Program Codes:
MADAD.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
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In this program, students have the opportunity to explore the media arts and design field by combining courses in, animation, 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 in entry level positions in design and gaming/animation or as a photographer’s assistant 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students become versed in fundamentals of layout and typographic design. Topics include history, letter form drawing, type anatomy, fonts, white space usage and the use of grid systems for layouts. Through a series of design problems, students will learn to use type as an effective visual element relevant to layout and content. Historical and contemporary models of layout and type usage will be explored through both traditional hand and digital means. The course covers layout and typographic standards of many types of publication, both print and electronic. Students submit a complete portfolio at the end of the semester.
All MAD courses
Students will examine technical and aesthetic imaging problems in print and advertising. Conceptual and analytical thinking will be stressed in creating original visual statements. In-depth Illustrator and Photoshop methods will be covered in the development and editing of CMYK artwork. As the complexity of the projects increases, advanced material, such as color spaces, masking, layers and filters will be addressed. Topics covered will include input and output methods, image editing, color standards and corrections, photo collage, conceptual illustration and special effects.
All MAD courses
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 is designed to give the student the feel of working in teams on a professional advertising campaign. Two presentations are required: First, a researched exposition of the product or service, and second, the team presentation of the final advertising campaign, along with portfolios of their individual contributions. Typical elements required are: corporate identity, magazine or trade journal ads, billboards or posters, direct mail pieces, sample packaging, storyboards for video ads etc. This final presentation is videotaped.
All required MAD courses
Students learn the steps to produce mechanicals for print applications. The history of printing and conventional as well as digital printing processes, are explored. Production problems such as screens, ink limits, proofing and cost control are addressed. Pre-press workflow is covered including: color systems, file formats, image resolution, separations, trapping, paper selection and preflighting. Emphasis is on producing trouble-free files for commercial print. Students submit a complete portfolio of work at the end of the semester.
All required MAD courses
Students learn about job discovery and search, resume creation, both paper and electronic, employment letter writing and interviewing techniques. This is in addition to the primary goal of producing a professional level portfolio, both on paper and in digital/electronic formats. They will also be guided in discovering their professional strengths and goals through an individual self-evaluation process. Field trips are taken. Purchase of portfolio materials will be required.
All required MAD courses, 6 credits of AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
6 credits of AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
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.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
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.