Studio Arts: Graphic Design (Fine Arts) (A.S.)

Study graphic design at JCC

The Studio Arts degree with a concentration in graphic design at Jamestown Community College prepares you for transfer to a four-year institution and pursue careers in fields such as graphic design, animation, industrial design, and creative direction.

The JCC program includes courses in graphic design, typography and layout, video and sound, animation, drawing, three-dimensional design, and photography. JCC’s art and design facilities, technical labs, and access to visual resources on campus, such as the Weeks Gallery, provide a solid foundation in design and sought-after skill sets.

  • Introductory courses focus on technical and software skills to produce engaging visual communication projects.
  • In later coursework you'll refine your skills, create meaningful design, and develop a professional portfolio.

Graphic design internships are available as part of your coursework both on- and off-campus. Internships can help you build a portfolio, be more competitive for jobs and transfer schools, and gain professional experience and contacts.

2023 median pay for graphic designers: $58,910/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Where to study at JCC

Graphic design skills

After you complete the program, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of at least one principal form of artistic expression and the creative process inherent therein.
  • Employ methods of visual analysis necessary for critical judgments about one’s creative processes and decisions.
  • Integrate critical methods of describing, analyzing, and judging visual experiences that are used in making oral and written interpretations of visual art.

Semester 1

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

ART 1510: Drawing I

3
SUNY
  • Arts

ART 1530: 2-D Design and Color

3
SUNY
  • Arts

ART 1730: Graphic Design I

3
SUNY
  • Arts

ENG 1510: English Composition I

3
SUNY
  • Humanities
JCC
  • College Composition

INT 1555: Inquire

2
JCC
  • Critical and Integrative Reasoning
  • Discuss transfer options and career tracks with your advisor in order to maximize transferable credits.

Semester 2

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

Program Core Elective

3
SUNY
  • Arts

Social Sciences Elective

3
SUNY
  • Diversity
  • Social Sciences
JCC
  • Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
  • Scientific Reasoning: Social Sciences

ART 1750: Graphic Design II

3
SUNY
  • Arts

ENG 1530: English Composition II

3
SUNY
  • Written & Oral Communication
JCC
  • College Composition
  • Oral Communication

Mathematics Elective

Recommended:

MAT 1500: Problem Solving with Math (or higher)

3
SUNY
  • Math
JCC
  • Mathematical Reasoning

Semester 3

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

ART 1550: Art in Culture I

3
JCC
  • Global Perspectives

ART 1740: Typography and Layout

3
SUNY
  • Arts

ART 2560: Art & Design: Portfolio & Professionalism

4
SUNY
  • Arts
JCC
  • Applied Learning

Natural Sciences Elective

Recommended:

BIO 1510: Health Science

3
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

ART 1670: Photo I: Digital Photography

3
SUNY
  • Arts
  • Science elective with lab portion recommended for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.
  • Refer to SUNY general education checklist for Social Science electives.

Semester 4

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

ART 1560: Art in Culture II

3
JCC
  • Cultural Understanding

ART 2540: 4D Design

3

ART 1540: 3D Design/Concepts/Materials

3
SUNY
  • Arts

Program Core Elective

Recommended:

ART 1500: Art & Design Appreciation

3

Elective

Recommended:

SOC 1510: Intro to Sociology

3
SUNY
  • Diversity
  • Social Sciences
JCC
  • Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
  • Global Perspectives

Physical Education and World Language are also recommended for credit transfer.