GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS

For students interested in a career in graphic design or studio art, the Prairie State College (PSC) graphic communications program combines mass communications, technology, and fine arts to provide students with the background needed to pursue a career in graphic or visual design.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONSAT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE

DEGREES ANDCERTIFICATES

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S.)Multimedia Arts

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENTAnimationDigital DesignWeb Designer

Multimedia ArtsA.A.S. DegreeThis visual communication program prepares students for entry-level positions in the multimedia industry.

I. General Education Core 15-16 creditsArea A: Communication 6 ENG 101 Composition I - with a grade of C or better. 3COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts 3

ART 131 Survey of Non-Western Art (recommended) 3or select one course from Area B 3

Area C: Mathematics (demonstrated competence required)Placement into MATH 095 or completion of MATH 090 with a grade of C or better

The A.A.S. degree is not intended for transfer; higher math is recommended if students plan to transfer:MATH 112 General Education Mathematics 3orMATH 115 General Education Statistics 3

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences 3-4Select one course from Area D

Area E: Social and Behavioral Science 3Select one course from Area E II. Program Requirements 35 creditsART 101 Two Dimensional Design 3ART 102 Three Dimensional Design 3ART 104 Drawing I 3ART 106 Drawing II 3ART 115 Introduction to Computer Art 3ART 121 History of Western Art I 3ART 122 History of Western Art II 3COMM 111 Introduction to Mass Communications 3GC 151 Principles of Graphic Design 3GC 154 Typography 2GC 162 Introduction to Web Site Development 3GC 299 Internship/Seminar 3orART 295 Portfolio Seminar 3

Specialization Option 12 creditsSelect one specialization option from the list below and choose 12 credits from within that specialty.

Print Media Option:ART 126 History of Photography 3ART 162 Life Drawing 3ART 201 Painting I 3ART 205 Printmaking 3GC 160 Design for Publishing 3GC 171 Illustration 3GC 287 Professional Design 3PHOTO 171 Introduction to Photography 3

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In the multimedia arts A.A.S. program, students learn to create and deliver content via multiple media formats, including print, illustration, text, digital imagery, audio, video, and websites.

The animation certificate program incorporates audio/video technology, laws of motion and physics, drawing, and computer art, while giving students the opportunity to build a comprehensive portfolio of work.

The digital design certificate program provides a foundation in design, computer art, and specialized software and techniques required to work in the field of digital design.

The web designer certificate program develops web design skills with an emphasis on graphic design and digital media, including animation.

ABOUT THE CURRICULUM

PSC offers “open admission” that encourages diversity and admits all high school graduates or the equivalent.

Here’s how to start your college career at PSC:• Provide a high school diploma

or GED.• Take the COMPASS Placement

Test or submit a copy of ACT scores.

• Meet with an advisor from Counseling and Advising to select courses. For questions, contact an academic advisor at (708) 709-3506.

ADMISSIONS

Digital Media Option:GC 156 Design Software Workshop 2GC 175 2D Animation 3GC 262 Flash/Interface Design 3GC 265 Interactive Design Project 3GC 270 Advanced Web Site Design 3MUSIC 173 Introduction to Digital Sound 2PHOTO 267 Video Production 4PHOTO 275 Photographic Design 3

Program Total 62-63 credits

AnimationCertificateThe animation certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions as web animators, 2D/3D animators, flash designers, and multimedia artists in industries such as motion pictures and video, advertising, and web interactive design firms.

Program Requirements 24 credits

ART 101 Two Dimensional Design 3ART 115 Introduction to Computer Art (same as GC 115) 5ART 162 Life Drawing 3GC 175 2D Animation 3GC 177 3D Animation 3GC 262 Flash/Interface Design 3MUSIC 173 Introduction to Digital Sound 2PHOTO 267 Video Production 4

Program Total 24 credits

Digital DesignCertificateThis program prepares students for entry-level or freelance work in electronic and print media.

Program Requirements 15 creditsART 115 Introduction to Computer Art 3ART 205 Printmaking 3GC 151 Principles of Graphic Design 3GC 160 Design for Publishing 3GC 287 Professional Design 3

Program Total 15 credits

Web DesignerCertificateThis program prepares students for entry-level or freelance work in web design.

Program Requirements 18 creditsART 115 Introduction to Computer Art 3GC 151 Principles of Graphic Design 3GC 162 Introduction to Web Site Development 3 GC 262 Flash/Interface Design 3 ITWEB 101 Web Page Authoring 3ITWEB 105 Multimedia Writing 3

Program Total 18 credits

202 South Halsted Street | Chicago Heights, IL 60411(708) 709-3500 | prairiestate.edu

Find out more today by contacting Mike Maddox

Professor of Art and Graphic Communications(708) 709-3679

mmaddox@prairiestate.edu

Financial Aid InformationPSC’s tuition is affordable, and financial aid is available through a variety of sources.

How to Apply 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA) The school code for PSC is 001640. Apply online at fafsa.gov.

2. Notification from Department of Education If you listed PSC’s school code in your FAFSA, the college’s Financial Aid Office will receive your report in approximately 14 days.

3. Notification from PSC Once PSC receives your FAFSA from the Department of Education, a letter is mailed to the student indicating needed documents.

4. Complete the PSC financial aid application.5. Determination Letter

Once all documents are completed, an award or ineligible letter is issued.

PSC Financial Aid Opportunities: • PSC Board of Trustees Scholarships cover tuition and fees for

two years. • The PSC Foundation awards more than $75,000 in scholarships

annually.

For more information about how to obtain financial aid, visit prairiestate.edu/finaid, call (708) 709-3735, or email financial-aid@prairiestate.edu.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of graphic designers is expected to grow as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers and computer design firms. Graphic designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—websites, mobile phones, and other technology. However, growth may be reduced by less demand in print publishing, where many graphic designers are employed. Median annual salaries for graphic designers range from $36,000-$74,000.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges with financial aid eligible programs that “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized

occupation” to disclose certain information about these programs. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have

completed the program, and other important information related to the program, please visit our website at prairiestate.edu/ge. We hope that this information is

helpful in making informed choices about your education.

Gainful Employment Disclosure