Graphic and Interactive Design: Career Associate

The Graphic and Interactive Design AAS program trains students to use industry-standard equipment and graphic/web software. Students assemble a print and web portfolio for job interviews that serve to demonstrate their skills in digital imaging, layout, design, web, and interactive media. Students have the opportunity to take an internship course designed to provide them with real-world experience. In addition, courses in oral and written communication, as well as in the social and natural/physical science areas, help to supplement their studies by providing students with critical and creative thinking skills along with an appreciation for the arts. HACC’s Art programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which is a specialized accrediting agency for schools of art and design that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. NASAD’s major responsibility is the accreditation of education programs in art and design including the establishment of curricular standards and guidelines for specific degrees and credentials. Institutional membership is gained only through the peer review process of accreditation. HACC is committed to high academic standards that reflect current trends in the field in order to prepare students for a career in graphic and interactive design. These standards are intended to assure high-quality experiences in small classes with access to new technologies and superior media and library support. While most of HACC’s Graphic and Interactive Design major courses are offered during the day, some courses are only available at night. All Graphic and Interactive Design major courses are only available at the Harrisburg Campus. Some general education and foundation courses are available at the Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York campuses.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  (or)  3 
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective (Highly Recommend: ART 148)  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
*ART 105 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design  3 
*ART 109 Computer Graphics  3 
*ART 114 Interactive Media & Design  3 
*ART 121 Drawing I  3 
*ART 125 Visual Thinking  3 
*ART 140 Web Design  3 
*ART 143 Typography  3 
*ART 144 Graphic Design I  3 
*ART 145 Graphic Design II  3 
*ART 146 Graphic Design III  3 
*ART 147 Portfolio Development  3 
*ART 149 Design Practice  3 
*ART 176 Digital Photo Imaging  3 
**ART 182 Art Through the Ages II (Core A & D)  3 
ART 183 Twentieth-Century Art  3 
ART 190 History of Graphic Design  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Demonstrate mastery of skills involved in the graphic and interactive design field

Create an effective visual communication

Operate computers and graphic software used in design, web and interactive media

Present a professional portfolio

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations