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Integrated Media:
Graphic Design

Restricted Entry,
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program

Catalog Year 2009-2010*

*Information regarding the requirements for this Restricted Entry program is available by accessing the Admission Requirements page.

MHCC Faculty Adviser
Christina Maier: 503-491-6992 - Room AC 1375 Chris.Maier@mhcc.edu

Students looking for an outlet for their creative ideas will find that the Graphic Design option includes new opportunities to gain broad digital media expertise. Video, audio and photography content have been added to the print and web design training we’re well known for offering. We’re confident that employers will value a true digital media creator.

The 12 Integrated Media core courses are complemented by six Graphic Design option courses that will prepare student for career paths within the creative services field including but not limited to art direction, project management, interactive media, digital production art, graphic design and publishing. Graduates of this program will be qualified to work as:

• Interactive Web Designer
• Publication Designer
• Graphic Design Assistant
• Digital Pre-press Technician
• Web Graphics Producer
• Junior Art Director
• Marketing Assistant
• Multimedia Designer

Graphic designers solve business and communication problems by providing expert advice and strategic creative services to clients to help them be successful in a competitive environment. Design solutions are measured by multiple sets of criteriaboth yours and the clients. Each project must meet high aesthetic standards, as well as measurable business objectives. Professional design assignments span several different media such as print, online or broadcast. This means that most assignments require working with a multi-disciplinary team. Projects evolve through a process of multiple design directions and refinements, so youll need to be very comfortable with the give-and-take of close collaboration. While a fine artist focuses more on self-expression and exploration, a graphic designers primary role is to serve the communication needs of others.

This curriculum covers the basics of graphic design with an equal focus on printed solutions and web-based solutions. Our instruction incorporates many approaches: lecture and lab work, individual and group critiques, collaborations with other students in Integrated Media (Broadcasting, Video and Digital Photography) and over a dozen sponsored design projects for real clients. Internships are strongly recommended and often prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. Students create several portfolios of their design work: a traditional print portfolio, a web-based portfolio and a PDF portfolio to send clients and prospective employers.

Projects include typography, editorial design, corporate identity programs, packaging design, multimedia presentations, web site designs, illustrations, posters and brochures.

This two-year course of study in Integrated Media: Graphic Design is designed to meet transfer requirements for the Communication Design BFA program at the Pacific Northwest College of Art through a formal agreement with PNCA. Interested students should contact the IM: Graphic Design program advisor, Christina Maier for additional information.

1 Students may not use demonstrated proficiency on the College Placement Test (CPT) to satisfy this requirement.
2 Students may select any combination of these courses to total three credits.

‡ See pages 7-10 of the printed catalog.