Graphics Technology - Associate Degree
Are you drawn to the idea of pursuing a creative career? Look no further than Eastern Florida's Graphics Technology A.S. degree! This comprehensive program is designed to connect you with the essential skills needed to embark on a journey as a graphic designer and artist, with a specific emphasis on computer-based abilities.
In today's modern world, graphic designers possess the valuable ability to blend art, design, and technology to bring ideas to life. In your journey through this 64-credit-hour curriculum, you'll delve into the intricate world of designing for diverse visual platforms, ranging from traditional print media to dynamic digital landscapes, websites, captivating videos, and mesmerizing animations.
The program also includes four certificate options which can build toward the associate degree:
Graphics Technology - Associate Degree
Program Overview
- Degree Type
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus, Hybrid
- Locations
- Cocoa, Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 64
- Academic Community
- Arts, Humanities, Communication, & Design
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
Upon completing the program, you'll emerge well-prepared for entry-level positions as a graphic designer, commercial artist, illustrator, website designer, or film and television animation artist — the possibilities are vast and exciting.
Graphics Technology A.S. - Course Curriculum
Through hands-on college classes, you'll develop your abilities in creating and manipulating images, illustrating, preparing files, and managing them effectively. The program focuses on practical assignments that also help you to build an impressive portfolio, which can showcase your talent to potential employers.
Graphics Technology A.S. - Admissions Information
You can easily apply through Eastern Florida's standard enrollment process. The program offers rolling admissions, allowing you to apply or start classes in any term that suits you.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, don't hesitate to reach out to the program advisor. For further information, you can also contact Dr. Steven Hicks, the program's instructor, at hickss@easternflorida.edu or 321-433-5672.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
In-state tuition for the Graphics Technology A.S. degree at EFSC costs around $6,660, excluding any course materials or lab fees. However, if you're a Brevard Public Schools student who completed Digital Design 1 and 2 with a grade of C or better, you might be able to save money and time by earning college credit through advanced standing credit. Discuss this option with the advisor.
Additionally, you should explore options for financial aid or scholarships, which can help lower your out-of-pocket expenses for this degree.
College Courses You Would Take
Most of the graphics design courses are held in person on our Cocoa and Melbourne Campuses. Some classes are also available in a hybrid format, with a mix of online and in-person instruction. You'll have access to the latest industry-standard Adobe Creative Cloud graphic design software.
If you're a full-time student, the Graphics Technology A.S. degree can be completed in as few as two years, during which you'll focus on developing a strong foundation in visual design and effective communication skills.
Here are some of the classes you would take:
Learn design solutions to turn ideas into well-arranged compositions through a foundation in design, using elements and principles to give form to creative ideas.
Learn to create motion paths to animate objects and apply rigging to modeled caricatures. Light the scene and be the cameraman, as animation is rendered into a movie.
Learn to make professional videos! Includes non-linear video editing software, animating illustrations, combining graphics and movie clips, special effects, and more.
Create web pages with industry standard WYSIWYG interfaces. Covers page design elements, page type styling via Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and remote servers.
Why Study Graphics Technology at EFSC?
Elevated Career Prospects
As a graphic designer, you'll have the chance to create visually appealing layouts and designs for magazines, newspapers, marketing materials, packaging, and more. You can also specialize in areas like logo design, website development, and multimedia projects.
Many associate-degree trained graphic designers work for advertising, marketing, and PR companies, while others choose to be self-employed or work in specialized design services. With the rise of remote work, there are also work-from-home opportunities in the publishing and design industry.
The Latest Tools & Industry certification
You'll train in EFSC's modern graphics labs, which are equipped with the latest software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Animate, Corel Painter, Maya, and more. EFSC also offers certification testing for various software applications at our Assessment Centers. You can earn industry certifications in popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, credentials that are valued by potential employers.
Work Toward a Bachelor's Degree
EFSC's Organizational Management Bachelor of Applied Science specializations are designed for seamless transition with an A.S. degree so you can add business and management skills. If you want to eventually pursue graphic design bachelor options at other colleges or universities, work closely with an advisor at those institutions to ensure your A.S. coursework will meet their program prerequisites and admission requirements. To learn more about the transfer process and explore your options, we recommend also working closely with your academic advisor once accepted into the program.