Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Basic Visual Communications


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The Basic Visual Communications certificate is designed for individuals with no prior graphic design experience and a desire to gain a basic understanding of design and software skills used in the visual communication industry. The courses in this certificate are the basic building blocks needed to provide a solid foundation preparing a student to enter into the world of visual communications.

For more information about the Basic Visual Communications certificate, please visit our website at  https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/graphicdesign/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Program Entry Requirements

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Obtain a minimum COMPASS Reading score of 61 or a minimum ACT Reading score of 14.
  5. Obtain a minimum COMPASS English score of 42 or a minimum ACT Writing score of 14.
  6. Obtain a minimum ALEKS placement score of 9 or a minimum ACT Math score of 14.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Basic Visual Communications certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point

Semester 2


Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 15


Some of these credits are applicable to the Visual Communications diploma  and the AAS degree in Graphic Design  .

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2
Books (approximate) 75-85 60-70
Supplies/Equipment 15-20 15-20

Approximate total for certificate: $2,310-$2,340*

Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


• Develop the basic layout and production of business cards, letterhead, flyers, promotional materials, etc.
• Create distinctive logos with type solutions for a variety of businesses and services.
• Design basic web pages, interactive media and multimedia projects.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


• Artistic talent and creativity.
• Ability to conceptualize and effectively use design elements and principles.
• Accurately follow project specifications and instructions.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Present your ideas, designs and proposals to prospective clients and supervisors.
• Teamwork, collaboration and the ability to take art direction from supervisors, clients and coworkers to improve your work.
• Manage your time to meet established deadlines, work on multiple projects, and stay within a project budget.
• Possess creative problem-solving skills in order to understand a client’s needs and develop a basic design strategy.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Must learn and use multiple software applications.
• Must be able to sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.

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