Visual Communications, A.A.S.
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Photography, Web Design
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3390, E-mail: vis.com@nscc.edu
General Information
Graphic Design Information, Course Requirements & Recommended Schedule
Multimedia Information, Course Requirements & Recommended Schedule
Web Design Information, Course Requirements & Recommended Schedule
Photography Information, Course Requirements & Recommended Schedule
Program Website
Course Descriptions
General Information
Mission Statement
The Visual Communications program provides a strong technical foundation to prepare students for visual media careers.
The Visual Communications program fosters a creative learning environment where students have access to state of the art equipment, current software, instruction, and strong technical foundations in a variety of visual media fields. They are challenged to expand and refine problem-solving skills while experiencing realistic class projects and job situations in preparation for success in the workforce.
Students learn design principles, current imaging technology, business practices, and portfolio development. The specific concentrations prepare students for careers in photography, print, web, or multimedia industries.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Demonstrate academic knowledge required of all Nashville State Community College students including competency in writing, information literacy, verbal and visual communications, and quantitative and critical thinking.
• Identify career options and assume a professional role in the workplace.
• Exercise professional and ethical standards in the workplace and community.
• Communicate effectively with clients, vendors, management, and team members.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency of hardware and software applications related to discipline.
• Exhibit creative and conceptual visual skills and craft through creative problem solving.
• Demonstrate time management skills by meeting deadlines.
• Identify current issues and trends and emerging technologies.
• Assess and develop one’s own strengths, abilities and potential.
• Compile a portfolio of finished work that is displayed in a professional manner.
Notice of Right to Retain Student Work
The Visual Communications program reserves the right to retain copies of selected examples of student work for teaching purposes, promotional purposes, and as a part of its permanent collection.
Special Requirements
Our courses are designed with the expectation that entering students possess fundamental computer skills, including the ability to:
• Save files to specific destinations.
• Navigate drive directories.
• Write to a hard drive, CD, or flash drive.
• Type effectively.
• Edit text in a word processing program.
• Send email with attachments.
Students without typing skills are encouraged to complete OAD 1100 Keyboarding/Formatting and those lacking the computer skills listed above should enroll in COM 1210 Electronic Media I prior to taking other computer courses.
Grading Policy
A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all courses to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements.
Transfer/Advising
The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare a student for employment upon graduation. Some universities, at their discretion, accept some technical courses for transfer. A student who plans to transfer to a university should consult his/her advisor and the receiving university about transfer and articulation policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of transfer credits.
Graphic Design Concentration
The Graphic Design Concentration includes theory of traditional design in the evolving computer environment for illustration, image manipulation, and electronic publishing.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of typography and design.
• Apply principles of color and value relationships.
• Convey an intended message through visual means.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of industry standard software.
Career Opportunities
• Production Artist
• Entry-level Graphic Designer
• Printing Customer Service Representative
GRAPHIC DESIGN CONCENTRATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RUBRIC |
COURSE |
CLASS |
LAB |
CREDITS |
English |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Humanities |
|
Humanities Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective |
|
Natural Sciences or Mathematics Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Social Sciences Elective |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Visual Communication |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications Business |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1111 |
Graphic Processes |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 1140 |
Design Fundamentals |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1150 |
Type Concepts |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1220 |
Graphic Design II |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 2120 |
Electronic Publishing I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2130 |
Electronic Publishing II |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2170 |
Portfolio |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 2210 |
Electronic Illustration I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2220 |
Practicum |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Technical Elective (6 credits required) |
COM 1000 |
Beginning HTML |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1010 |
Basic Web Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1020 |
Basic Web Graphics |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2240 |
Digital Imaging II – Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2250 |
Digital Imaging II – Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2270 |
Electronic Illustration II |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2280 |
Illustration with Painter® I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2480 |
Illustration with Painter® II |
3 |
0 |
3 |
TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE |
60 |
Recommended Full-Time Schedule
First Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
COM 1111 |
Graphic Processes |
3 |
COM 1150 |
Type Concepts |
3 |
COM 2120 |
Electronic Publishing I |
3 |
|
Humanities Elective |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
COM 1140 |
Design Fundamentals |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
3 |
COM 2210 |
Electronic Illustration I |
3 |
Second Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 1220 |
Graphic Design II |
3 |
COM 2130 |
Electronic Publishing II |
3 |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications Business |
3 |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
|
Mathematics/Natural Sciences Elective |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 2170 |
Portfolio |
3 |
COM 2220 |
Practicum |
3 |
|
Technical Elective |
6 |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
Note: Part-time students are encouraged to consult with their advisor for a suggested schedule of classes.
Cooperative work experience can be an important addition to a student's formal classroom work. Co-op courses may substitute for technical courses with the prior approval of the Program Coordinator. The Career Employment Center will provide the correct course numbers.
Multimedia Design Concentration
The Multimedia concentration in the Visual Communications degree program prepares
students for employment in the field of multimedia development. The program
includes fundamental principles of design, desktop audio and video editing, pre- and
post-production, and Web authoring.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Effectively communicate design requirements.
• Use critical thinking to develop a coherent design approach.
• Integrate audio, visual, and programmatic components into a finished presentation.
• Output the finished presentations to a variety of file formats.
Career Opportunities
• Multimedia Designer/Developer
• Interactive Content Specialist
• Media Specialist
MULTIMEDIA CONCENTRATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RUBRIC |
COURSE |
CLASS |
LAB |
CREDITS |
Computer Information Systems |
CIS 1030 |
Program Logic and Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
English |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Humanities |
ENGL 2140 |
Introduction to Cinema |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Natural Sciences/ Mathematics Elective |
|
Natural Sciences or Math Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Music Technology |
MST 1240 |
Digital Audio Production I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Social Sciences Elective |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Visual Communication |
COM 1000 |
Beginning HTML |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1040 |
Presentation Media |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications Business |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1140 |
Design Fundamentals |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 1305 |
Multimedia I – Flash |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2010 |
Digital Video Editing I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2020 |
Storyboarding/Script Writing |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2700 |
Capstone – Multimedia |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Technical Elective (6 credits required) |
ART 1121 |
Drawing I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1010 |
Basic Web Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1020 |
Basic Web Graphics |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2210 |
Electronic Illustration I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2240
or
COM 2250 |
Digital Imaging II – Photography
or
Digital Imaging II – Design
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2270 |
Electronic Illustration II |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2280 |
Illustration with Painter I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2305 |
Multimedia II–Flash |
3 |
0 |
3 |
MST 1360 |
Digital Audio Production II |
3 |
0 |
3 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE |
60 |
Recommended Full-Time Schedule
First Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
CIS 1030 |
Program Logic and Design |
3 |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging |
3 |
COM 1140 |
Design Fundamentals |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 1000 |
Beginning HTML |
3 |
COM 1040 |
Presentation Media |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
COM 2020 |
Storyboarding & Script Writing |
3 |
|
Multimedia Technical Elective |
3 |
Second Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications Business |
3 |
COM 1305 |
Multimedia I – Flash |
3 |
MST 1240 |
Digital Audio Production I |
3 |
COM 2010 |
Digital Video Editing I |
3 |
ENGL 2140 |
Introduction to Cinema |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
|
Natural Sciences or Math Elective |
3 |
|
Multimedia Technical Elective |
3 |
COM 2700 |
Capstone Course for Multimedia |
3 |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
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Photography Concentration
The Photography Concentration includes traditional and digital components, preparing photographers to work effectively in darkroom, studio and digital environments.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Convey an intended message photographically.
• Efficiently operate a 35mm SLR, digital SLR, and large format camera.
• Work comfortably with digital imaging computer programs.
• Function competently in a photography lab.
• Efficiently operate professional studio lighting equipment.
• Approach photographic problem-solving in a creative manner.
• Produce and present a professional quality portfolio.
Career Opportunities
• Photographer
• Photographer's Assistant
• Lab Technician
PHOTOGRAPHY CONCENTRATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RUBRIC |
COURSE |
CLASS |
LAB |
CREDITS |
English |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Humanities |
ART 1030 |
Art Appreciation |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Natural Sciences/ Mathematics Elective |
|
Natural Sciences or Math Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Social Sciences Elective |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Photography |
PHO 1110 |
Basic Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PHO 1115 |
History of Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PHO 1170 |
Business of Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PHO 1210 |
Black & White Photography I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1230 |
Color Lab Techniques I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1240 |
Lighting I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1270 |
Portfolio Practicum |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1320 |
Color Lab Techniques II |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1350 |
Lighting II |
2 |
2 |
3 |
PHO 1430 |
Portrait Techniques |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PHO 1490 |
Digital Photography |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Visual Communications |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 2240 |
Digital Imaging II – Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Technical Elective |
|
Technical Elective to
be chosen from any degree course with a COM or PHO prefix. |
3 |
0 |
3 |
TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE |
60 |
Recommended Full-Time Schedule
First Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
ART 1030 |
Art Appreciation |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
3 |
PHO 1110 |
Basic Photography |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
PHO 1490 |
Digital Photography |
3 |
PHO 1210 |
Black & White Photography I |
3 |
PHO 1240 |
Lighting I |
3 |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
|
Social Science Elective |
3 |
Second Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
PHO 1230 |
Color Lab Techniques I |
3 |
PHO 1115 |
History of Photography |
3 |
PHO 1350 |
Lighting II |
3 |
COM 2240 |
Digital Imaging II – Photography |
3 |
|
Natural Sciences or Mathematics Elective |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
PHO 1170 |
Business of Photography |
3 |
PHO 1270 |
Portfolio Practicum |
3 |
PHO 1320 |
Color Lab Techniques II |
3 |
PHO 1430 |
Portrait Techniques |
3 |
|
PHO or COM Elective |
3 |
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Web Design Concentration
The Web Design Concentration prepares students for employment in the field of Web design.
The program includes fundamental principles of design, production techniques for Web graphics and Web page content, and strategies for effective site development using W3C standards. Elective courses allow students to specialize in advanced Web design topics.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Think critically to plan the structure, usability, accessibility, and navigation of a Web site.
• Create and employ Web graphics.
• Create Web pages using HTML, CSS, and industry-standard Web authoring software.
• Determine the usability of Web site prototypes through hands-on testing.
Career Opportunities
• Web Designer
• Web Developer
• Web Graphics Artist
• Web Production Specialist
WEB DESIGN CONCENTRATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RUBRIC |
COURSE |
CLASS |
LAB |
CREDITS |
Business Management |
BUS 1050 |
Legal Issues for the Web |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Computer Information Systems |
CIS 1030 |
Program Logic & Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
English |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
ENGL 2116 |
Writing for the Web |
3 |
0 |
3 |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Humanities Elective |
|
Humanities Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Natural Sciences/ Mathematics Elective |
|
Natural Sciences or Math Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Social Sciences Elective |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Visual Communications |
COM 1000 |
Beginning HTML |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1010 |
Basic Web Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1020 |
Basic Web Graphics |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications
Business |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
COM 1300 |
Site Building I – Dreamweaver |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 1305 |
Multimedia I–Flash |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2800 |
Capstone – Web Design |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Web Technical Electives (6 credits required) |
COM 2210 |
Electronic Illustration I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2240
or
COM 2250 |
Digital Imaging II – Photography
or
Digital Imaging II – Design
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2280 |
Illustration with Painter I |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2300 |
Site Building II – Dreamweaver |
3 |
0 |
3 |
COM 2305 |
Multimedia II – Flash |
3 |
0 |
3 |
TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE |
60 |
Recommended Full-Time Schedule
First Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 1000 |
Beginning HTML |
3 |
CIS 1030 |
Program Logic and Design |
3 |
ENGL 1010 |
English Composition I |
3 |
COM 1230 |
Digital Imaging I |
3 |
COM 1170 |
Imaging Technologies |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
BUS 1050 |
Legal Issues for the Web |
3 |
COM 1300 |
Site Building I – Dreamweaver |
3 |
COM 1190 |
Basic Digital Photography |
3 |
COM 1020 |
Basic Web Graphics |
3 |
|
Humanities Elective |
3 |
Second Year
Fall Semester |
Course |
Credits |
COM 1010 |
Basic Web Design |
3 |
COM 1305 |
Multimedia I – Flash |
3 |
COM 1120 |
Visual Communications Business |
3 |
ENGL 2116 |
Writing for the Web |
3 |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
3 |
|
Spring Semester |
Course |
Credits |
SPCH 1010 |
Speech |
3 |
|
Natural Sciences or Math Elective |
3 |
|
Web Technical Elective |
3 |
|
Web Technical Elective |
3 |
COM 2800 |
Capstone – Web Design |
3 |
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