Graphic design is used in a number of fields.
Alfred State College (ASC) is part of the technology sector of the State University of New York (SUNY) collegiate system and is as well known for its practical applications as its coursework. The college recently announced the addition of a bachelor's of science degree to its Digital Media and Animation program. At the core of all of ASC's graphic design programs is the enhancement of student creativity wedded to the study and practical application of industry-standard computer graphics software applications.
CAD-CAM Technology
Computer-aided drawing or drafting (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology coursework prepares you for engineering and manufacturing careers. You will study multidimensional modeling and automation with respect to robotics. An associate degree in applied science (AAS) in CAD-CAM technology at ASC requires the following college coursework: algebra, geometry, trigonometry and physics.
Students need a high-end laptop that has an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, Windows Vista Business, Vista Ultimate or Windows XP Professional, 4 gigabytes memory, 512 megabytes graphics memory, a 250GB Hard Drive and a 17-inch display monitor.
Digital Media and Animation
Digital media and animation prepares you for careers in motion graphics, video games and animation. Digital media and animation for the AAS degree requires algebra. The bachelor's of science program requires algebra and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores with a recommended combined SAT score of 1,000 (reading and math critical) or a composite ACT score of 21. Two film festival entries are required prior to graduation.
Students will work in the MacBook Pro lab and will need an Apple MacBook Pro laptop with two graphic cards for accelerated 3-D graphics to run Boot Camp to switch between Vista and Mac OS X. By using Boot Camp, part of the operating system, Windows XP or even Vista can be installed and run along with Windows software--the laptop acts like two computers in one.
Computer Aided Drafting
The CAD drafting coursework results in an associate in occupational studies (AOS) degree at ASC upon completion of the program. It requires algebra, the ability to read a computer monitor, use of digitizing equipment and good hand-eye coordination to use this equipment. AOS coursework prepares the student for entry level careers in several industries.
A baseline laptop computer is required prior to school's start. This computer should have an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, Windows Vista Business, Vista Ultimate or Windows XP Professional, 2GB of memory, 256MB of graphics memory, a 160GB hard drive and a 15-inch monitor.
CAD Model Building
CAD model building and process piping drawing offers an AOS degree. Algebra is recommended. Students must be able to read a computer monitor and know use digitizing equipment prior to beginning classes. Those wishing to pursue careers in CAD technical illustration need completion of the same prerequisites.
CAD model building and process piping drawing prepares you for careers in pipeline technologies. CAD technical illustration will provide skills needed in graphic publications. Both degree programs require a baseline laptop computer. See baseline computer specifications under Computer Aided Drafting.
Architectural Engineering Technology
Architectural engineering technology AAS-degree career paths will need algebra, geometry and trigonometry prior to signing up for the course. Physics is recommended. This program provides a foundation in architectural design and graphic communication, as well as 3-D modeling and animation.
If you enroll in this program, you will need a high end laptop. See high end laptop specifications under CAD-CAM Technology.
Architectural Technology
The Bachelor of Science in architectural technology requires a portfolio and portfolio review, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in program courses, and a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 to progress to junior year. Algebra, geometry and trigonometry, SAT or ACT scores with a recommended combined SAT score of 1,000 or a composite ACT score of 21 are also required. This coursework allows you to start an architecture career as an advanced technician or intern.
You will need a high-end laptop in this program. See high-end laptop specifications under CAD-CAM Technology.
Mechanical Design Engineering Technology
The mechanical design engineering technology AAS-degree program has the same recommendations and requirements as the architectural engineering technology AOS degree. This program can set you on a course to be a technician in automotive design, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, other energy systems and product design.
The requirement is a high-end laptop for this program. See high-end laptop specifications under CAD-CAM Technology.
