Program Length: 20 months (may be completed in as little as 15 months)
Available at the following locations:
Available Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Colorado Locations: Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, South Colorado Springs
Wyoming Locations: Cheyenne
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Jun 17th
Degree Overview
Graphic Arts Associate Degree
A graphic arts associate degree may be for you if you're looking for entry-level opportunities as a graphic designer, web designer, or desktop publisher. This diverse graphic arts associate degree program is designed to give you a strong foundation in advertising design, multimedia applications, web design, marketing, and more. As a graduate with this degree, you'll leave with an integrated understanding of the relationship between business and graphic design, as well as a portfolio of your work as a student.
Student Information - CollegeAmerica Colorado and Wyoming
Our Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Art Directors (27-1011.00), Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1121.00), Artists and Related Workers, All Other (27-1019.00), or Multi-Media Artists and Animators (27-1014.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 41,395, including books. CollegeAmerica does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts program have an on-time completion rate of 52% and a job placement rate of 58%. The median Title IV debt for this program is $ 25,087, the median non-Title IV debt is $ 1,989, and the median loan debt is $ 27,912. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
Student Information - CollegeAmerica Arizona
Our Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Art Directors (27-1011.00), Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1121.00), Artists and Related Workers, All Other (27-1019.00), or Multi-Media Artists and Animators (27-1014.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 41,395, including books. CollegeAmerica does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts program have an on-time completion rate of N/A and a job placement rate of N/A. The median Title IV debt for this program is N/A, the median non-Title IV debt is N/A, and the median loan debt is N/A. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
Course Descriptions
CourseCourse NameCredits
Course Description
Click a course to the left to see the course description here.
Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.
Computer Fundamentals
This course introduces the elements of several popular computer software programs in word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation design, Emphasis will be placed on the basic fundamentals of document creation, saving, and printing along with the more advanced concepts of presentation design.
Credits: 3.5
Web Page Design Principles
This course focuses on designing and implementing a hypertext-based publishing site using authoring and scripting languages, content creation and management tools, and digital media tools. Emphasis is placed on capturing information using emerging web technologies.
Credits: 3.0
Illustrator Basics
This course focuses on vector software to produce detailed and scalable art for most applications. Course projects explore selection tools, drawing tools, layers, the pen tool, transformations/ distortions, type tools, and modifying paths and shapes.
Credits: 3.0
Photoshop
This course is designed to develop proficiency in the Adobe Photoshop program. This course focuses on the features of Photoshop that professionals consider to be the most important. Emphasis is placed on creating, recreating, and editing images in preparing them for web and print.
Credits: 3.0
Page Layout Tools
This course builds a basic proficiency in layout and production techniques currently being used by graphic art professionals.
Credits: 3.0
Graphic Design I
This course focuses on the basic elements of design.
Credits: 3.0
Typography
This course explores the critical role of typography in graphic design. Course projects place an emphasis on the anatomy of the letterform, the distinguishing features of different typefaces, and creative applications of type.
Credits: 3.0
Print Production and Color Theory
This course focuses on the technical fundamentals of producing professional print publications, including color theory and pre-press.
Credits: 3.0
Graphic Design II
This course implements the basic elements of design with emphasis on effective composition in a variety of projects.
Credits: 3.0
Information Design
This course focuses on visual representation of technical information in a variety of mediums.
Credits: 3.0
Web Design
This course focuses on designing websites with creative interfaces, strong graphic images, functional site organization, and logical navigation.
Credits: 3.0
Logo and Identity Design
This course focuses on developing essential skills for designing logos and corporate identities.
Credits: 3.0
Layout Design
This course uses the principles of effective composition to create multi-page layouts.
Credits: 3.0
Package Design
This course focuses on designing and creating packaging with emphases placed on technical requirements.
Credits: 3.0
Advertising Design
This course teaches the rules of advertising design from both a creative and a business perspective, taking the project from creative brief to concept development.
Credits: 3.0
Flash
This course is designed to develop proficiency in basic drawing and animating tools, with strong functionality, interactivity, and usability.
Credits: 3.0
Portfolio Design
This course focuses on preparing the student's portfolio in preparation for employment. The course culminates in a professional digital and print portfolio.
Credits: 3.0
English Composition
This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.
Credits: 4.0
Communication Arts
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.
Credits: 4.0
American Civilization
This course covers the history of the United States from the American Revolution to the present. Emphasis is on the economic, political, and social development of our country.
Credits: 4.0
Marketing
This course focuses on business activities necessary to match products and markets. Marketing functions such as purchasing, distribution, consumer analysis, promotion, and pricing are discussed.
Credits: 4.0
Entrepreneurship
This course is a career-related overview of business startups, idea identification, value proposition, and competitive advantages in a student's area of specialization. The student will be able to identify and evaluate new business ideas; to learn how to prepare and evaluate business plans; and to identify capital sources for new ventures.
Credits: 4.0
Internet Commerce
Introduces Internet commerce basics and focuses on business concepts and applying technology in order to be successful. Other topics include globalizing a company, marketing and advertising, market trends, vendor solutions, credit card verification systems, security auction technologies, storefronts, and overall technology architecture. Students will learn to utilize Internet commerce solutions from process re-engineering to deployment and testing.
Credits: 4.0
Advertising Principles
This course presents a general introduction to advertising, its function, and role within the business world. Students learn advertising techniques and how to develop an advertising plan. (Prerequisite: MAN105 Marketing, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 4.0
College Algebra
Designed to improve skills in numbers and algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing, sets, exponents, radicals, inequalities, formulas, and applications.
Credits: 4.0
Introduction to Logic
This course focuses on the techniques for determining the validity of arguments and analyzing problems in the world. Topics include a discussion of informal fallacies, Aristotelian logic, and symbolic logic.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology of Motivation
Students review skills necessary to be successful in college, including: note-taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding college-level text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.
Credits: 4.0
Professional Development
This course addresses employment search and acquisition skills. Topics include matching qualifications with job requirements, resume preparation, and job applications. Also includes cover letters, follow-up letters, resignation letters, and recommendation letters. Classroom activities include discussion of basic interviewer questions and interviewing techniques.
Credits: 4.0
Sociology
This course addresses the relationships among different social institutions. It examines the dynamics in social groups. Topics covered include the concepts of control, inequity, and change within social groups.
Credits: 4.0
Total Courses: 29Total Credits: 99.5
Admissions Information
Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
Getting started on your graphic arts associate degree is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.
