Kate Smith, a graduate of the SCC Visual Communication program and part-time public relations and web services specialist at SCC, is shown on SCC’s campus with the pole banners she designed for the “Discover the Possibilities” campaign in the background. Smith uses graphic design and web skills she learned in the program in her job daily, she said. |
Beginning this August, the SCC Visual Communication program will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Multimedia, Digital Design track. The two-year area of study provides students with the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately or the option to transfer earned credits to four-year degree programs.
Under the new degree option, students will learn a broad range of design and technology skills to generate visual solutions across media platforms. All classes are taught completely online.
“We believe this program-specific AAS degree will better serve students in gaining employment and better inform employers of their skills,” says Stuart Simpson, program coordinator. “This is something our students have requested and we’re glad to now be able to offer the Multimedia degree.”
Simpson noted that recent surveys of Visual Communication students and area graphic design/multimedia businesses showed a strong support for the new degree.
The Visual Communication: Multimedia program offers students a full-range of technical classes. Courses include instruction in the foundational elements of design; as well as hands-on classes for the most widely used Adobe design programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat.
Courses are taught by Cindy Burton, lead instructor, and Greg Kitzmiller, adjunct faculty. Both instructors have worked in the visual communication industry and have years of experience in online instruction.
Successful students earn the AAS Degree; a diploma in Multimedia; and certificates for Digital Imaging Assistant, Digital Photography, Digital Production Assistant and Digital Design. They are qualified for employment in an array of computer-related fields, including: advertising design, creative direction, marketing and promotions, graphic design, brand management, printing, website management, multimedia development, freelance design and many others.
AAS Degree graduates can also transfer all credits earned in SCC’s program toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Design (ID) at Asbury University or a User Experience (UX) Bachelor’s Degree at Lindsey Wilson College. All courses for both programs are available online.
Students interested in SCC’s Visual Communication program should contact Simpson at stuart.simpson@kctcs.edu or Burton at cindy.burton@kctcs.edu.