Graphic Communication (GCOM-AAS-BU), A.A.S.

Location(s): Ferris Main Campus

Associate in Applied Science

The graphic communications industry is the third-largest industry in the United States, employing more than 750,000. Nearly one-third of those employed in print media are over age 55. In addition to the aging workforce, new jobs are created each year due to the rapidly changing methods of graphic image transfer and distribution. Graphic Communications processes are used in the, marketing, and communications industries on just about every item that we use. Whether it is the label on a box or the dashboard of your car, it was printed. The way we communicate today has increased the demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to choose the correct communications method for the desired outcome.

The Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Communications is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC). (http://accgc.org/)

Program Outcomes

Create a graphic product that meets industry quality standards by utilizing production workflow and processes common in the print media industry.
Use basic color theories, and practices of color.
Formulate strategies to add value to the print media production operation.
Adapt technical skills to meet the need of continually changing industry standards.

Admission Requirements

New Student Admission Requirements

2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale)

SAT Scores Two of the Three Criteria:
1. ERW SAT score of 450 or higher.
2. Math SAT score of 500 or higher. Placement in MATH 109 or MATH 110 will be considered (Math SAT score of 480 or higher).
3. Composite SAT of 900 or higher.
ACT Scores Two of the Three Criteria:
1. English ACT score of 16 or higher.
2. Math ACT score of 19 or higher.
3. Reading ACT score of 19 or higher.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

Combined college or university GPA of 2.35 (on a 4.00 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Developmental courses will not be considered in computing the GPA requirement.
Transfer equivalency for Ferris State University’s ENGL 150 or placement during the first semester at Ferris State University which would require an English ACT score of 16 or higher; or ERW SAT score of 450 or higher; or English Accuplacer score of 6 or higher.
Transfer equivalency for Ferris State University’s MATH 114 or MATH 115 or placement during the first semester at Ferris State University which would require a Math ACT score of 19 or higher; Math SAT of 500 or higher; or Math Accuplacer scores: Elementary Algebra score 75 or higher and College Level Math 0 to 49.

University Requirements - 24 to 26 Credits Required

First Year Seminar Requirement (FSUS 100 or Equivalent) - 0 to 1 Credit Required

All First-Time-In-Any-College Freshmen (FTIACs) must complete a one-credit FSUS 100 course, or its equivalent. Additional information and the definition of FTIAC for FSUS purposes can be found in the: Ferris State University Academic Affairs FSUS Policy

University General Education Requirements - 24 to 25 Credits Required

Courses in this section are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements for an associate degree. The University General Education requirements can be found on the: Ferris State University General Education Requirements Webpage

Communication Competency - 6 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)

ENGL 150 - English 1 Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 250 - English 2 Credit Hours: 3

Quantitative Literacy Competency - 3 to 4 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)

Choose 1 of 5
MATH 114 - Quantitative Reason for Pro 2 Credit Hours: 4
MATH 115 - Intermediate Algebra Credit Hours: 3
Official Pre-2016 Math SAT Score of 560 or Higher
Official Post-2016 Math SAT Score of 580 or Higher
Official Math ACT Score of 24 or Higher

Natural Sciences Competency - 3 Credits Required

One course is required with a minimum of 3 credits: must be a lab course.

Culture Competency - 3 Credits Required

PHOT 101 - Photography Credit Hours: 3

Self and Society Competency - 3 Credits Required

ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hours: 3

Additional General Education Requirements - 6 Credits Required

These courses are additional General Education courses to meet the requirements for this specific program.

Choose 1 of 3
COMM 105 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3
COMM 121 - Fundamentals-Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
COMM 221 - Small Group Decision Making Credit Hours: 3
Culture Competency Elective Credit Hours: 3

College Requirements - 36 Credits Required

Major Courses - 35 Credits Required

These courses are used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

GCOM 131 - Building Prof Digital Docs Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 132 - Port Doc Files/Prepress Wrkflw Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 161 - Media Imaging & Production Credit Hours: 4
ISYS 200 - Database Design-Implementation Credit Hours: 3
ACCT 201 - Princ. of Financial Accounting Credit Hours: 3
DSGN 224 - Web Design and Planning Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 232 - Digital Color Reproduction Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 243 - Prepress Workflow Automation Credit Hours: 4
GCOM 273 - Substrates, Inks, and Coatings Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 285 - Introduction to Packaging Credit Hours: 3
GCOM 299 - Imaging & Finishing Proj Mgmt Credit Hours: 3

Elective - 1 Credit Required

The credits required may vary depending on courses taken.

In order to graduate with an associate degree, a student must have a minimum of 60 credits. The electives required for each student may vary depending on courses taken. Based on how a student meets the programmatic requirements, they may need more or less than 1 credit of elective courses to meet the required 60 credit minimum. These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Notes

Students who return to the university after an interrupted enrollment, not including summer semester, must normally meet the requirements of the curriculum which are in effect at the time of their return, not the requirements which were in effect when they were originally admitted.
Credit Variance - Credits required may vary based on course placement, prerequisites, etc. If you have questions, contact your advisor.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from Ferris State University, students must meet both University and Programmatic Graduation Requirements.

University Graduation Requirements

These are the minimum graduation requirements for an associate degree at Ferris State University:

All requirements as specified in the University Requirements section must be met.
A minimum of 60 credits must be earned.
A 2.00 or higher cumulative Ferris State University GPA is required.
A minimum of 15 credits must be earned from Ferris State University to meet the Residency requirement.