Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Graphic Design, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Northern Virginia Community College

This program is included in: Fast Forward

Purpose: The curriculum is designed for individuals who seek full-time employment in the graphic design field. Job opportunities include graphic designer, art director, illustrator, production artist, package designer and web content developer, among others in the graphic design marketplace.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Proficiency in high school English and a satisfactory aptitude for drawing.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Related Programs & Certifications
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Certifications You Can Now Complete
CompTIA® A+ Certification
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Graphic Design, A.A.S.
64
Graphic Design, AAS
64
5110 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 2025-26
64
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 48 credits may be applied to this program.
English Requirements
3
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV Requirement
1
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Social/Behavioral Science Elective Requirement
3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Humanities/Fine Arts Requirements
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select nonArt
Humanities/Fine Arts Electives
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
CST Studies Requirement
3
CST 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Math Requirements
3
MTH 154 or Higher
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Category list:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course:
ART Requirements
48
ART 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 131
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 140
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 116
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 135
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 141
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 142
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 217
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 265
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 281
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 218
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 250
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 268
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 287
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART Elective
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Approved ART Electives: ART 209 is recommended. May also take ART 132, or ART 223 or division approval for other ART courses.
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Complete courses from the following Course:
ART 251
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
PHT 270 will teach digital imaging from a photography perspective, whereas ART 251 provides a design perspective.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
43891
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems TechAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in CybersecurityAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in CybersecurityAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Cyber SecurityAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Old Dominion UniversityCybersecurity-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Old Dominion UniversityCyber Operations-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Cybersecurity (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeComputer Science Major - BS (Cybersecurity Track)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeComputer Science Major - BS (Full-Stack Software Development Track)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science in CybersecurityBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBS in CybersecurityBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline, Hybrid
Randolph-Macon CollegeComputer Science (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeCybersecurity (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in CybersecurityBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
George Washington University College of Professional StudiesBPS in CybersecurityBachelorBachelor of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
15-1241.00Computer Network ArchitectsDesign and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1231.00Computer Network Support SpecialistsAnalyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
11-3021.00Computer and Information Systems ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.Management Occupations
15-1243.01Data Warehousing SpecialistsDesign, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1242.00Database AdministratorsAdminister, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1243.00Database ArchitectsDesign strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1212.00Information Security AnalystsPlan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1244.00Network and Computer Systems AdministratorsInstall, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1241.01Telecommunications Engineering SpecialistsDesign or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 64 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Graphic Design, A.A.S. at Northern Virginia Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $219 Per Credit $14,016 $0 $14,016
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.