Graphic Design, A.A.S. < College of DuPage

The Graphic Design program emphasizes portfolio development through the study of principles and elements of design, typography, illustration, identity design, advertising design, web design and simulated studio work. Students gain experience in the use of traditional and digital design tools and software. Articulation agreements exist to continue education beyond the AAS degree. The Graphic Design degree consists of a minimum of 66 credits in program requirements and general education in the courses listed below.

For more information about Graphic Design, please visit the program page.

Degree Requirements

Field of Study Code: GRDSN.AAS

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Program Requirements
GRDSN 1100	Drawing for Design	3
GRDSN 1101	Digital Graphic Applications	3
GRDSN 1102	Graphic Design 1	3
GRDSN 1104	Typography	3
GRDSN 1105	Graphic Design 2	3
GRDSN 1106	Three-Dimensional Design	3
GRDSN 1107	Digital Illustration 1	3
GRDSN 1108	Digital Illustration Design 2	3
GRDSN 2200	User Experience Design	3
GRDSN 2201	Graphic Design 3	3
GRDSN 2202	Web/Interactive Design 1	3
GRDSN 2203	Advertising Design	3
GRDSN 2204	Digital Illustration 3	3
GRDSN 2205	Graphic Design 4	3
GRDSN 2206	Web/Interactive Design 2	3
GRDSN 2208	Portfolio Seminar	3
General Education
Select 18 to 22 credits, including one of the following courses: ^{1, 2}		18-22
ART 2211	Art Histories Before 1400 CE
ART 2212	Art Histories 1400 to 1950
ART 2213	Art Histories Since 1950
ART 2214	Non-Western Art
Total Credits		66-70

¹: In addition to the courses listed above.
²: NASAD accreditation requires a three credit Art History course to fulfill the Humanities & Fine Arts general education requirement.

General Education Requirements

For general education requirements for the A.A.S. degree, please visit the A.A.S. degree catalog page.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Please note: A student's readiness to perform college-level coursework is based on the student's placement test and/or ACT scores. Below 1000-level coursework may be required prior to the student taking courses in the suggested sequences.

This is a typical program map; please meet with a Faculty or Program Advisor to discuss the details.

Plan of Study Grid
First Semester		Credits
GRDSN 1100	Drawing for Design	3
GRDSN 1101	Digital Graphic Applications	3
GRDSN 1102	Graphic Design 1	3
GRDSN 1104	Typography	3
ENGLI 1101	English Composition I	3
	Credits	15
Second Semester
GRDSN 1105	Graphic Design 2	3
GRDSN 1106	Three-Dimensional Design	3
GRDSN 1107	Digital Illustration 1	3
GRDSN 2200	User Experience Design	3
SPEEC 1100	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
	Credits	15
Summer Semester
Elective	Graphic Design Course	3
Gen Ed	Physical and Life Sciences	4
	Credits	7
Third Semester
GRDSN 1108	Digital Illustration Design 2	3
GRDSN 2201	Graphic Design 3	3
GRDSN 2202	Web/Interactive Design 1	3
GRDSN 2203	Advertising Design	3
Gen Ed	Mathematics	3
Gen Ed	Humanities and Fine Arts ¹	3
	Credits	18
Fourth Semester
GRDSN 2204	Digital Illustration 3	3
GRDSN 2205	Graphic Design 4	3
GRDSN 2206	Web/Interactive Design 2	3
GRDSN 2208	Portfolio Seminar	3
Gen Ed	Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	70

¹: Choose one:
ART 2211 Art Histories Before 1400 CE
ART 2212 Art Histories 1400 to 1950
ART 2213 Art Histories Since 1950
ART 2214 Non-Western Art

Program Milestones

First Semester

Complete introductory courses as they are the prerequisites for other Graphic Design Courses.
Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.
Consider joining or visiting with a professional, cultural, or interest-based Student Club.

Second Semester

If you have not done so yet this semester, it is important to make an appointment with a Faculty or Program Advisor to discuss your future academic progress.
Complete Graphic Design foundation courses.
Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.

Third Semester

Complete Graphic Design core courses.
Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.

Fourth Semester

Development and presentation of Portfolio. Undertake a client based/industry project in Graphic Design 4.
Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.