Graphic and Web Design (A.A.)

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60 Credit Hours Required

The 2-year Associate of Arts in Graphic and Web Design will provide students with critical knowledge as well as functional skills that will enable program graduates for entry into the design filled job market or to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree. Courses from the A.A. degree will transfer into the B.F.A. in Art and the B.F.A. in Art Education with two years of study completed through the A.A. (60 credits) and 60 additional credits required to complete the USD B.F.A. Art or ART Education degree. Students in the program will develop a body of creative works that can be added to their portfolio for job applications or future schooling applications.

System General Education Requirements (24 hours)

Composition 6cr SGR #1
Oral Communication 3cr SGR #2
Social Sciences 6cr (must be in 2 disciplines/prefixes) SGR #3
Arts and Humanities 3cr (select from either Fine Arts or Humanities courses) SGR #4
Mathematics 3cr SGR #5
Natural Sciences 3cr SGR #6

Major Requirements (18 hours)

Required Support Courses Outside the Major (18 hours)

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate proficiency in a range of computer graphics software: (ex. Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Muse).
Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate knowledge of color theory and how to apply it.
Understand terminology used in the graphic design industry
Demonstrate Ideation Skills through design thinking techniques
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
Produce a portfolio of work that meets industry and accreditation expectations.
Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments, and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.
Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
Students will be able to demonstrate cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
Students will engage in purposeful, ongoing learning activities that improve their knowledge, skills and competence in their personal and professional lives.
Students will intentionally engage with diversity in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions leading to opportunities for equal access to participation in educational and community programs for all members of society.

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.