The AAS of Graphic Design serves high school graduates, individuals seeking to make career changes, professionals who are upgrading or adding to their job skills, and those who seek personal enrichment by developing their artistic talents. Graphic design, like many creative fields, is a competitive profession. Being a successful graphic designer requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, problem solving skills, and up-to-date knowledge of the latest software. Creating an impressive design presentation portfolio is critical in order to obtain employment. Our students use traditional manual skills and the graphic software Adobe Creative Suite: PhotoShop, Illustrator, Flash, InDesign and DreamWeaver.
Graphic Design Associates Degree
“2+2” B.A. degree option in Graphic Design available at Chicago State University.
Overview for College Success
Overview for College Success (OCS 121) is a course designed to assist students in the navigation of becoming successful in college and life. Major topics include setting academic, career and personal goals; effective communication strategies; study skills; critical thinking; self-discovery; and learning styles. In addition, this course delves into topics such as stress management, diversity and other well-being topics. Students will develop educational and career plans, learn to utilize college resources and receive extensive help in course planning. OCS 121 credit is not calculated in the course minimum credit totals listed in this section.
Students must take OCS 121 if they meet one or more of the following:
- First time degree seeking students
- Transfer student with less than 12 credit hours and no evidence of similar course on transcript
- Registering for 6 or more credits
- Test into 2 or more developmental classes
- Currently does not have OCS credit or registered for OCS
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| Cluster 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 111 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 130 | Computer Art I | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Composition & Rhetoric | 3 |
| ART 140 | Photography I Digital | 3 |
| GROUP IV | Select a Math Elective OR Select a Physical and Life Science Elective (Must include one lab) |
3-4 |
| Cluster 2 | ||
| ART 102 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 251 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| MIS 101 | Computer Literacy & Applications | 3 |
| ART 107 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| BUS 211 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| Cluster 3 | ||
| ART 260 | Computer Assisted Illustration | 3 |
| SPE 108 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| ART 252 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| COM 220 | Digital and Social Media Marketing | 3 |
| Group III | Select from Social Science Electives Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| Cluster 4 | ||
| COM 201 | Introduction to Digital Video Production *Effective Fall 2024* | 3 |
| ART 265 | Computer Art II (Photoshop) | 3 |
| ART 270 | Computer Animation | 3 |
| ART 241 | Art Internship | 3 |
| Minimum for Degree: | 60 | |
Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite Basic Certificate
Gainful Employment Information
The Graphic Design Adobe Creative Suite Certificate is designed to provide the fastest possible achievement of academic and professional credentials for entry-level employment opportunities in basic graphic design.
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| ART 111 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 130 | Introduction Computer Art I | 3 |
| ART 251 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 252 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| ART 270 | Computer Animation | 3 |
| ART 140 | Photography I *Effective Fall 2024* | 3 |
| ART 265 | Computer Art II (Photoshop) | 3 |
| Minimum for Certificate: | 21 | |
|---|---|---|
