Program Details

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design

Associate of Applied Science

Tidewater Community College

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Graphic Design teaches students how to design for communication. Students will learn design methods and processes to realize projects from conceptualization through production using industry standard design applications. Course content will investigate visual design as it applies to image making, composition, typography, logos, publications, motion, and interaction.

Graphic designers impact the function and visual appearance of messages and information. From physical collateral to digital screens and experiences, designers are tasked with developing specific visual languages for identity systems, marketing, advertising, publications, and digital environments. Designers use typography, photographs, illustrations, and graphic elements to construct messages with the intention of attracting attention and fulfilling a specific goal—to inform, persuade, educate or entertain.

Outcomes

Students effectively apply the elements and principles of design.
Students verbally defend and explain his/her art work.
Students demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer graphic applications and design processes.
Students demonstrate creative thinking and innovation
Students demonstrate professionalism with regards to dress, appearance, poise, attitude and enthusiasm.
Students are prepared to enter the workforce at an entry-level or pursue an internship.
Students are prepared to submit this portfolio towards college transfer.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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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
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 Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 7 graduates in 2020-21, 12 graduates in 2019-20, 17 graduates in 2018-19, 15 graduates in 2017-18, and 19 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Graphic Design.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-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: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

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
Northern Virginia Community College	Graphic Design, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Graphic Design: Interactive Design Specialization, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Emory & Henry University	Art: Graphic Design (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Graphic and Media Design	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts	Associate	Associate of Applied Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Visual Art, A.F.A.	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Visual Design	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Longwood University	Graphic and Animation Design BFA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Fine Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Art	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Fine Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Regent University	BFA in Graphic Design	Bachelor	Bachelor of Fine Arts	4-Year	Online
Radford University	BFA in Design	Bachelor	Bachelor of Fine Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BS in Design	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Marymount University	Graphic and Media Design (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Art	4-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
27-1024.00	Graphic Designers	Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1019.00	Artists and Related Workers, All Other	All artists and related workers not listed separately.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1021.00	Commercial and Industrial Designers	Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-1121.00	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
15-1255.01	Video Game Designers	Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1255.00	Web and Digital Interface Designers	Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
27-1011.00	Art Directors	Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1029.00	Designers, All Other	All designers not listed separately.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1027.00	Set and Exhibit Designers	Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1014.00	Special Effects Artists and Animators	Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ

Cost To Complete

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 62 credits remaining to be completed

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Delivery Mode

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Disability Discharge

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Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design at Tidewater 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	$165	Per Credit	$10,230	$0	$10,230	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$434	0	$434	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$186	0	$186	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,240	0	$1,240	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*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.