENGL1200Introduction to Humanities

3

HIST1400Contemporary World History

3

POLI1000Introduction to American Government and Politics

3

PSYC1000General Psychology

3

PSYC1200Psychology Throughout the Lifespan

3

PSYC1300Abnormal Psychology

3

SOCI1100Introduction to Sociology

3

SOCI1200Marriage and Family

3

SOCI1400Race in America

3

SOCI1500Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

SOCI1600Food and Society

3

Graduation (69 Credits)

Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.

 

5/6/2024 : BP 1504 / EP