Program Codes:
MAD.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: 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.
An introduction to principles of composition and color theory. Students will build a strong visual vocabulary through the study of formal principles of art and design. Studio projects emphasize these principles in physical and digital spaces using traditional studio skills and professional design software. Creative use of two-dimensional composition and color is engaged to solve increasingly complex design problems.
A combination lecture and studio course designed to increase appreciation of art through experimentation with materials in a variety of media. Includes exploration of elementary two-and three- dimensional problems in design. Field trips required.
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 argument synthesis essays. Students 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 class is a general introduction to graphic design studio practices and lays the foundation for advanced design classes. Topics include design and technical basics for publication design, ideation processes, and correct use of professional design software. Students will be introduced to Adobe CS tools as used for basic drawing, scanning, image editing, and layout for print and screen. Correct setup of digital files and presentation skills are stressed.
MAD-117 may be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
Practice combining nature and the imagination is directed toward exploring form and developing the basic techniques of drawing the undraped figure. Field trips required.
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.
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.
In this course students create a personal branding package, consisting of a professional resume, portfolio website, and other marketing materials as needed. Students prepare and revise cumulative work from all Media Arts classes for a targeted portfolio presentation, ready for job search or transfer. Topics such as further education opportunities, job preparedness, interview strategies, and job search communication are addressed. Throughout the semester, students will focus on identifying professional strengths and identifying personal and professional goals. Purchase of portfolio materials is required.
All required MAD or AGD courses or permission of department chairperson
All required MAD or 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
Students learn about industry-specific job search practices and developing a self-promotional package including resume, cover letter, and leave-behind materials, in addition to building an interactive portfolio website. Students evaluate their goals and set up strategies for meeting these goals. Career development includes topics on employment and employer research, job-targeted promotional materials, information on internships and transfer opportunities, interview strategies and an end of semester public portfolio review.
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
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-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
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Choose one course from MUS, ART, or THE designated as General Education Humanities (GE HUM)
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
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.