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.
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.
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 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.
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.
In this course students become versed in fundamentals of layout and typographic design. Topics include history, letter forms, typographic anatomy, font selection, and use of grid systems for page layout. Through a series of design problems, students will use type as an effective visual element relevant to content. Historical and contemporary trends of typographical design will be explored, including typographic standards of print and electronic publications. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of work.
This course examines technical, aesthetic, and ethical imaging problems for print and web publishing. Advanced Photoshop and Illustrator skills will be covered as applied to developing and editing production quality CMYK and RGB artwork. Topics covered include image manipulation techniques, input and output methods, color correction, photo collage, conceptual illustration, and filter use. Conceptual and analytical thinking will be stressed in creating original visual statements. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of work.
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 provides the experience of working in teams on a professional advertising campaign. Projects include a research component of product or service, campaign development, final team presentation, and case studies detailing challenges, solutions, and showcasing final work and branding guidelines. Campaign elements can include, as appropriate print ads, billboards, social media, app and web design, storyboarding and video production.
Students will learn best studio practices for print and interactive publishing. The history of print and printing processes is explored as a background to modern production workflow. Pre-press topics include: color systems, file formats, image resolution, color separations, font issues, and paper selection. Technical issues are covered as they relate to print and PDF workflows with emphasis on trouble-free production files appropriate to intended output. Students will develop a cumulative portfolio of creative work that meets technical publication standards.
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
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).
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.