Design Studies AA Degree

The Associate of Arts in Design Studies provides students with a comprehensive foundation in digital design, visual communication, and creative technologies for transfer and career preparation. Students develop technical and conceptual skills in graphic design, digital imaging, typography, advertising design, user experience (UX) design, web and interactive media, photography, motion graphics, video production, and emerging digital media.

Coursework emphasizes design thinking, creative problem-solving, professional communication, and project-based learning while utilizing current industry-standard software and production workflows. Students complete a portfolio demonstrating competencies in visual communication, branding, digital publishing, multimedia production, and interactive design.

Graduates are prepared to transfer to four-year institutions in graphic design, digital media, visual communication, interaction design, animation, and related disciplines or pursue entry-level employment in graphic design, advertising, marketing, digital content creation, web design, multimedia production, photography, and related creative professions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Employ research, ideation, development, analysis, and prototyping to create evocative and engaging work.
2. Create appropriate typographic solutions for a variety of design situations.
3. Work collaboratively within a creative team.
4. Students will have the skills necessary to get entry level jobs or better in areas related to graphic design, marketing and advertising.

Program Requirements