Visual Communications
Associate Degree Program
The Visual Communications program emphasizes visual media in print, video, web, and interactive formats. Students in this major are able to extend their foundation work in traditional media into the digital-based realm. Emphasis is placed on creative problem solving in addition to user experience skills. Presentations are designed and executed in preparation for inclusion in the student's final portfolio. Graduates of the program may enter careers in corporate or institutional marketing communication departments, digital advertising firms, video editing companies, web development companies, self-employment, or opt for further study at the baccalaureate level.
Offered at the following location(s): Dover
What You Can Do
In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Webpage designer
- Videographer and Editor
- Social Media content creator
- Photographer
- Sign designer
- T-shirt designer
- In-house designer for small companies, corporations, publishers, schools, retailers, design firms
- Pre-press technician
- Self-employment
What You Will Learn
Program Graduate Competencies
The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.
- Integrate the principles and elements of design and interactive graphics into cohesive problem solving techniques for interactive/web assignments.
- Critique design solutions and develop strategies for strengthening their conceptual and technical effectiveness.
- Structure a problem-solving strategy for delivery of the client's message to his market, making efficient use of current design, production, and delivery technologies.
- Synthesize components of media delivery solutions into cohesive presentations that are technically and conceptually effective.
- Create or evaluate and select illustrative, photographic, layout, and/or responsive imagery for use in effectively evoking digital/web-based solutions for multiple devices.
- Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business practice.
Core Curriculum Competencies
The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Pathway to Graduation
Semester 1
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Seminar | 1 | |
| Composition I | 3 | |
| Drawing I | 3 | |
| Intro To Design | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
Semester 2
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Composition II | 3 | |
| Raster Graphics | 3 | |
| Photography I | 3 | |
| Introduction to Business | 3 |
Semester 3
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Art History: Renaissance to Modern Era | 3 | |
| Principles of Marketing | 3 | |
| Layout Graphics | 3 | |
| Elective | Technology Elective |
Semester 4
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Technology Elective | |
| Advertising and Promotion | 3 | |
| Web Graphics | 3 | |
| General Psychology | 3 |
Semester 5
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Technology Elective | |
| Digital Marketing Fundamentals | 3 | |
| Portfolio Workshop | 3 | |
| Applied Practice | 3 |
Select 3 Technical Electives:
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Vector Graphics | 3 | |
| Advanced Photography | 3 | |
| Intro to Videography | 3 | |
| Illustration | 3 | |
| Advanced Web | 3 | |
| Advanced Video | 3 | |
| Advanced Layout and Illustration | 3 |
To complete program requirements, you must pass the above courses and earn at least 61 credits. The number of courses and credits required for graduation may be more depending on college readiness and the elective courses offered in your program major (if electives are a part of the program).
VSCAASVSC
Program Map
Alumni | Bijou Cox
Dallas Hayes
Department Chair, Instructor,
and Program Advisor
dhayes1@dtcc.edu
(302) 857-1312
The Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certifications offer students a foundation for success by validating their digital skills. Certification testing is offered within the curriculum of several courses within the Visual Communication Department. Upon a successful attempt of the exam, the student is instantly able to promote the Adobe badge received and meet the popular demand of validating skills in the Adobe application.
This program is offered at the Dover campus.
This program is offered at the Dover campus.
This program is offered at the Dover campus.