Graphic Communications
Associate in Fine Arts Degree
A Passion for the Visual Arts
An Associate in Fine Arts degree (AFA) from St. Louis Community College will quench your
thirst for anything connected with the visual and graphic arts. Students pursuing an AFA
should have an unlimited interest in communicating on a graphic or visual level. A fine arts
degree can take each student in several different directions within a wide range of media—
from print art directors to online content graphic designers and more. Students will learn
how to convey ideas and concepts graphically—including digital, design, drawing, illustration
or other media.
In a world that relies on strong visual and graphic design capabilities, an Associate in Fine
Arts degree will feed your passion for exceptional graphic representation and set you on
the career path you desire with a firm foundation in the visual arts.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Graphic
Communications (AFA) is a 71-credit-hour
program of study designed for students planning
to transfer to an accredited four-year public
university or private art school to earn a Bachelor
of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in graphic design or
illustration.
The Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree in
Graphic Communications is designed as a transfer
course of study that offers students an excellent
foundational learning experience. It parallels the
first two years of a (four-year) BFA degree in
graphic design or illustration. Completion of the
AFA in Graphic Communications requires two
full academic years. Students are able to enter
the program part-time, and evening classes are
offered throughout the academic year.
Upon successful completion of the AFA in
Graphic Communications, students may transfer
to several four-year art schools/programs to
complete the final two years of the professional
BFA degree. STLCC has transfer and course
articulation agreements with many local and
regional four-year colleges and universities.
Students at STLCC develop their skills in stateof-the-art facilities, using the latest industry
standard software programs such as Adobe
InDesign, Photoshop and Illlustrator. They learn
from instructors who are professionals in
their respective fields of expertise. Students
may become involved in student chapters of
professional organizations, including American
Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). In addition,
students participate in department-wide
portfolio reviews, as well as service learning and
community based projects that provide realworld experiences and challenges. The program is
accredited by the National Association of Schools
of Art and Design (NASAD) and boasts a long
history of graduating successful students.
OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS FIELD
With a BFA degree, students can find
employment in graphic design, animation, web
design, illustration, photography, publication design
and graphic production. Job opportunities are
available in art studios, advertising and design
agencies, printing, publishing, and internet firms,
corporations, institutions and non-for-profit
organizations.
An AFA/BFA partnership with the University of
Missouri-St. Louis exists for students who plan
to transfer to UM-St. Louis to earn a Bachelor of
Fine Arts degree. In recent years, AFA students
from STLCC have successfully transferred to
many of the most prestigious art schools around
the country.
SALARY INFORMATION
Graphic Communications salaries vary with
speciality, type of employer, years of experience
and professional reputation. According to the U.S.
Department of Labor Statistics and the AIGA,
the median annual wage of graphic designers
was $43,500 in May 2010, and 25 percent of
successful veteran designers have an income
over $100,000. Employment of graphic designers
is projected to increase by 13 percent from
2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for
all occupations. High job turnover should result
in numerous openings. However, competition
for senior graphic designer positions will be
very strong. The fastest growth is to be seen in
computer systems-based design services, as well
as specialized design services, advertising, and
public relations. About 30 percent of all graphic
designers are self-employed.
FEES
Please visit www.stlcc.edu/fees for the most
current information. Additional fees apply to
some courses. Fees are subject to change.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Florissant Valley
Julia Jenner, program coordinator
314-513-4865
jjenner@stlcc.edu
Forest Park
James Bruenger, program coordinator
314-644-9350
jbruenger4@stlcc.edu
Meramec
Michael Swoboda, program coordinator
314-984-7626
mswoboda@stlcc.edu
You can earn this degree at: Florissant Valley Forest Park Meramec
You may take general education classes toward this degree at any of our campuses or education centers.
Graphic communications
For more information on how to get
started on your career go to
www.stlcc.edu/getstarted.
Associate in Fine Arts Degree
CURRICULUM Course Number
AFA
Course Description
Credit Hours
General Education
___ENG:101
College Composition I
___ ENG:102
College Composition II (or)
___ENG:103
Report Writing (or)
___ MCM:217
Publications Writing (or)
___COM:101
Oral Communication I
___MTH:140
Mathematics (140 level or higher) or Science elective
___XXX:xxx
Missouri State Requirement
___XXX:xxx
Social Science Elective
___ XXX:xxx
Science Elective
Total Credits
3
3
4
3
3
3
19
Physical Education Activity
2
Area of Concentration
___ART:107
Design I
___ART:108
Design II
___ART:109
Drawing I
___ART:110
Drawing II
___ART:111
Figure Drawing I
___ART:112
Figure Drawing II
___ART:131
Computer Art Studio
___ART:133
Graphic Design I
___ART:134
Graphic Design II
___ART:233
Graphic Design III
___ART:234
Graphic Design IV
___ART:138
Drawing for Graphics I
___ART:238
Drawing for Graphics II
___ART:239
Illustration I
___ART:240
Illustration II
___ART:135
Graphic Production I
___ART:235
Graphic Production II
___AT:242
History of Graphic Communications
___ART:245
Portfolio Design and Professional Practices
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
3
2
Total Credits
50
Total Credits for Program
71
www.stlcc.edu/programs/Graphic_Communications_AFA
St. Louis Community College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities and employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran and shall take action necessary to ensure non-discrimination.
For information or concerns relating to discrimination matters at a particular location, you may contact the Section 504/Title II Coordinator, Donna Dare, at 314-539-5285 for matters relating to disabilities,
or the Title IX Coordinator, Pam McIntyre, at 636-422-2250 for matters relating to sex discrimination.
100848 May, 2014