Program Codes:
MADGA.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
In this program, students have the opportunity to explore the media arts field by combining courses in web design, digital commercial photography, and advertising/graphic design. In addition to coursework which is directly applicable to the evolving media arts and design field, students will take general education courses that prepare them for a competitive workforce. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in the laboratory or studio to develop both creative ability and the technical skills essential to media arts careers. This degree prepares students for a career as a web designer, commercial artist, or photographer in a variety of settings including advertising agencies, company advertising departments, publishing companies, photography studios, color reproduction laboratories, printing firms, or retail establishments. The faculty who teach major courses have professional experience in the media arts and design field.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.
NOTE: As not all courses are offered every semester, it is important to follow the recommended sequence below: Students who would like to graduate in two years will most likely need to take summer and/or winter session classes and should plan their schedules with the help of their Academic Advisor. Many AGD, DMA, GAM and PCP courses are offered in the Fall or Spring semester only and taking them out of sequence may delay graduation.
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
A passing score on the College placement test or a grade of “C” or better in ENG-010
Physical/Health Education Elective
Students may choose a Health Education course to satisfy the Physical Education requirement.
An exploration of the history, technology and art of photography. The course stresses the visual literacy components of photography through time and across cultures, from Chinese Magic Mirrors through traditional silver processes to current electronic and digital imaging. Students will become familiar with practitioners and artists who use the medium as their tool of communication.
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from the High Renaissance to the twentieth century in Western art. Significant artists and their contributions to techniques. Field trips required.
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture in Western Art since the Industrial Revolution to the present day via major styles, movements and significant artists. Field trips required.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students will engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
This course introduces 3D modeling, animation, lighting and rendering. The techniques introduced can be used across a wide variety of media, both for pre-rendered and real-time applications. The necessary foundations for digital content creation using industry-standard animation tools will be covered, including various workflows for hard-surface and organic models. Appropriate use of lights and shading will be addressed, in order to create a defined aesthetic. Basic scene optimization and pipeline setup will also be covered.
This course presents an overview of computer gaming including history of computer games, their foundation in traditional games and game theory and their practice in digital games. Game mechanics and the digital game design processes are introduced. The relationship of gaming genres, platforms, and audience is examined. Students acquire critical evaluation skills for working as a functioning member of a game development team. The course will address how modeling, animation, storytelling, programming, and user interface design work in tandem to produce interactive media experiences for various markets, purposes, and devices. Working in small teams, students will create and repurpose digital assets and scripts for one or more game engines.
GAM-218 may be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
Introduces the student to the principles of small business management and the functions of planning, organizing, directing, controlling, financing and staffing a small business enterprise.
The planning, supervision, control and performance of activities involved in the production of goods and services. The problems of human relations and labor-management and the functions of human resources, marketing, purchasing, production and finance are explored from the standpoint of effectively carrying on business that relates positively to the society of which it is a part.
Choose one Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
This course covers story-driven animation and advanced techniques, using skills and assets acquired in the prerequisite courses. Students will design and build a 3D animated story. Creation of characters for animation, as well as rigging and skinning will be covered. Shot composition and storytelling through animations will be examined in detail, as well as the process from storyboard to final animation.
GAM-223 and GAM-280
This course covers advanced game design. Students will design and build a 3D game. Modeling, animation, storytelling, programming, and user interface design, are coordinated to produce interactive media experiences for various markets, devices, and purposes. The role of the executive producer and the development team in taking a game from concept to design document to production will be covered. Students will work together to research, plan, and implement a combined pre-production and production effort.
GAM-222 and GAM-280.
This course covers how to integrate digital video from a variety of sources into a single, cohesive motion clip. Data acquisition from several sources will be covered, including rendered animations, acquired video footage, and screen capture. Emphasis will be placed on generating a portfolio of work from other courses in the sequence. Compelling imagery will unify pieces through the use of motion graphics techniques.
GAM-222 and GAM-223
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
The fundamentals of selling with particular stress on preparation, approach, demonstration, overcoming objections and closing sales. Developed through discussions and participation in sales situations.
The principles of advertising and the role of advertising in the field of business. The course traces advertising through its various steps from the initial need to its implementation in the marketplace.
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: http://www2.middlesexcc.edu/academics/academic-departments/visual-performing-and-media-arts.html
Students who earn the A.A.S. degree have the opportunity to transfer their coursework to a four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
There is a growing need for web designers, graphic artists, advertising professionals, and photographers. Students who choose the A.A.S. degree in Media Arts and Design have the opportunity to explore a variety of directions as they gain skills. Students who select either Advertising/Graphic Design, Gaming and Animation or Professional Commercial Photography will focus more closely on one aspect of this growing field. In each case, students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment used by professional designers and photographers. Small class sizes allow students to work on individual as well as team projects, finding creative solutions to design problems, just as they would in the professional art and design fields. Students will develop their own e-portfolios of creative work which will assist them in securing employment, starting their own business, or continuing their education in the field.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.