Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply?
Admission is open to anyone completing the application process and fulfilling the criteria below. The program takes a minimum of two years to complete, beginning in the fall after you are accepted into the program. Most students take three years to complete their studies to allow for adequate time to develop professional competence in both design and technical skills.
Students may apply throughout the year, however the core courses begin in fall and must follow the program sequence. Consult the college catalog or web site for detailed information about the course of study. Many of the art classes and general education requirements may be completed prior to entering the program.
Once I am assessed for the VC pre-program, how long do I have before submitting an application portfolio?
You may take your time completing prerequisite and general education classes and preparing your application portfolio. Often students need time to save money or complete a job before attending school. While getting ready, however, you must check in and be reassessed every academic year. Program requirements often change and we want you to have current information. Your application is for the VC pre-program. Your status will change from pre-program to VC on completion of all your prerequisites, including spelling.
I have been taking classes here for over a year and thought I was in the program. Do I need to start over?
Your Student Assessment and Recommendation Form is program-specific, and is valid for one academic year only. Everyone must follow the application procedures and submit a portfolio for admission into the program. If you have been here taking classes, you will want to submit your application right away.
Why do you have an application and screening process?
We are screening applicants for several reasons. The primary reason is attrition. We typically have 130 students declare pre-VC as a major. Of these, 60-80 students may be assessed for the VC program every year. Not all of these students decide to submit a program application. We accept 36 into the first year classes. Of these 36, only 10-15 will usually complete the program. Reasons for this include the time required to complete the classes, the intensity of the work and the balance of technical and creative skills required. Many students are not aware of exactly what graphic artists do and the vast background and creativity they must bring to the workplace every day. Other students have financial or personal challenges that do not allow them to continue in the program. The screening procedures helps student to be more prepared to be successful.
Why is the program so challenging?
There is a constant whole-brain balance in graphic design. You need to be creative to come up with original concepts, so you’re learning to generate ideas and participate in critiques. On the other hand, you produce most of your work with computers which requires proficiency with current technology. The technology changes so quickly, that you must learn how to learn software. The challenge comes from balancing your great ideas with knowing how to produce them. It takes time.
If I am on the waiting list, how likely am I to get into the program?
If you have applied early, chances are very high that you will gain admission. Many students express an initial interest, but take other paths before fall classes begin. Apply as early as possible.
What exactly does it mean if I am not accepted into the program?
It could mean several things. You are welcome to make an appointment with the program chair to discuss your application. We will try to be as specific as possible with our suggestions. You may need to work on communication skills in writing classes or take more drawing. You may need to pay attention to detail by proof reading more carefully. Our goal is not to keep you out, but to help you get ready to be more successful.
I need to work part time. What kind of schedule will I have?
Students are able to maintain a limited work schedule, if they take a reduced credit load. You must maintain 12 credit hours to be considered a full time student for financial aid purposes. Each term’s offerings vary both as to the time of day scheduled and the time commitment necessary outside of class. We will help you plan a reasonable schedule each term. It is very important to meet with a faculty advisor prior to registration each term, because most program classes are only offered once a year. You will be advised of these classes, so you can make the best scheduling decisions and complete the program in the least possible amount of time. The program is designed to take a minimum of two full years to complete, beginning with program courses in the fall term. Taking less than a full load per term, taking prerequisite courses, or adding electives will increase the time required to complete the program. More and more students are finding that it is easier to take the program over a three year period of time.
Can I complete the VC program by taking only evening or online courses while I work full time?
We offer a selection of evening and online classes each term, however, at this time most required courses are offered only during the day. We hope to increase our online, weekend and evening offerings in the future. Let us know how we can meet your needs.
What if I want to enter the program in winter or spring?
We try to accommodate all students, but because we are a small program, most courses are offered only once a year and must be taken in sequence. The great thing about being part of a small program is that once you do get in sequence, you will be one of a small dedicated group of students who work well together and get lots of one-on-one time with instructors. We will work with you to schedule any general education requirements or approved electives that can be taken while you wait to get into the program.
What classes do you offer in summer?
At this time, Basic Design, ART 115 and 116; and ART 131, Basic Drawing are offered in the summer in addition to many general education classes.
I am not interested in a degree and just want to take classes. Is this possible?
It is necessary to have a Visual Communications curriculum code in order to enroll in the daytime program classes. After the courses are filled with full time VC students, you may be allowed to register if there is room in a particular class and you meet the prerequisites. You must meet with a VC faculty advisor and the individual instructor before registration.
Do I need a computer at home?
Having a computer at home is a great asset, but is not essential. We maintain several hours of open time in the Mac lab each day and have open lab all day on Fridays. In addition, the lab is open most weekends during the term. Some work can be completed at home if you do have a computer, but you will be required to produce some projects in the scheduled class lab. If you do not have a computer at home, it will be necessary for you to make the most of the open lab times and schedule your work accordingly. No fonts or programs from home can be brought into the VC lab and no VC fonts or programs can be take home. Most students find a home computer makes their life a lot easier.
I have a PC at home. Do I need a Mac?
We have chosen to use Macintosh in our lab because it is the platform of choice for most design professionals. Graphics software is available for both PC and Mac and most files transfer quite easily between the two platforms. You are responsible for making sure your files transfer to the Macintosh environment, should you choose to work on a PC at home. Although application files often translate easily, fonts are frequently different on the Mac than they are on a PC, which usually results in text and document changes. PC’s are usually less expensive, but most students prefer Macs.
What software will we use in class?
The primary graphics applications we use are included in the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, and Flash. We try to keep current in all software versions, however if upgrades come out during an academic year we wait until summer to upgrade the lab. We upgrade to the most current Mac OS as well.
Is everything done on a computer?
No. Thumbnail layouts and rough sketches are done by hand. You may be asked to do pencil layouts before doing computer production. Some illustrations and sketches are hand rendered and later scanned for use in the computer. Traditional illustrations and hand lettering are welcome additions to your work. The creativity required to generate the ideas will never be come from anywhere except inside you. Bring a pencil.
How large are the classes?
Some introductory classes have 40 students in a lecture class. We limit lab size so each student will have a computer. We have 18–20 student workstations in our labs. Second year classes usually range from 14-18 students.
What type of projects will I work on?
Each project that you are assigned is designed with both overall graphic arts concepts and specific techniques in mind. Projects are varied and will include work on live jobs when possible. All projects require the use of original imagery, whether photograph, illustration, or type treatment. You will learn layout and typesetting while working on brochures, newsletters, magazines and catalogs. In the second year of the program you may design posters for the Art Gallery and film series, or logos and brochures for campus clients. Cooperative Work Experience or internships are another option for on-the-job learning.
What is the balance of technical verses creative skills?
Some students have an art background and pursue graphic design and illustration. Other students are intrigued by computers and enjoy the challenge of solving technical problems related to web design. An interest in photography brings some students into the program. One thing is for certain, no amount of talent can substitute for hard work in learning all of the varied skills and techniques required to be successful in this competitive and ever-changing field. Those with an art background must learn to be technically accurate; computer geeks will learn that flashy techniques are useless without a solid design concept. Regardless of your background, if you’re willing to work hard, we can teach you the skills, both technical and aesthetic, that will lead to a rewarding career.
With all the forms of digital communication, why is print still taught?
Graphic arts basics are the same whether you’re designing for a newspaper ad, the web, a T-shirt, or interactive media. Good typography, the use of design principles, image-making, and creative problem solving are all essential. You will learn basic skills that will transfer to any media. Print is an essential media to master and is a great starting place for other media as well.
What will I need in the way of supplies?
Supplies include CDs and portable hard drives for storing your digital files, books for each class, standard notebooks, tracing paper, sketchbooks, folders for turning in projects, a three ring binder, pencils, felt tip pens and mounting board. You are required to purchase prints from the printers. Basic design classes have their own supply lists which may include papers, markers, paints and pencils. A portfolio is required for the spring term of your second year and may cost up to $230. Expect to spend up to $650 per term on these expenses in addition to a digital camera and a portfolio.
If I decide to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, will my Visual Communications courses transfer to a four-year school ?
We have an articulation agreement with the Art Institute of Portland for completion of a Bachelor’s degree in several areas. They will accept your courses towards your degree. Portland State University accepts our Associate of Applied Science degree as a block transfer. Additional course work and portfolio reviews are required. Other colleges and universities should be contacted on an individual basis regarding transfer possibilities prior to enrolling.
What electives are available?
While there are no elective slots within the program, there are many support courses that we recommend that you take. We offer illustration, video, animation, and software courses within the program. The art department offers excellent courses in art history, drawing and printmaking. If you’re thinking about opening your own business, there are marketing courses and other great resources available. The college offers many computer courses if you’re interested in more in-depth web programming and design. Many of our students are interested in journalism and work on the school newspaper. There are many options open to you. Welcome.
