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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.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
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.
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.
Take one of the following business electives - BUS-101, BUS-240, ENG-240, MKT-143, MKT-203, SBM-110, SBM-120, SBM-130, SBM-210.
This course is an advanced study of digital photography using a DSLR camera and the digital darkroom. A variety of methods and techniques are explored for professional photographic imaging including exposure, image manipulation, correction, multimedia applications and printing of digital files. Basic digital asset management and archiving methods will be utilized. Fine art printing, large format printing and alternative processes will be studied. Students will create a printed and online portfolio of color photography.
Course emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats. Additional supplies will need to be purchased.
MAT-101 or higher level mathematics course OR any General Education 3-credit science course. Students who are planning to transfer 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).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Take one of the following business electives - BUS-101, BUS-240, ENG-240, MKT-143, MKT-203, SBM-110, SBM-120, SBM-130, SBM-210.
This course provides an introduction to some essential techniques and tools for the professional photographer. These include image capture, manipulation, editing, organizing, printing and presenting digital files. Emerging technology such as Photoshop will be the primary tool for learning a variety of techniques like retouching, editing, manipulation, special effects, and preparing images for output. Visual thinking skills, multimedia literacy and photographic concepts will be explored.
This course provides hands on instruction on the subject of studio lighting and portraiture. It covers photographing in the studio and on location. Professional lighting techniques, styles and a variety of equipment are utilized. Knowledge of the DSLR camera and uses for the professional photographer will be studied. Images in both color and black-and-white will be created and printed using inkjet printing techniques. Basic image correction and retouching will also be explored. Professional presentation of photographic images for print and for online viewing will be discussed and practiced. Students are expected to perform a minimum of two location shoots on or off campus during the day or evening hours.
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 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.
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