Visual Design & Multimedia AS | Online Degree

Where You Could Be After Graduation

Visual Design and Multimedia professionals create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials..

Individuals with Visual Design and Multimedia training may find employment in a wide range of interesting and rewarding positions, including:

• 3D Modeling
• Texturing
• Rigging
• Animating
• Rendering digital works of art

AS Visual Design and Multimedia Production Image

Program Outline and Course Descriptions

The Associate of Science degree in Visual Design and Multimedia prepares students for a multi-faceted career in visual design, including graphic design, visual development, video game development, feature film animation, and visual effects creation. The goal of the program is to help students develop the creative and technical skills essential to pursuing a successful career as an artist, designer, generalist capable of working in a multitude of design industries. Students will be given the opportunity to acquire fundamental and advanced techniques used throughout visual design industries by conducting research, practical application, and self-development. Students will use industry standard software to explore different techniques used to conceptualize, develop, and produce digital works of art used to visual communicate purpose, intent, and function.

The Visual Design and Multimedia Associate of Science Degree program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms full time and consecutively.

GENERAL EDUCATION
LAU100	College Orientation	5
PSY140	Introduction to Psychology	5
ENG100	English Composition I	5
HUM200	World History	5
MTH101	Introductory Algebra	5
PHY200	Physical Science	5
Total General Education		30
PROGRAM CORE
BUS150	Entrepreneurship	5
DGN100	Design 1	5
DGN110	Design 2	5
DIG101	Animation Foundations	5
DIG110	Digital illustration	5
DIG120	Introduction to Color Theory	5
DIG130	Introduction to Modeling	5
DIG160	Introduction to Animation	5
DIG200	Motion Graphics	5
DIG210	Introduction to Shading and Lighting	5
DIG220	Introduction to Rigging	5
DIG230	Introduction to Digital Sculpting	5
PMT255	Project Management	5
WDD110	Digital Graphics	5
Total Core Education		70
Total Credit Hours		100
The academic year is defined as 3 Quarters and 36 quarter credits. • *Students enrolled in Nevada must take POL 210, 1 Quarter Unit at no tuition cost, in addition to the courses listed in the program outline. The total amount of credit hours for NV residents for this program is 101.

Upon completion of the Associate of Science in Visual Design and Multimedia, students should be able to:

• Explain the design and development process.
• Demonstrate proficiency with software and tools to create visual content.
• Develop Design solutions that effectively enhance visual communication.
• Create animation assets by applying skills from key stages of the animation pipeline.
• Apply critical thinking to create digital works that visually communicate purpose and intent. • Create a portfolio showcasing skills and knowledge for a computer graphics career or further study.

GENERAL EDUCATION

LAU100 College Orientation
This course introduces students to the skills and strategies needed for success in college and beyond. Topics include goal setting, time management, effective study techniques, and critical thinking. Students will explore resources available to support academic and career growth while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to navigate their academic journey with confidence and apply essential success strategies in both educational and professional settings.

PSY140 Introduction to Psychology
Students will explore fundamental concepts of psychology, including human behavior, cognition, development, and mental health. This course examines psychological theories and their real-world applications. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze psychological influences on behavior and decision-making.

ENG100 English Composition I
This course focuses on developing strong writing and critical thinking skills through various forms of written communication. Students will learn to craft clear, well-structured essays, conduct research, and use proper citation methods. Emphasis is placed on organizing ideas, developing arguments, and refining grammar and style. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce well-reasoned, coherent written work for academic and professional purposes.

HUM200 World History
This course provides an overview of key historical events, civilizations, and cultural developments across the world. Topics include ancient civilizations, the Industrial Revolution, and modern global conflicts. Students will explore historical perspectives on social, economic, and political change. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze historical trends and their impact on contemporary society.

MTH101 Introductory Algebra
This course introduces students to fundamental algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Students will develop problem-solving skills through real-world applications of algebra, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in algebra to support future coursework in business, science, and technology.

PHY200 Physical Science
Students will explore the principles of physics and chemistry, including motion, energy, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. This course emphasizes real-world applications of physical science concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply scientific reasoning to analyze natural phenomena.

PROGRAM CORE

BUS150 Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship, including business planning, funding, and market analysis. Students will explore the challenges and opportunities of starting and managing a small business. By the end of the course, students will develop a business concept and apply entrepreneurial strategies to real-world scenarios.

DGN100 Design I
This course introduces design theory and practices used in visual design and communication. Topics focus around developing the fundamental knowledge of design elements and design principles and their application in visual communication. These design fundamentals are universal across all forms of visual design; allowing their use in a variety of industries to aid in visual design solutions.

DGN110 Design II
This course expands on design theory and practices used in visual design covered in previous courses while introducing additional design components. Topics focus on developing knowledge of; design elements, design principles, gestalt principles, color theory, typography, and conceptualization. Project throughout the course will guide students on utilizing a variety of design components through practical application of 2D and 3D design solutions.

DIG101 Animation Foundations
This comprehensive course provides an introduction to Maya software, covering the fundamentals of 2D and 3D animation and its application in video game development. Students will become familiar with Maya’s interface, including menus, panels, and essential tools. Through hands-on learning, they will develop a foundational understanding of Maya, preparing them for more advanced coursework in the program.

DIG110 Digital Illustration
This course introduces students to drawing and design within a digital workspace, blending traditional artistic foundations with modern digital techniques. Emphasizing core skills in drawing and painting, it explores digital image creation methods widely used in contemporary design. Covering concepts from various artistic disciplines, the course equips students with a diverse skill set and insight into the techniques behind some of the world’s most renowned artworks.

DIG120 Introduction to Color Theory
This course guides students through the principles of light and its role in creating color. Students will explore the science behind color perception and how light enables us to see and interpret colors. Topics may include the color spectrum, the behavior of light through reflection, refraction, and absorption, as well as key concepts such as value, hue, saturation, color harmony, and contrast.

DIG130 Introduction to Modeling
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of polygon modeling in Maya, focusing on the techniques used to create and refine 3D models. Students will explore the principles of polygonal topology, edge flow, and efficient geometry construction. The course covers essential modeling tools and workflows, including extruding, beveling, bridging, and manipulating vertices, edges, and faces. Students will also learn best practices for hard surface and organic modeling, developing a strong foundation in 3D asset creation for animation, games, and visual effects.

DIG160 Introduction to Animation
In this class students will look at Animation software and learn basic concept of animation. Students will learn how to plan, create, and refine animations. Furthermore, students will also learn about the history of animation.

DIG200 Motion Graphics
In this course, students will explore motion graphics tools and gain insight into the motion graphics industry. They will learn to design and animate engaging visuals, incorporating dynamic text, title sequences, and credit animations. Through hands-on projects, students will develop the skills needed to create compelling motion graphics for various media, including film, television, and digital platforms.

DIG210 Introduction to Shading and Lighting
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of UV mapping, texturing, materials, lighting, and rendering in Maya. Students will expand their proficiency with the software as they explore essential tools and techniques for applying textures, creating materials, and setting up lighting for 3D scenes. The course covers shading, camera setup, and layering techniques to enhance visual quality.

DIG220 Introduction to Rigging
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of rigging in Maya, focusing on connections, joint systems, IK and FK controls, and deformers. Students will learn how to develop skeletal structures and animation controls for a variety of objects, including characters, props, and mechanical rigs. The course covers key techniques such as binding, weight painting, and setting up controls to create dynamic and functional rigs. Students will explore how joints and deformers influence movement, gaining hands-on experience in designing and implementing rigs for both organic and mechanical models.

DIG230 Introduction to Digital Sculpting
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital sculpting using ZBrush. Students will learn how to create and refine 3D models, starting with a base mesh in Maya and enhancing details within ZBrush. The course covers key topics such as interface navigation, sculpting techniques, texturing workflows, and exporting normal and displacement maps for integration.

PMT255 Project Management
Students will learn project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management techniques. This course covers industry-standard project management tools and best practices. By the end of the course, students will be able to create project plans and manage resources effectively.

WDD110 Digital Graphics
This course introduces students to Adobe Photoshop, the fundamental graphics application and image editing software used in the computer graphics industry. Students learn the fundamentals of this software, and will study topics including selections, layers, masking, filters, image manipulation and correction, composition, painting, and optimization for the web. Students examine techniques for efficient editing, processing, and file handling. Topics in photo editing may be studied, including color enhancement, lighting correction, and overall retouching.

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A.S. Visual Design and Multimedia Program Tuition

Laurus College Tuition Breakdown Group Image

Credit hours: 100
Registration Fee: $100
Technology Package: $2,750
Program Fees**: $2,000
CE Fees: N/A
Tuition: $40,000

Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate: effective oral and written communication skills; communicate concisely, professionally, and accurately in various professional modes, including emails and presentations.
• Conceptualize, develop and publish: acute design strategies that exhibit purpose, intent and function for a variety of design problems in, but not limited to graphic design, illustration, film, and or video games.
• Demonstrate: proficiency in the use of software, tools and technology used to create visual content for graphic design, Illustration, film, and video games.
• Analyze: professional standards and practices, found within a multitude of industries centric around visual communication.
• Explain: professional standards and practices, found within a multitude of industries centric around visual communication.
• Use critical thinking skills: to conceptualize, develop and produce digital works of art used to visual communicate purpose, intent and function.
• Create: a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates evidence of the skills, knowledge, and abilities to begin a computer graphics career or transfer to a four-year program for additional study.

Program Structure
The Visual Design and Multimedia, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms consecutively.

Instructional Method
The Visual Design and Multimedia, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) program is practical application and involves intense online interactive learning. All classes are lecture based with learning activities and practical application laboratory for students to enhance their skills and abilities. Interactive virtual classrooms are part of the instructional process at Laurus College. Instruction may be supplemented with guest speakers in class.

Communication and Critical Thinking Skills
Students in the Visual Design and Multimedia, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) program complete challenging projects and assignments by using creative problem solving skills. Students communicate ideas through written and oral presentations in various courses throughout the program.

Completion Requirements
Students wishing to obtain the Visual Design and Multimedia, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) from Laurus College need to meet all program completion requirements. Students must have completed a minimum of 100 quarter credits, and be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to be eligible for the Visual Design and Multimedia, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.).

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