Graduates will use the skills and knowledge they gain to build careers in all aspects of visual communications and graphic design. These include advertising, marketing, animation, web design, illustration, publishing and printing.  Students will also be well prepared to continue their studies at four-year institutions.

1. The Practicum course and many competitive challenges provide real world experience.
2. The program provides a solid foundation to pursue a multitude of career paths.
3. Exceptional faculty provide expert critical analysis and technical expertise in all areas of the curriculum to every student.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• assume entry-level positions in visual communications and/or placement in upper-level programs of study
• demonstrate fundamental concepts and processes of visual communications and graphic design
• demonstrate an understanding of the visual communications industry and career opportunities in the field of visual communications
• demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard technology including hardware and page layout, digital imaging, vector drawing, presentation and web design software
• produce a portfolio appropriate for entry-level roles in visual communications and/or continuing education in upper-level programs

Students must complete a two-course concentration area in painting, figure drawing, web design, photography or digital photography.

Through elective choices students may focus on areas of particular interest to them such as painting, figure drawing, art history, new media, marketing, etc.

ART 230 (Arts and Communication Practicum) includes a 45-hour internship. Students are matched with sites that are related to their goals.

The curriculum offers sequential Visual Communications and Graphic Design courses culminating with VisCom 4, the portfolio development course. VisCom 1 is offered in the Fall and Spring; VisCom 2 is offered in the Spring; VisCom 3 is offered in the Fall; VisCom 4 is offered in the Spring.

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have high school equivalency diplomas (HSEs). If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.

Although the Associate in Applied Science degree is designed primarily as a professional degree, many students do transfer to baccalaureate programs at other colleges. Many of the courses in the program fulfill New York State general education requirements and thus are easily transferable within the State University of New York system.

Presently SUNY Orange has an articulation agreement with Cazenovia College. Many other students have successfully transferred to

• Fashion Institute of Technology
• Parsons The New School for Design
• SUNY Albany
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Oneonta
• SUNY Purchase
• School of Visual Arts

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

• graphic design, advertising design and marketing
• publishing, desktop publishing and printing
• game design, web design, animation and multimedia
• art direction, illustration, digital photography and color correction

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This program is offered essentially during the daytime on the Middletown campus, with limited availability of some classes in Newburgh and during the evening. Please note that not all courses are offered in the evening.