CIS Digital Design, Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) CIS Digital Design degree is designed to successfully prepare students for careers in the expanding fields of digital design and media productions through an integrated curriculum exposing students to design principles and technical strategies. Upon successful completion of the AAS CIS Digital Design degree, students are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in numerous digital design fields. Students attain knowledge and learn skills to seek careers in creative and support professions within such media industries as film and video, graphic design, production, game development, animation, and web design. Some of the careers available in media include: Production designer, camera operator, visual effects production, multimedia producer, duplication, production assistant, graphic artist, art assistant, web designer, and other emerging opportunities.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional design principles and practices.
- Plan, design, develop, and edit digital images and graphics.
- Plan, design, develop, and edit digital time-based media.
- Plan, design, develop, and edit interactive webpages.
- Work effectively as part of a design team.
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ART115 | Basic Design I Intro to Elements of Art and Principles of Design | 4 |
| ART131 | Introduction to Drawing I | 3 |
| CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
| CIS125PH | Computer Applications: Photoshop | 3 |
| DD160 | Digital Design Orientation | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Winter | ||
| ART110 | Digital Photography I | 3 |
| ART116 | Basic Design II, Color Theory | 4 |
| CS195 | Web Development I | 3 |
| DD235PH | Digital Design App: Photoshop | 3 |
| WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing (or higher) 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART117 | Basic Design III, Intro to 3D Desgn | 4 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 2 | 3 |
| CIS125IL | Computer Applications: Illustrator | 3 |
| CIS125MA | Computer Applications: Maya | 3 |
| CS133WS | Computer Language I: Web Scripting | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART210 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
| BA150 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| CIS125DW | Computer Applications: Dreamweaver | 3 |
| MTH65 | Beginning Algebra I 5 | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Winter | ||
| BA223 | Principles of Marketing | 4 |
| COMM100Z | Introduction to Communication 6 | 4 |
| DD250 | Projects in Digital Media | 3 |
| DD280 | CWE: Digital Design 4 | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| DD297 | Digital Design Capstone | 3 |
| PE231 | Wellness for Life 3 | 3 |
| Specific Elective 4 | 6 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 91 | |
- 1
A higher writing may be substituted excluding WR241, WR242, WR243, and WR250.
- 2
BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201Z, PSY202Z, PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.
- 3
PE231, HE250 or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.
- 4
Specific Electives may be substituted: Any ART, BA,CS/CIS, or DD course not otherwise required within the degree; MTH course higher than MTH65.
- 5
MTH95, MTH98, or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH65.
- 6
COMM100Z, COMM111Z, COMM218Z, COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.