The academic year is defined as 3 Quarters and 36 quarter credits.

*Students enrolled in Nevada must take POL 210 in addition to the courses listed in the program outline.

• 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 the design and development process.

• 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.

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

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.

HUM 200 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.

MTH 101 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.

PHY 200 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.

PSY 140 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.

PROGRAM CORE

BUS 150 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 verity 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 into Maya.

LAR100 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.

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.

WDD 110 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.