Design and Digital Media

Associate of Applied Science

About the Program

This program is for students interested in visual communication and digital arts and prepares them for entry-level employment in graphic design, web design and advertising design positions within organizations. Courses cover principles of design, creative problem solving, art/design history, drawing, typography, and portfolio building. With core instruction based in aesthetic concepts and computer graphics applications, students learn to develop and integrate strong design technique with computer skill sets. These include instruction in digital imaging, graphic illustration, publication design, and web authoring, as well as opportunities for instruction in video production, social media, 3D modeling, digital animation and digital photography. RCC and the Pacific Northwest College of Art have signed a transfer agreement pertaining to the Digital Media AAS program. For more information, contact your RCC Advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Students completing the Design and Digital Media Associate of Applied Science will be able to:

Apply the principles of art to assist with the design process.

Create varied visual concepts in response to communication problems.

Create a professionally designed portfolio using appropriate digital media tools.

Organize, implement, and evaluate design projects.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Visual Arts and Design Department Chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Each College Now credit student must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

If students intend to transfer to SOU’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program, transfer courses should be chosen from the list of electives where possible. See an advisor for more information or visit SOU’s Degree Completion page. 

Graduation Requirements

Students completing the required credits in this program with a grade of “C-” or better will receive their degrees. Certain prerequisite and required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some pre-requisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.