The Communication Arts curriculum emphasizes individual
growth of the student. Students are taught the importance of
developing effective visual communication skills, research
skills, the incorporation of an academic knowledge base with
an emphasis on verbal and oral communication skills, and the
mastery of tools and media that pave the way for professional
careers in the fields of graphic design, illustration, photo design,
and multimedia design. At the Art Academy, this program is
solidly grounded in the history, philosophy, visual aesthetics,
and the principles of design. Students learn to apply and integrate
visual thinking and problem solving with both conventional
and new media. Within the broad Communication Arts program,
students are given ample room for specialization. Internships,
an in-house design service, and client-based assignments in
upper division courses provide experiences in the profession.
Students can choose graphic design, illustration, photo design,
or multimedia design as an emphasis within the Communication
Arts major, which prepares them for careers in a broad spectrum
of professional endeavors including print design, interactive
media, applied photography, publication design, and a variety
of book, print and digital illustration. The Art Academy also
offers an Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design. It
is an accelerated two-year program that is intensive and
career focused. The program is designed to prepare students
to enter the professional design market earlier, providing
instruction in the studio, and integrating conceptual processes,
media skills, and technology to applied design. Instruction
begins with foundations core, visual communication, typography,
and digital media with emphasis on applying design principles
to visual problem solving. Students acquire the skills they will
need to assume entry-level positions in the design field.