Graphic Design Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online.
COLLEGE AND PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Course Requirements
MAJOR CORE COURSES
GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles
3 Credits
Introduces foundational concepts of two-dimensional design and color theory. Students examine the elements and principles of design and their role in visual communication. Emphasis is placed on the graphic design process, concept development, and thumbnail sketching. Students also study influential designers and movements to understand how theory informs contemporary design practice.
GRD1101 Photoshop and Digital Graphics
3 Credits
Investigates the principles of visual design using Adobe Photoshop, emphasizing creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking to produce professional-grade visual assets.
GRD1102 Illustrator and Digital Graphics
3 Credits
Surveys the world of vector-based design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Students will explore the unique capabilities of vector graphics, enabling them to create original, scalable, and high-quality graphics for print and digital applications. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the tools and techniques specific to Illustrator and applying design principles effectively in vector-based projects.
Prerequisite: GRD1101
GRD1106 Survey of Graphic Design History
Traces the development of visual communication from early image making to contemporary graphic design practice. Emphasizes how cultural, social, and technological developments shape the use of images and typography.
GRD1170 Drawing
3 Credits
Develops drawing skills for graphic design and the visual arts. Includes genres of fine art such as observation of the human figure in composition. Drawings will include three-dimensional objects, perspective, still life, and the landscape.
GRD1190 Typography I
3 Credits
Introduces the history, physical attributes, family classification, terminology, and structural aspects of type. Students explore typography as a medium that conveys aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual meaning. Students create effective marketing materials by incorporating type as an integrated and active element.
Prerequisite: GRD1100
GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design
3 Credits
Focuses on spatial organization, transforming two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional experiences. Students will explore balance, form, and volume while experimenting with various construction methods and materials. Hands-on projects enable students to create, represent, and respond to form in physical space. The course combines lectures, guided assignments, and critiques to offer a well-rounded understanding of three-dimensional design.
Prerequisite: GRD1170
GRD2211 Modern Art History
3 Credits
Surveys the development and methodology of art from the late 19th through the 20th century within its historical, social, political, and technological contexts. This course emphasizes aesthetics, art appreciation, and the global perspectives that contributed to the Modernist movement.
GRD2216 Interactive Design I
3 Credits
Explores fundamental interactive design issues, focusing on psychological frameworks and design thinking methodologies. Students apply user experience (UX) principles and research strategies to develop empathy-driven design concepts.
GRD2220 3D Design and Modeling
3 Credits
Introduces 3D design as a key method for visual communication. Students explore form, space, scale, lighting, and materials by creating 3D objects and typographic elements. The course emphasizes transforming two-dimensional design concepts into three-dimensional outcomes for real world graphic design applications, such as branding, packaging, environmental graphics, and static campaign visuals.
GRD2231 History of Film and Animation
3 Credits
Examines the technological and narrative development of film and animation across diverse cultures and eras. This course explores the evolution from early optical devices to contemporary digital media, emphasizing the influence of major milestones on modern motion-based design practice
GRD2240 Digital Publishing
3 Credits
Explores the integration of type and images in digital page layouts and multi-page projects. Emphasis is placed on applying industry-standard software to produce work for both print and digital output.
Prerequisite: GRD1102 or GRD1190
GRD2290 Typography II
3 Credits
Develops the skills acquired in Typography I. Projects incorporate type as a decorative element to produce creative marketable design results. Principles of selecting typeface, use of grids, and basic layout designs and formats are addressed.
Prerequisite: GRD1190
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES
ENG1105 Writing and Research
3 Credits
An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.
3 Credits
ENG2205 Writing Through Literature
3 Credits
Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.
Prerequisite: ENG1105
3 Credits
MAT2211 College Algebra
Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials.
Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score
3 Credits
HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics
Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and ethical and moral issues that face us today. This course presents the perspectives of various schools of thought and encourages students’ own critical thinking on ethical and moral issues in dialogue with others.
3 Credits
SOC2110 AI-Powered Communication
Explores emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) trends and their social and ethical implications. Analyzes the impact of AI on content generation, creativity, media production, and employment. With a focus on academic and professional integrity, students will develop and apply AI literacy skills in a variety of contexts.
3 Credits
SOC1123 First Year Experience
Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges.
3 Credits
SOC2231 Human Relations
Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.
3 Credits
60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
This program also requires students to obtain specific supplies, the cost of which totals approximately $150.00. Detailed, itemized information describing the required supplies and listing typical prices for each such item is available at https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2026-2027/admissions/undergraduate-degree-program-tuition-fees-2026-2027/index.html.