Visual Communications

The field of Visual Communications is constantly evolving to reflect the ongoing excitement in the field of graphic arts. Graphic design integrates work in print, web, photography, multimedia and illustration.

The language of design serves as a powerful core of knowledge and skills that will allow you to begin work in any number of creative fields or transfer to a four-year school for further study. The future is wide open for those willing to be flexible and embrace new technologies and for those who are willing to work hard at the balance of creativity and technical skill.

As part of the Visual Communications program, you may work in both classroom and live production settings to learn not only the technical skills, but also the teamwork and creative problem-solving essential to a lifelong career. You will develop skills in graphic design, layout, typography, photography, and electronic imaging. Students will produce both a traditional print and digital portfolio of work including a personal stationery package and résumé in preparation for entering the job market. A class portfolio show is part of spring term your final year.

The Visual Communications program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. Additional coursework is available in fine arts, illustration, web design, 3D design, and multimedia. This hands-on, intensive program can lead to numerous career options. The program takes two full years to complete beginning in fall term. Most students spread their work over three years, which allows for more in-depth study and taking additional classes. Students interested in going on to complete their bachelor's degree have several transfer options and should meet with an advisor before beginning the program. For more information and a complete application packet, visit the Chemeketa web site at www.chemeketa.edu or directly at chemeketa.edu/vc/index.html.

Program outcomes

Students completing the AAS will:

• Work with others in the creation and production of original ideas and authentic solutions.
• Research and present design solutions to communication projects.
• Use current and evolving industry standard methods and processes in the production and crafting of graphic communications.
• Apply and articulate the trade practices, ethics and copyright laws related to graphic arts.
• Participate in a client-designer relationship in the implementation and evaluation of projects.
• Organize and present a portfolio of work that gives evidence of the skills, knowledge and abilities to begin a graphic arts career.

Getting started

Apply early. The program has special admissions prerequisites, requirements and enrollment limits.

The first step to entering this program is to take part in a program assessment process which includes taking the college's free placement test and meeting with counseling and advising staff. You may need to complete pre-program courses. Your advisor will then help you develop an individualized program of study, which may include one or more of the following:

All Visual Communications classes take place in a Macintosh lab and require extensive computer knowledge. You are required to complete the entire application process prior to registering for program classes.

Detailed information is available on the web site and at regularly scheduled program overview sessions. If you have questions about the program requirements, call Counseling and Career Services at 503.399.5120 or the Program Chair at 503.399.6473.

Visual Communications
^{Associate of Applied Science}

In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program average $520 per term. These costs include photographic supplies, books, high resolution output, presentation supplies and digital media. A six-megapixel digital camera, at $800 or more, is required for all courses. A portfolio, at a cost of up to $250, is required for graduation. Class fees total an additional $724; universal fee, $630. Although not required, a home computer greatly enhances the student's ability to successfully complete course work and learn new software. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.

You may earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by maintaining a grade point average of 2.5 and successfully completing the 105 credit hours with a grade of C or better in all required courses:

COM051, ED229, MTH052, MTH062, MTN081, PSY101, PSY104, WR115, WR121 meet related instruction requirement.

Chemeketa Community College Catalog 2006-2007

Updated March 2007 by the College Advancement Department.