Visual Communications

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) with a concentration in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Photography, Web Design
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3390, E-mail: vis.com@nscc.edu, Program Site

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. Students are challenged to expand and refine problem-solving skills while participating in real-life 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 individual strengths, abilities, and potential; and
• Compile a portfolio of finished work that is displayed in a professional manner.

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; and
• Send email with attachments.

Students lacking typing skills are encouraged to complete OAD 1100 .

Grading Policy

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all COM and PHO 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.

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.

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; and
• Determine the usability of Web site prototypes through hands-on testing.

Career Opportunities

• Web Designer
• Web Graphics Artist
• Web Production Specialist

Notes:

Additional course requirements: The Tennessee Board of Regents requires that students either demonstrate the appropriate skill levels in math, reading, and/or writing before enrolling in college-level courses or enroll in appropriate co-requisite experiences with college-level courses to develop competency in those skills while performing college-level work. ACT/SAT scores, COMPASS test scores, or other relevant information determine whether a student needs to enroll in co-requisite courses in math, reading, and/or writing (English).

* This course is part of the general education core.