Media, Communication, and Design, Associate in Science
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Media, Communication, and Design is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication, media studies, film, graphic design, digital media, or a related field.
This program explores how ideas are communicated through visual media, storytelling, and digital technologies. Students develop skills in writing, media analysis, visual communication, and digital content creation while examining how media shapes culture, public discourse, and creative expression. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, communication strategy, and hands-on media production.
Students are encouraged to choose a concentration to guide their studies and align their coursework with their intended transfer major. Concentrations in Communication Studies, Film Studies, Graphic Design, and Media Production allow students to focus their academic pathway while completing the appropriate prerequisites for upper-level study.
Transfer Information
The A.S. in Media, Communication, and Design is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in communication, media studies, film, graphic design, digital media, and related disciplines.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because many media and design programs require portfolios or project-based experience, students are encouraged to begin developing creative work early in their academic studies.
Career Information
The A.S. in Media, Communication, and Design is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in media, communications, and creative industries.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Media or Communications Specialist
- Digital Content Creator
- Film or Video Producer
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing or Social Media Manager
- Broadcast or Media Production Professional
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore transfer pathways, internships, and career opportunities in media and creative industries.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| ARTS 182 or ARTS 205 | Art From Renaissance to Modern World or Modern Art | 3 |
| PHOT 181 | Basic Digital Photography | 3 |
| GRPH 151 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 1 | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ARTS 183 | Basic Drawing | 3 |
| GRPH 152 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| GRPH 251 | InDesign and Typography | 3 |
| ARTS 184 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Graphic Arts, Design, and Media Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| GRPH 281 | Graphics Portfolio | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Any Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Graphic Arts, Design, and Media Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
- 2
Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
- 3
Selection of electives should be based on the requirements of the four-year institution.
Graphic Arts, Design, and Media Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS 186 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ARTS 286 | Painting I | 3 |
| COEM 220 | Video Location Production | 3 |
| COEM 224 | Video Editing and Post Production | 3 |
| COEM 230 | Audio Recording for Electronic Media | 3 |
| GRPH 101 | History of Media and Design | 3 |
| PHOT 187 | Experimental Digital Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 188 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 207 | Photojournalism | 3 |
The A.S degree in Graphic Arts, Design, and Media offers students the first two years of coursework in various design avenues. The program provides the foundation courses that allow students to transfer into baccalaureate programs in design, which will prepare them for design fields in print, multimedia, and the web. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and the ability to create a portfolio of work necessary for a career in the industry.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, and terminology within Media, Communication, and Design
- Apply creative, aesthetic, and technical skills to produce original work in visual, performing, or digital media that communicates ideas effectively.
- Use written, oral, and visual communication skills to convey ideas clearly and appropriately for diverse audiences and purposes.
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate artistic and media works using critical thinking and creative problem-solving strategies.
- Utilize relevant tools, technologies, and software to support creative expression, design, and communication in multimedia fields.
- Recognize and reflect upon the cultural, social, and ethical contexts that shape artistic and communicative practices.
- Work effectively in collaborative and interdisciplinary settings, demonstrating professional conduct, respect, and teamwork.
- Develop a portfolio or body of work that demonstrates readiness to transfer into a baccalaureate program or pursue entry-level opportunities in media, communication, or design.