Nov 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Catalog

Visual Communications with Areas of Concentration, AAS


Award: Associate of Applied Science

Degree Code: CNVC (Communications Concentration) - 60 Credits

Degree Code: CNVG (Graphic Design and Multimedia Concentration) - 60 Credits

Degree Code: CNVP (Photography Concentration) - 60 Credits

Degree Code: CNVV (Video Production Concentration) - 60 Credits

Degree Code: CNVW (Web Design and Multimedia Concentration) - 60 Credits

Program Description

This program is designed for students seeking initial employment, career advancement, and/or transfer to four-year programs in the fields of graphic design and multimedia, photography, video production, and web design. Each program concentration is tailored to align with the latest industry-standard equipment, professional practices, and software to help students innovate and succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

Transfer Information

Cecil College has the following transfer agreements:  https://www.cecil.edu/student-resources/advising-transfer/transfer-agreements.  Additionally, transfer information is available at the ARTSYS website (The Articulation System of Maryland). Contact your advisor for detailed information.

Career Opportunities


Communications


Photography, digital imaging, video production, graphic design, public relations, marketing, and sales.

Graphic Design and Multimedia


Graphic designer, graphic design assistant, graphic artist, and layout and production technician.

Photography


Commercial photographer, portrait photographer, wedding photographer, photojournalist, industrial photographer, videographer, digital imager, and photography lab manager.

Video Production


Camera operator, television production assistant, TV, film or video producer, and video editor.

Web Design and Multimedia


Web graphic designer, instructional designer, media communications consultant, web graphic animator, and web page designer.

Required Courses


General Education Requirements


General Education Requirement Electives - 16 Credits


Please see Academic Advisor for elective selection.

  • ARTS/HUM - Arts and Humanities Electives (H) - 3 Credits
  • GEN ED - General Education Elective - 3 Credits
  • MAT - Math Elective (M) - 3 Credits
  • SCI - Lab Science Elective (SL) - 4 Credits
  • SOC SCI - Social Science Elective (SS) - 3 Credits

Areas of Concentration


Communications Concentration Requirements (30 Credits)


Graphic Design and Multimedia Concentration Electives - Select 7 Credits


Please see Academic Advisor for elective selection.

  • ART/VCP - Art or Visual Communications Elective - 7 Credits

Photography Concentration Requirements (30 Credits)


Photography Concentration Electives


Please see Academic Advisor for elective selection.

Select 10 credits from the following:

Video Production Concentration Requirements (30 Credits)


Recommended Sequence


The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program as a full-time student. Developmental and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Students should consult their degree audit at MyCecil or an academic advisor for individual degree planning.

Fall I (16 Credits)


Spring I (16 Credits)


  • Credits: 3
  • GEN ED - General Education Elective - 3 Credits
  • SCI - Lab Science Elective (S/SL)- 4 Credits
  • ELECT - Concentration Elective - 3 Credits
  • ELECT - Concentration Elective - 3 Credits

Fall II (16 Credits)


  • ELECT - Concentration Electives - 16 Credits

Spring II (12 Credits)


Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will meet the General Education Student Learning Outcomes and be able to: 

  • Use the basic tools and techniques of a visual communicator.
  • Communicate in an effective and professional manner both verbally and in writing with the ability to incorporate critique recommendations in revising their work.
  • Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Use computer and related technology in the execution of visual communications projects.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design.
  • Produce a body of work demonstrating the ability to solve visual communications problems.
  • Market themselves using their portfolio and visual communications skills.

Additional Outcomes - Area of Concentration in Communications


Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will also be able to:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills as they relate to solving communication problems.
  • Conceptualize and implement a visual solution using different communication mediums.
  • Apply knowledge of industry practice to visual communication related technologies.
  • Visually communicate information to a well-defined audience.

Additional Outcomes - Area of Concentration in Graphic Design and Multimedia


Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will also be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of graphic designs.
  • Use relevant tools and technologies including use of 2D and 3D software applications such as modeling, animation, illustration, video, sound, photography, print and web authoring programs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design, color theory, and their application to graphic designs.
  • Produce a portfolio demonstrating the ability to solve graphic design problems.

Additional Outcomes - Area of Concentration in Photography


Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will also be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of industry standard equipment, techniques, and technologies specific to the practice of photography.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, political and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed.
  • Interpret contemporary theory and forms and the contextualization of photography within the larger world of the arts.
  • Critically analyze and evaluate examples of photographic art.
  • Execute efficient lighting techniques for both natural and constructed scenes on location or in a studio setting.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of industry standard equipment, techniques, and workflows specific to the practice of photography.
  • Achieve an understanding of the historical, political, and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed.
  • Communicate with a visual vocabulary to interpret photographic works, theory, and design principles appropriate to the practice of image-based media in both the fine art and commercial fields.
  • Develop a branding identity package and a professional photography portfolio that showcases technical skills and individual vision.

Additional Outcomes - Area of Concentration in Video Production


Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will also be able to:

  • Demonstrate preproduction, direction, production, postproduction, and distribution of narrative, documentary and commercial videos.
  • Perform the duties of various technical crew positions in single and multi-camera production environments.
  • Explain and demonstrate knowledge of video preproduction techniques by preparing preproduction materials for video productions.
  • Operate video production lighting, cameras and sound equipment according to industry standards.
  • Utilize post-production video techniques to edit digital video projects with graphics, picture, sound and editing.

Additional Outcomes - Area of Concentration in Web Design and Multimedia


Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will also be able to:

  • Produce an appealing visual product based on project goals and limitations of the web based medium.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the elements and principles of design to projects and during critical discussions.
  • Utilize industry standard hardware and software to produce content that is viewable on both past and current technology.
  • Develop intermediate-level code that is appropriate for web and multimedia presentations.
  • Problem-solve issues related to the visual and technical components of publishing web specific content.
  • Produce a portfolio of work that makes them marketable in the job market.