Media Arts and Design - Advertising Graphic Design
In this program, students combine computer-linked commercial photography and commercial art with business and general education. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in the laboratory or studio to develop both creative ability and the mechanical skills essential to business-oriented art and photography careers. It prepares students for a career as a commercial artist or photographer in advertising agencies, company advertising departments, publishing companies, photography studios, color reproduction laboratories, printing firms, or retail establishments. The faculty who teach major courses have professional experience in the fields of commercial art and photography as well as in marketing and business.
Semester I
Short Title : Computer Applications and Systems
Course Code : CSC-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Photography I
Course Code : MAD-107
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : This is a basic photography course with an introduction to black and white film. It also covers use of the digital darkroom for basic image correction, scanning, and inkjet printing. Students will be expected to expose and process black and white film in the traditional manner and to utilize the digital darkroom for making prints. Aspects of lighting, composition, contemporary and historical background of photography will be explored. Aspects of multimedia will be introduced such as slide shows, sound and online interactivity.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : Two-Dimensional Design
Course Code : MAD-113
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
An introduction to principles of composition and color theory. Students will build a strong visual vocabulary through the study of formal principles of art and design. Studio projects emphasize these principles in physical and digital spaces using traditional studio skills and professional design software. Creative use of two-dimensional composition and color is engaged to solve increasingly complex design problems.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Freehand Drawing
Course Code : MAD-117
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Students develop a firm foundation in the fundamentals of drawing for design. Visual awareness is developed through study of composition, line, form and value. Drawing is learned through careful observation when working from life and secondary sources such as photographs. Techniques for illustration are learned through the use of various media and discussed in terms of their application in the field of advertising. Materials studied include pencil, charcoal, markers and water media.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Lab Hours : 3
Semester II
Short Title : History of Photography
Course Code : ART-104
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
An exploration of the history, technology and art of photography. The course stresses the visual literacy components of photography through time and across cultures, from Chinese Magic Mirrors through traditional silver processes to current electronic and digital imaging. Students will become familiar with practitioners and artists who use the medium as their tool of communication.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Art History: Renaissance to Modern
Course Code : ART-124
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from the High Renaissance to the twentieth century in Western art. Significant artists and their contributions to techniques. Field trips required.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Art History: Modern and Contemporary
Course Code : ART-125
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture in Western Art since the Industrial Revolution to the present day via major styles, movements and significant artists. Field trips required.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Photography II
Course Code : MAD-108
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : This course is an advanced study of basic photography. It includes both film and digital imaging basics. Students are expected to utilize a film camera and a digital camera. Traditional areas of digital imaging will be covered: color, composition, natural light, electronic flash, studio lighting basics and alternative imaging practices. The study of multimedia and its applications are explored using a variety of methods. Upon completion of the course, students will have an electronic and printed portfolio.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : Three-Dimensional Design
Course Code : MAD-114
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Students acquire an understanding of planes, volume, mass and space, as they apply to three-dimensional forms. Original structural concepts are developed from sketches to completion. Approaches to digital 3D modeling are covered, such as the use of polygonal tools and workflow. Students will be introduced to prototype and product design through the use of 3D printers to generate models.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Studio Hours : 3
Short Title : Graphic Design Skills
Course Code : MAD-118
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
This class is a general introduction to graphic design studio practices and lays the foundation for advanced design classes. Topics include design and technical basics for publication design, ideation processes, and correct use of professional design software. Students will be introduced to Adobe CS tools as used for basic drawing, scanning, image editing, and layout for print and screen. Correct setup of digital files and presentation skills are stressed.
Prerequisites :
MAD-117 may be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
Co requisites :
MAD-117 may be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
- Credit : 3
Semester III
Short Title : Introduction to Business
Course Code : BUS-101
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
The planning, supervision, control and performance of activities involved in the production of goods and services. The problems of human relations and labor-management and the functions of human resources, marketing, purchasing, production and finance are explored from the standpoint of effectively carrying on business that relates positively to the society of which it is a part.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Small Business Management
Course Code : SBM-120
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Introduces the student to the principles of small business management and the functions of planning, organizing, directing, controlling, financing and staffing a small business enterprise.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Typography
Course Code : AGD-213
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
In this course students become versed in fundamentals of layout and typographic design. Topics include history, letter forms, typographic anatomy, font selection, and use of grid systems for page layout. Through a series of design problems, students will use type as an effective visual element relevant to content. Historical and contemporary trends of typographical design will be explored, including typographic standards of print and electronic publications. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of work.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Studio Hours : 3
Short Title : Digital Graphics
Course Code : AGD-219
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
This course examines technical, aesthetic, and ethical imaging problems for print and web publishing. Advanced Photoshop and Illustrator skills will be covered as applied to developing and editing production quality CMYK and RGB artwork. Topics covered include image manipulation techniques, input and output methods, color correction, photo collage, conceptual illustration, and filter use. Conceptual and analytical thinking will be stressed in creating original visual statements. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of work.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
MAT-101 or higher level mathematics course OR any General Education 3-credit science course. Students who are planning to transfer to a four-year school should discuss their choices with an academic advisor.
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
OR
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Semester IV
Short Title : Advertising Design
Course Code : AGD-212
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
This course provides the experience of working in teams on a professional advertising campaign. Projects include a research component of product or service, campaign development, final team presentation, and case studies detailing challenges, solutions, and showcasing final work and branding guidelines. Campaign elements can include, as appropriate print ads, billboards, social media, app and web design, storyboarding and video production.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
AGD-213 and AGD-219 or permission of department chairperson
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Print Production
Course Code : AGD-214
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
Students will learn best studio practices for print and interactive publishing. The history of print and printing processes is explored as a background to modern production workflow. Pre-press topics include: color systems, file formats, image resolution, color separations, font issues, and paper selection. Technical issues are covered as they relate to print and PDF workflows with emphasis on trouble-free production files appropriate to intended output. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of creative work that meets technical publication standards.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
AGD-213 and AGD-219 or permission of department chairperson
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Portfolio
Course Code : AGD-280
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
In this course students create a personal branding package, consisting of a professional resume, portfolio website, and other marketing materials as needed. Students prepare and revise cumulative work from all Media Arts classes for a targeted portfolio presentation, ready for job search or transfer. Topics such as further education opportunities, job preparedness, interview strategies, and job search communication are addressed. Throughout the semester, students will focus on identifying professional strengths and identifying personal and professional goals. Purchase of portfolio materials is required.
Prerequisites :
All required MAD or AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
Co requisites :
All required MAD or AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Business Elective
Course Code : BUS-EL1
Department Description : Accounting, Business and Legal Studies
- Credit : 3
Take one of the following business electives - BUS-101, BUS-240, ENG-240, MKT-143, MKT-203, SBM-110, SBM-120, SBM-130, SBM-210.
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Utilize contemporary methods, design practices, materials, and tools to produce compelling creative statements for use in the field of commercial visual communication.
- Develop and demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking in creating and implementing visual design solutions.
- Identify and understand major art and design movements, their historic, cultural, and social basis, and their influence on traditional and modern design practices.
- Produce a contemporary portfolio demonstrating a professional level of conceptual and artistic design skills.
- Acquire the skills to access, and to effectively position themselves in, the graphic design profession.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web:https://www.middlesexcc.edu/vpma/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students transfer to a four-year college or university?
Students who earn the A.A.S. degree have the opportunity to transfer their coursework to a four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Why major in Media Arts & Design?
There is a growing need for web designers, graphic artists, advertising professionals, and photographers. Students who choose the A.A.S. degree in Media Arts and Design have the opportunity to explore a variety of directions as they gain skills. Students who select either Advertising/Graphic Design, Gaming and Animation or Professional Commercial Photography will focus more closely on one aspect of this growing field. In each case, students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment used by professional designers and photographers. Small class sizes allow students to work on individual as well as team projects, finding creative solutions to design problems, just as they would in the professional art and design fields. Students will develop their own e-portfolios of creative work which will assist them in securing employment, starting their own business, or continuing their education in the field.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.