Program Codes:
MAD.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
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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 MAD, AGD, GAM and PCP courses are offered in the Fall or Spring semester only and taking them out of sequence may delay graduation.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students 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.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
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.
This is a basic photography course with an introduction to black and white film. It also covers use of the digital darkroom for basic image correction, scanning, and inkjet printing. Students will be expected to expose and process black and white film in the traditional manner and to utilize the digital darkroom for making prints. Aspects of lighting, composition, contemporary and historical background of photography will be explored. Aspects of multimedia will be introduced such as slide shows, sound and online interactivity.
Introduction to principles and characteristics of light, color and design. The interaction of colors is stressed using student projects and computer interactivity. Two-dimensional surfaces and their compositional possibilities are studied and related to increasingly complex graphic concepts. Computer graphic design applications are introduced.
Students develop a firm foundation in the fundamentals of drawing for design. Visual awareness is developed through study of composition, line, form and value. Drawing is learned through careful observation when working from life and secondary sources such as photographs. Techniques for illustration are learned through the use of various media and discussed in terms of their application in the field of advertising. Materials studied include pencil, charcoal, markers and water media.
Physical/Health Education Elective
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
This course is an advanced study of basic photography. It includes both film and digital imaging basics. Students are expected to utilize a film camera and a digital camera. Traditional areas of digital imaging will be covered: color, composition, natural light, electronic flash, studio lighting basics and alternative imaging practices. The study of multimedia and its applications are explored using a variety of methods. Upon completion of the course, students will have an electronic and printed portfolio.
Students acquire an understanding of planes, volume, mass and space, as they apply to three-dimensional forms. Original structural concepts are developed from sketches to completion. Approaches to digital 3D modeling are covered, such as the use of polygonal tools and workflow. Students will be introduced to prototype and product design through the use of 3D printers to generate models.
A general introduction to graphic design studio skills, this course lays the foundation for advanced design classes. Topics include the design ideation process, basic graphic design principles and use of professional design software. Students will be introduced to Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign and QuarkXPress as they learn drawing, scanning, image editing and layout for print production. Correct setup of digital mechanicals and presentation skills are stressed.
MAD-117 may be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
MAT-101 or higher level mathematics course OR any General Education 3-credit science course. Students who are planning to go on to a four-year school should discuss their choices with an academic advisor.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
All required MAD courses, 6 credits of AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
6 credits of AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
Pre-requisites: All required MAD courses. Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: 6 credits of AGD courses or permission of Dept. Chair
All required MAD courses, 6 credits of DMA courses or permission of department chairperson
6 credits of DMA courses or permission of department chairperson
Pre-requisites: All required MAD courses. Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: 6 credits of DMA courses or permission of Dept. Chair
GAM-223
This course allows the student to concentrate on personal development as a professional photographer. This includes resume writing, developing a portfolio, marketing and self-promotion and business practices for photographers. The preparation and presentation of a portfolio for job employment and for acceptance into senior institutions is emphasized. Students will attend field trips.
All required MAD courses, 6 credits of PCP courses or permission of department chairperson
6 credits of PCP courses or permission of department chairperson
The course focuses on oral and written communication theory and practice appropriate for a variety of business situations. Students generate and examine routine and special business correspondence, strategic electronic communication, and informational and analytical business reports; conduct business research; refine team-oriented skills; and design/deliver oral presentations. The following concepts are emphasized: the nature of audience; business communication forms/formats; tone, style and diction; purpose; clarity and complexity; and other relevant rhetorical issues. This course is cross-listed in the English and Business departments. Students may not earn credit for both BUS 240 and ENG 240.
ENG-122 or permission of department chair
The course focuses on oral and written communication theory and practice appropriate for a variety of business situations. Students generate and examine routine and special business correspondence, strategic electronic communication and informational and analytical business reports; conduct business research; refine team-oriented skills; and design/deliver oral presentations. The following concepts are emphasized: the nature of audience; business communication forms/formats; tone, style and diction; purpose; clarity and complexity; and other relevant rhetorical issues.
Choose one course from MUS, ART, or THE designated as General Education Humanities (GE HUM)
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web:https://www.middlesexcc.edu/vpma/
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.