Associate in Applied Science Code: 5458
Contact artdesign@bhc.edu for information; Advising Center, 309-796-5100, Rm 1-213; East Campus Advising Center, 309-854-1709
The Visual Communication Degree (AAS) is offered through Art, Design, and Performing Arts Department.
The curriculum is rooted in a strong foundation of art and design skills, with classroom exercises providing practical and theoretical experience. Students develop skills and technical knowledge in industry standard software (such as Adobe Creative Suite) and industry standard equipment (including digital cameras, audio and lighting equipment, large-format printers, scanners, drawing tablets, and prepress considerations). Coursework also focuses on developing strong concepts, troubleshooting design issues, and critical thinking while working as an individual or in team-based environments.
Students will learn foundational skills applicable to career possibilities in many areas of visual communication, including graphic design, industrial design, illustration, photography, videography, motion graphics, animation, and more. At the end of the program, students will submit a comprehensive portfolio of work for faculty to review prior to graduation.
The AAS in Visual Communication degree is intended for students seeking to start a career upon completion of the program. Students interested in transferring to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in a more specialized aspect of visual communication should review the Art transfer degrees in the catalog: the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Fine Arts (AFA).
In completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply design elements and principles to digital and printed works.
- Develop a comprehensive portfolio of work that demonstrates craft and career readiness in deverse areas of Visual Communication.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency with industry standard software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, and industry standard equipment, such as camera and digital drawing tablets.
- Exhibit professional use and disposal of art materials.
- Present design concepts individually, interpersonally, in a group environment, and through mass communication channels.
- Justify personal and stylistic choices in visual works and how it relates to contemporary and/or historic design theory.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of design history through today, including contextualizing design trends, analyzing design issues, and understanding the contributions of visual communication to human cultures.
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