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Graphic Arts Degree Program
Our Graphic Arts Program At-a-Glance
- Earn your specialized degree in just 2 years
- Accredited by ACCSC
- Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools
What You Need to Know About Our Graphic Arts AST Degree
With so much of our lives and jobs being conducted online and through computers, the role of digital graphic design has become key to how we work and function. The field of graphic arts combines creative, artistic work with the latest in computer technology to transform everything from the websites and apps we use to the advertisements we see and more. With the Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Graphic Arts from South Hills School of Business & Technology, you can gain the skills you need to step into a dynamic, ever-changing career that unites the worlds of art and tech.
At South Hills, we update our graphic arts curriculum regularly and give you hands-on training so you know you’ll study the most up-to-date software and best practices used in your field today. Our experienced instructors cover topics like:
- Applying fundamental traditions of design through concept development, color, composition, image making, typography, and verbal and written communication
- Engaging in creative problem solving to produce solutions that are effective in visually communication information about products, services, companies, or individuals
- Creating graphic design using software like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as website design and productivity software commonly used in the graphic arts industry
- Understanding publishing, packaging, and social media and marketing and how it applies the graphic arts field
- Using either digital photography or video production and editing skills to augment and expand on your digital design career
- Creating a complete print and digital portfolio that reflects the professional skills acquired through both education and continued on-the-job designs
We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work. Previous internship locations have included:
- Barash Media
- Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
- Flyland Designs
- Impressions WHQ
- Keystone Gazette
- Knupp Printing
- Penn State University
- The State Theatre
- Tempest Productions
A successful GA student…
- Is self-motivated
- Is driven and creative
- Is receptive to constructive feedback
- Has a strong work ethic
The Outlook for Graphic Design Jobs and Careers
The Graphic Arts program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:
- Multimedia Specialist
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
- Creative Director
- UX Designer
- Videographer
- Publication Designer
- Advertising Coordinator
- Freelance Designer
- Pre-Press Specialist
- Illustrator
There is a consistent need for new, skilled graphic designers in today’s workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 24,000 job openings for graphic designers are expected each year on average, as people currently employed in graphic arts either shift to different positions or retire.
With a specialized associate degree in graphic arts, you also lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success. The BLS found that people who earned their specialized associate degrees average almost 20% higher wages and had an unemployment rate two percentage points lower than those who had only a high school diploma. A specialized associate degree is also a potential jumping off point to getting your bachelor’s degree or even master’s degree later on as you advance in your career.
Why You Should Choose South Hills?
Student Internship Locations
- Brash Media
- Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
- Flyland Designs
- Impressions WHQ
- Keystone Gazette
- Knupp Printing
- Penn State University
- The State Theatre
- Tempest Productions
A Practical Curriculum
The Graphic Arts program prepares students to:
- Apply fundamental traditions of design through concept development, color, composition, image making, typography, and verbal and written communication.
- Engage in creative problem-solving to produce effective solutions in visually communicating information about products, services, companies, or individuals.
- Create graphic design using software including Adobe® Creative Suite and website design and productivity software commonly used in the graphic arts industry.
- Create a complete print and digital portfolio that reflects the professional skills acquired through project-based curriculum and a second-year internship.
Using well-known software and resources, our faculty will train you in the fundamentals of:
- Typography
- Web design
- Logo design and corporate identity
- Packaging
- Publication design
- Advertising design
- Collateral design
- Color theory
- Other newly emerging areas
Course Highlights
- Computer Graphics
- Video Production & Editing
- Social Media and Marketing for Designers
- Advanced Web Site Design
Complete Course List
Graphic Arts Course List for 2023-24
Term | Course # | Course Name | Credits | Clock Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
First Term | GE183 | Business English I OR | 4 | 60 |
GE114 | Business English I* | 4 | 60 | |
GA116 | Color Theory | 2.5 | 36 | |
GA133 | Electronic Design | 4 | 60 | |
GA130 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 | 60 | |
GA120 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 | 60 | |
PD110 | Professional Development | 2 | 24 | |
Totals: | 19.5 | 300 | ||
Second Term | GE184 | Business English II | 4 | 60 |
GA128 | Collateral Design | 3.5 | 60 | |
GE234 | Geometry for Design | 3 | 36 | |
GA124 | Introduction to Computer Graphics (Photoshop) | 4 | 60 | |
GE213 | Oral Business Communications | 2 | 24 | |
GA126 | Typography | 3.5 | 60 | |
Totals: | 20 | 300 | ||
Third Term | GA230 | Advertising Design | 3.5 | 60 |
GE231 | Art History for the Graphic Designer | 5 | 60 | |
GE233 | Business Writing | 3.5 | 60 | |
GA225 | Computer Graphics - Illustrator | 4 | 60 | |
GA121 | Graphic Design Studio I | 3.5 | 60 | |
CP134 | Web Site Design | 4 | 60 | |
Totals: | 23.5 | 360 | ||
Fourth Term | GA217 | Concept Development | 2.5 | 36 |
GE178 | Human Relations in the Workplace | 2.5 | 36 | |
CD207 | Job Search Skills | 2 | 24 | |
GA220 | Packaging Design | 3.5 | 60 | |
GA222 | Publication Design | 3.5 | 60 | |
GA235 | Social Media and Marketing for Designers | 4 | 60 | |
IT218 | Web Site Design II | 4 | 60 | |
Totals: | 22 | 336 | ||
Fifth Term | GA236 | Advanced Web Site Design (Motion Graphics) | 4 | 60 |
GA228 | Digital Pre-Press | 3.5 | 60 | |
Elective* | 3.5 | 48 | ||
GA219 | Graphic Design Studio II | 3.5 | 60 | |
GA221 | Print Portfolio | 3.5 | 60 | |
GA227 | Typography - Expressive & Experimental | 3 | 48 | |
Totals: | 21 | 336 | ||
*Electives | ||||
GA231 | Digital Photography | 3.5 | 48 | |
GA233 | Video Production and Editing | 3.5 | 48 | |
Sixth Term | CD106 | Career Preparation | 0.5 | 10 |
GA232 | Freelance Business Development | 2 | 21 | |
GA234 | Graphic Arts Internship | 11 | 330 | |
Totals: | 13.5 | 361 | ||
GA PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITS | GA PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS | |||
119.5 Credits | 1,993 Clock Hours |
Meet the Faculty
Jim Colbert
Interim Program Coordinator
Ray Liddick
Instructor