Graphic Design
The Degree
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Outlook
According to the U.S. Labor Department, strong demand for art, illustration, and design by advertising agencies, publishing firms, and other businesses will stimulate faster-than-average growth for graphic artists through the year 2010.
Job prospects will be best for experienced, creative graduates who communicate well. The experience provided by the Graphic Design degree program at Finger Lakes Community College can help you meet the challenges of a highly competitive job market.
The Program
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Graphic Design at FLCC stresses a solid foundation in drawing and two-dimensional design. The course work involves both theoretical and practical problem solving.
Technology: Computer technology plays a major role in the graphic arts industry, and our students are expected to become proficient in computer use. Our computer graphics lab has Macintosh computers equipped with publishing, design, and illustration software packages. Networked computer peripherals include laser printers, scanners, and color ink-jet printers.
Honors courses: In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
Field trips to area museums and art galleries, along with visits to printing and design firms, enhance the student's appreciation for the variety of design ideas being utilized today.
Internships: Students have completed internships at the Canandaigua Daily Messenger newspaper, Moore Printing Company, Welco Ad Corporation, and the Geneva Experiment Station in publication design.
Art Club: The Art Club participates in gallery openings, brings guest lecturers to campus, and organizes field trips to local and regional museums, workshops, and four-year colleges and universities.
The Graduates
Many graduates continue their educations in graphic design, art education, and illustration at private and public four-year institutions such as the Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, SUNY Colleges at Buffalo, Oswego and New Paltz, and the Nazareth College of Rochester, among others* . Those seeking employment after graduation from FLCC have a professional portfolio of their work that demonstrates their abilities for an entry-level position.
Careers: Graduates from the program are employed as publication directors, art directors, and package designers at RIT, City Newspaper, and Koch Container (respectively) and as freelance graphic designers.
Salary: The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that in the year 2000 median annual earnings for graphic designers were $34,570. The highest earnings were seen by those working in the management, public relations, and advertising segments of the industry.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Scholarships
Students meeting specific criteria have received Outstanding Transfer Student Scholarships from the Rochester Institute of Technology. For details, contact a member of the Graphic Design faculty or the Financial Aid Office.
The Faculty
Professors and instructors in both the Fine Arts and Graphic Design programs hold master’s degrees from such institutions as the New York Academy of Art and RIT. They are all working artists in their varied disciplines which include painting, sculpting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, woodworking and graphic design. They have had their works exhibited and won awards throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Florence, Italy. Although their areas of expertise vary, the entire faculty in the Art programs share a commitment to teaching as their top priority. The adjunct faculty are working artists as well who bring real experience from the working world into the classroom.
