Skip to content
  • Bucks for Students
    Enroll + Register
    • Academics
    • Admissions Information
    • Register for Courses
    • Placement Testing
    • Academic Advising
    • Majors + Certificates
    • College Catalog
    • Bucks Online
    • Honors at Bucks
    • Academic Departments

    Apply Now

    Planning + Payment
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Work Study Employment
    • Payment Options
    • Your Account
    • Tuition + Fees
    Transfer + Graduate
    • Transfer Information
    • Planning Your Transfer
    • Transfer by Institution
    • Transfer by Major
    • Graduate
    • Plan a Career
    • Labor Market

    Attend + Get Involved
    • Bucks+
    • Athletics
    • Clubs + Organizations
    • Bookstore
    • Student Life
    • Veterans
    • Fitness + Wellness
    • Student Government
    • Art + Entertainment
    • Alumni
    • Digital Badges
    • Internships
    • Job Resources

    • Accessibility Resources
    • Campus Services
    • Directory
    • Canvas
    • Bucks Email
    • Change Password
    • Pay Tuition
    • Student Planning
    • MyBucks
     
  • Bucks for Community

    Classes + Activities

    personal enrichment people
    Personal Enrichment
    • Art + Design
    • Culinary Classes
    • ESL
    • Business + Finance
    • Gaming
    • Health + Wellness
    • History + Special Interest
    • Foreign Language
    • Music
    • Test Prep
    • Browse All Courses
    kids on campus
    Live Online Camps
    • 2020 Camps at a Glance
    • Camps for Ages 5-6
    • Camps for Ages 7-9
    • Camps for Ages 10-13
    • Camps for Ages 14+
    • Camp Information
    • Camp Scholarships
    • Preschool Summer Program
    • Register for Camp

    Events

    Event Programs
    • Art + Entertainment
    • Book Discussions
    • Concerts
    • Foundation Events
    • Poetry + Prose
    • Movie Monday
    • Trips + Travel 
    • Event Tickets

    Buy Tickets

    Event Venues

    • Artmobile

    • Sculpture Walk

    • Zlock Performing Arts Center

    • The Gallery at Lower Bucks

    • Hicks Art Center Gallery

     
  • Bucks for Career
    briefcase
    Business + Career
    • Career Management 
    • Career Planning + Consultation
    • Customized ESL
    • Educators (ACT 48)
    • Browse by Industry
    • Online Learning
    • Professional Development
    • Test Preparation
    • Microsoft Office Technology & Customer Service
    • Bookkeeping with Quickbooks Certification
    • More
    Firefighter
    Fire + Public Safety
    • PSTC Course Schedule
    • Fire Training Weekends
    • Industrial Safety Training (OSHA)
    • Online HazMat Training
    • Other Training + Resources
    • Training Facilities
    • More
    nurse
    Healthcare
    • CPR + First Aid Training
    • Dental Assistant
    • EKG Technician Hybrid Program
    • Nurse Aide
    • Nursing Review & Reentry
    • Pharmacy Technician
    • Practical Nursing
    • More
    public safety figure
    Industrial + Manufacturing
    • Metalwork Pre-Apprentice Training Program
    • Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprentice Program
    • Electrical Apprenticeship Program
    • Locomotive Engineer + Conductor
    • Workforce Development
    • More
    Man fixing server
    Information Technology
    • Certification Testing
    • Cyber Security
    • Database Development
    • Desktop Support (CompTIA)
    • Computer-Aided Design
    • Microsoft Office Software
    • Server Administration
    • Full Stack Web Developer
    • More
     
  • Library
  • Calendar + News
  • Diversity
  • Contact
Bucks County Community College

Catalog

Graphic Design

Associate of Fine Arts

Transfer Major

Decisions on the transferability of courses are made by the four-year colleges and differ from school to school. Students enrolled in this major should contact the Transfer Services Office early in their academic program to determine which courses will transfer to the college of their choice.

Arts Department
Hicks Art Center • Phone (215) 968-8425
Curriculum Code No. 1110

This major begins with the traditional Fine Arts Foundation experience and then introduces students to the field of graphic design using up-to-date technology and industry-standard software applications. Although graduates from this program typically pursue transfer to professional art schools and complete a baccalaureate degree, this program also provides sufficient training for those seeking to begin an entry-level graphic design career in advertising agencies, publishing companies, television stations, packaging companies, magazines, and other firms in the business of communicating information visually.

All full-time students entering as Graphic Design majors are required to schedule a portfolio review. In the absence of a portfolio, students will schedule an assessment interview for placement purposes. An art advisor will help select the appropriate sequence of courses.

Graduates of this program are able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the methods and materials associated with fundamental drawing, two-dimensional design, and three-dimensional design;
  • read about, write about, and analyze art and art history using basic research, critical thinking skills, and a visual arts vocabulary;
  • demonstrate and apply fundamental skills associated with digital imaging, layout, typography, graphic design, and web design; and
  • prepare and present a formal, professional-quality portfolio of work.*

* In preparing and presenting a portfolio in VAFA250, students currently need an array of digital skills, such as, but not limited to, media capture, manipulation, and presentation. Students take several required digital courses (e.g. VAMM100, VAGD101, VAGD102, VAGD201, VAMM110) and then reinforce/develop their digital skills across the major. Essential digital competencies associated with portfolio preparation and presentation are assessed within this course.

Bucks County Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design.

Note: Studio courses can be expensive. Lab Fees may be required.


Labor Market Analysis
Graphic Design
Learn about the job market, average salary, and necessary level of training you can expect to encounter in the workforce after completing this program based on data from the PA Department of Labor.

Degree Course Requirements*

Course Credits
VAFA100
Drawing I 1
3
VAFA101
2-D Design Fundamentals
3
VAFA102
3-D Design Fundamentals
3
VAFA103
Drawing Composition E
3
VAFA104
2-D Design Color E
3
VAFA250
Fine Arts and Design Portfolio Studio E,5,9
3
VAGD101
Layout and Basic Typography E
3
VAGD102
Illustration: Drawing and Digital E
3
VAGD201
Graphic Design E
3
VAMM100
Digital Imaging
3
VAMM110
Web and Interactive Design E
3
COLL101
College Success Seminar
1
COMP110
English Composition I A,E,10
3
COMP111
English Composition II E,2,4,10
3
Art History C,E,1 6
Math/Science A,D,6,7 3/4
Social Science/Diversity B,3,8 3
Elective G 3
Studio Electives F 6
Total Credit Hours 61/62

Recommended Semester Sequence

The recommended course sequence is designed for full time students who average l5 credit hours per semester. Students may need more time to complete major requirements based on placement testing. This additional time will entail some adjustments to the sequence recommended.

First Semester

Course Credits
COLL101
College Success Seminar
1
VAFA100
Drawing I 1
3
VAFA101
2-D Design Fundamentals
3
VAFA102
3-D Design Fundamentals
3
VAMM100
Digital Imaging
3
COMP110
English Composition I A,E,10
3
Total Credit Hours 16

Second Semester

Course Credits
VAFA103
Drawing Composition E
3
VAFA104
2-D Design Color E
3
VAGD101
Layout and Basic Typography E
3
COMP111
English Composition II E,2,4,10
3
Art History C,E,1 3
Total Credit Hours 15

Third Semester

Course Credits
VAGD201
Graphic Design E
3
VAMM110
Web and Interactive Design E
3
Art History C,E,1 3
Studio Elective F 3
Social Science/Diversity B,3,8 3
Total Credit Hours 15

Fourth Semester

Course Credits
VAGD102
Illustration: Drawing and Digital E
3
VAFA250
Fine Arts and Design Portfolio Studio E,5,9
3
Math/Science A,D,6,7 3/4
Studio Elective F 3
Elective G 3
Total Credit Hours 15/16

A Placement testing required.
B Any of the following may be chosen: COMM111, ECON111, GEOG110, MUSC103, POLI111, PSYC110, SOCI110, SOCI120.
C Choose one or two of the following for Arts/Humanities: VAFA191, VAFA192, VAFA193; VAGD190 is also an available art history elective.
D Any of the following may be chosen: SCIE101, SCIE102, SCIE104, CHEM101.
E Course requires prerequisite and/or co-requisite.
FAny of the following may be chosen: VACV140, VACV235, VAFA105, VAPH110, VAPH210, VAPH211, VAFA160, VAFA161, VAFA171, VAFA200, VAFA202, VAGD280, VAMM120, VAMM130, VAMM209.
G MGMT100, MGMT110, MKTG200, MKTG220 are recommended. However, any college-level course may be chosen to fulfill this free elective.

1 Satisfies Arts/Humanities.
2 Satisfies Critical Thinking.
3 Satisfies Diversity.
4 Satisfies Information Literacy.
5 Satisfies Oral Communication.
6 Satisfies Quantitative Literacy.
7 Satisfies Scientific Literacy.
8 Satisfies Social Sciences.
9 Satisfies Technological Competence.
10 Satisfies Writing.

Credits exceeding the required minimum cannot be used to satisfy required credits in other course requirements.

Home 2017CatalogMajors and Certificate ProgramsArts DepartmentGraphic Design

  • Art and Art History
  • Cinema Video Production
  • Communication Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Graphic Design
  • Music
  • Multimedia & Digital Arts
  • Photography
  • Applied Photography
  • Web and Multimedia Designer
  • Furniture and Cabinetmaking
Bucks County Community College | Smart

(215) 968-8000

275 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Maps & Directions

  • Newtown Campus
  • Bristol
  • Perkasie
  • Online
  • Follow Us on Instagram
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • Watch Us on YouTube

© Bucks County Community College.
All rights reserved.

Find Campus Services

  • Accessibility - TAO
  • Advising
  • AESL Program
  • Bookstore (External Website)
  • Career + Job Resources
  • Catalog
  • Counseling
  • Credit Union
  • Dining
  • Educational Enrichment
  • Financial Aid
  • Fitness and Wellness
  • IT Help Desk
  • KEYS Program
  • Library
  • Media Lab
  • Success Advocates
  • Perkins
  • Early Learning Center
  • Prior Learning Assessment
  • Security + Safety
  • Testing 
  • Transfer + Planning
  • Tutoring
  • Veteran Resources

Faculty + Staff Resources

  • MyBucks
  • Office 365
  • Canvas
  • Faculty Center
  • Faculty Online Resources
  • Professional Development

Get Involved

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Athletics (External Website)
  • Clubs + Organizations
  • Event Tickets
  • Lectures + Conferences
  • News Releases
  • Student Life
  • Trips + Travel Club

Read Notices + Policies

  • Academic Integrity
  • Code of Conduct
  • Compliance
  • Consumer Information
  • Disclaimers
  • FERPA Policy
  • Holiday Statement
  • Notice of Non-Discrimination
  • Smoking Policy
  • Web Accessibility

Foundation + Alumni

  • Give
  • Alumni
  • Board of Directors
  • Foundation
  • Scholarships
  • Special Events

Explore Campus

  • Bucks Online
  • Newtown Campus
  • Lower Bucks Campus
  • Upper Bucks Campus
  • Parking
  • Facilities Rental
  • Weddings in Tyler Gardens
  • Purchasing
  • Sustainability
  • Emergency Closing Information

Find Jobs

  • Student + Work-Study Employment
  • Faculty + Staff Employment

Discover Bucks

  • Accreditations
  • Board of Trustees
  • Diversity, Equity + Inclusion
  • History
  • Mission + Vision
  • President's Welcome
  • Presidential Search
  • Provide Feedback

Contact Us

  • Ways to Contact Us
  • Faculty + Staff Directory
  • Social Media
  • Report an Issue
  • Emergency Text Alerts
  • System Status
Apply