Graphic Communications: AAS
Associate in Applied Science | 60 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Communications, Design, and Creative Arts
Program Description:
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications engages students in a dynamic, workplace-oriented, and contemporary design education that stresses innovation and career preparedness. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in traditional visual arts, use of current design technology, the development of research-based creative solutions, and a human-centered design approach. Students learn creative problem-solving methods and complete complex projects that satisfy the needs of theoretical and real-world client-based challenges.
Graduates of the Graphic Communications program will develop the creative and conceptual capabilities necessary for entry-level employment in a variety of design and communications industries. Careers and professional expertise areas in the vast and evolving field include: graphic design, illustration, web design, motion design and animation, interactive design, package and product design, production artist, and digital media specialist.
The Florissant Valley and Meramec campuses offer complete programs; select courses are offered at the Forest Park and Wildwood campuses.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley and Meramec.
Related Programs. The Art Department offers an associate in the following area:
Graphic Communications, Associate in Fine Arts
Transfer/Articulation Information. This is a 2-year terminal degree. Several courses are transferrable to other institutions. Students should check with the receiving institution to determine credit transferability.
Students who are interested in pursuing courses leading to Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Communications should follow the courses listed in the Graphic Communications, Associate in Fine Arts degree.
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- demonstrate excellence in traditional drawing and digital rendering.
- apply design principles of scale, proportion, rhythm, contrast, emphasis, and unity.
- demonstrate knowledge of design industry history, standards, tools, and trends.
- apply conceptual thinking to generate creative solutions that solve design problems.
- demonstrate proficient use of art and design industry-standard software.
- defend design concepts in the critique process using professional presentation methods.
- prepare finalized designs composed in a comprehensive portfolio for print and electronic publication.
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| or COM 101 | Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement | 3 |
| XXX xxx | Natural Science with MOTR designation / Mathematics Requirement (MTH 161 preferred or above 100) | 6 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 134 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 |
| ART 236 | Typography | 3 |
| AT 242 | History of Graphic Communications | 3 |
| ART 245 | Portfolio Design and Workplace Preparation | 3 |
| Tracks | ||
| Select one track from the following: | 15 | |
Graphic and Interactive Design | ||
Illustration and Animation Design | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Tracks
Graphic and Interactive Design Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AT 235 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design | 3 |
| or AT 246 | Advanced Computer Art Applications | |
| ART 233 | Graphic Design III | 3 |
| ART 234 | Graphic Design IV | 3 |
| AT 135 | Web Design I | 3 |
| AT 143 | Web Design II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Illustration and Animation Design Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 138 | Drawing and Rendering for Graphics | 3 |
| ART 239 | Editorial and Commercial Illustration | 3 |
| AT 233 | Concept Development for Animation | 3 |
| AT 234 | Fundamentals of Animation | 3 |
| AT 235 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design | 3 |
| or ART 240 | Digital Illustration | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Graphic and Interactive Design Track Full-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 134 | Graphic Design II | 3 | ART 140, ART 131, and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Social and Behavioral Science: Civics Requirement | 3 | ||
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/ Math Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 236 | Typography | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 135 | Web Design I | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 233 | Graphic Design III | 3 | ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 143 | Web Design II | 3 | AT 135 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 242 | History of Graphic Communications | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 234 | Graphic Design IV | 3 | ART 233 and ART 236 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 235 or 246 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design or Advanced Computer Art Applications | 3 | ART 233 or AT 233 with minimum grade of “C” and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 245 | Portfolio Design and Workplace Preparation | 3 | ART 236 and ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/ Math Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Graphic and Interactive Design Track Part-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 134 | Graphic Design II | 3 | ART 140, ART 131, and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 236 | Typography | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 135 | Web Design I | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Third Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 242 | History of Graphic Communications | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 233 | Graphic Design III | 3 | ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 143 | Web Design II | 3 | AT 135 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/Mathematics Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 234 | Graphic Design IV | 3 | ART 233 and ART 236 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 235 or 246 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design or Advanced Computer Art Applications | 3 | ART 233 or AT 233 with minimum grade of “C” and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 245 | Portfolio Design and Workplace Preparation | 3 | ART 236 and ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/Mathematics Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Illustration and Animation Design Track Full-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 134 | Graphic Design II | 3 | ART 140, ART 131, and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Social and Behavioral Science: Civics Requirement | 3 | ||
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 236 | Typography | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 138 | Drawing and Rendering for Graphics | 3 | ART 140 and ART 109 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 239 | Editorial and Commercial Illustration | 3 | ART 131 with a minimum grade of "C" and prior or concurrent enrollment in ART 138 and ART 111 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 233 | Concept Development for Animation | 3 | ART 111 and ART 131 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 234 | Fundamentals of Animation | 3 | ART 111 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/ Math Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 242 | History of Graphic Communications | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 235 or ART 240 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design or Digital Illustration | 3 | ART 233 or AT 233 with minimum grade of “C” and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 245 | Portfolio Design and Workplace Preparation | 3 | ART 236 and ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/ Math Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Illustration and Animation Design Track Part-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 134 | Graphic Design II | 3 | ART 140, ART 131, and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 236 | Typography | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 138 | Drawing and Rendering for Graphics | 3 | ART 140 and ART 109 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Third Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 242 | History of Graphic Communications | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 233 | Concept Development for Animation | 3 | ART 111 and ART 131 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 239 | Editorial and Commercial Illustration | 3 | ART 131 with a minimum grade of "C" and prior or concurrent enrollment in ART 138 and ART 111 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/Mathematics Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 | ART 131 and ART 133 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| AT 234 | Fundamentals of Animation | 3 | ART 111 and ART 133 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 235 or ART 240 | Advanced Motion and Interactive Design or Digital Illustration | 3 | ART 233 or AT 233 with minimum grade of “C” and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 245 | Portfolio Design and Workplace Preparation | 3 | ART 236 and ART 134 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Science/Mathematics Requirement | 3 | MTH 161 preferred or any math above 100-level. | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.