The proficiency in Graphic Design takes the student through the basics of design technology, layout, and prepress skills needed for designing graphics for print and display, and includes courses like Print Production, Typography, and Branding Design. The Graphic Design proficiency will equip the student to design brochures, presentation graphics, and logos needed to visually communicate in ministry. This proficiency can be taken with any concentration.
| Course ID | Credit Hours | Course |
|---|---|---|
| VA 101 | 2 |
Media FoundationsThis course is designed to help the students understand how a church as an organization effectively communicates both to its members and to its community in order to further the cause of Christ. The students will learn and understand the basics of creativity and communication, web development, church audio, print design, video production, and technology—all with a ministry-specific emphasis. Prerequisite: None |
| VA 102 | 2 |
Digital ImagingStudents will learn to use Adobe Photoshop and digital imaging techniques for compositing and stylistic manipulation when integrating imagery into a larger design aesthetic. Emphasis will be placed upon establishing page layout, graphics manipulation, and pre-press skills. Projects will be given to reinforce the use of application features and equip the student to effectively use these technologies in design and in preparation for other media courses. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: None |
| VA 221 | 2 |
Graphic Design 1Graphic design is a fundamental skill in media. This course will provide the students with the opportunity to learn to design graphics to enhance print and web media. Graphic design principles and techniques will be studied to learn how to effectively communicate visually. Modern trends and techniques will be studied to keep graphics looking current. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: VA 102 |
| VA 223 | 2 |
TypographyThis course covers the basics of typography, the use of letters and type to effectively communicate in graphic and web design. It will briefly cover the history of type and the printing press, the fundamentals of designing with type, practical applications for typography in graphic and web design, and best practices of copy design and layout. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: VA 221 |
| VA 322 | 2 |
Graphic Design 2Building on the concepts presented in Graphic Design 1, this course will examine the connection between visual elements and effective visual communication. Advanced skills of form, line, hierarchy, and grid will be presented and expanded. Individual applications of graphic design will be addressed along with creative solutions applicable to each. Students will explore the creative process and specific uses of design in other forms of media. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: VA 221 |
| VA 324 | 2 |
Print ProductionThis course will provide the student with knowledge of industry standard software for professional print layout and design, principles unique to designing for print, and technology involved in the printing process. Throughout the course, students will receive hands-on training by designing a variety of print pieces. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: VA 221 |
| VA 425 | 2 |
Branding DesignThis course will provide the student with a working knowledge of branding and logo design. The student will be able to effectively design a brand for a church or ministry that communicates that ministry’s purpose statement and identity. Color theory and visual communication skills will be developed through this course. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: EN 101 with a grade of a “C” or higher, EN 102, and VA 223 |
| VA 498 | 2 |
Visual Arts Portfolio (non-Visual Arts degrees only)This course is designed to provide the student with guidance in creating visual arts projects for inclusion in a portfolio that could be presented to a potential hiring ministry. This portfolio will showcase the student’s work throughout his visual arts training. Students will receive assignments and instruction in-class and work through the necessary projects given throughout the course. This 2-credit course is taken as part of a visual arts proficiency. A fee of $50 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: EN 101 with a grade of a “C” or higher, EN 102, VA 221, VA 324, VA 101, and VA 102; 96 credits earned; and VA 223, VA 324, VA 425, VA 231, VA 234, VA 333, VA 335, VA 141, VA 142, or VA 244 |
