Mar 19, 2026  
College Catalog 2026 - 2027 
  
College Catalog 2026 - 2027

Visual Design Option, A.S.


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The Associate in Science Degree in Visual Design is intended to prepare students for transfer to 4-year design schools and for entry into the field of visual design. This program is comparable to the first two years of a typical four-year design program. It provides students with rigorous foundation and design courses, and pragmatic experience. Working through the program, students will produce a portfolio of design work that demonstrates their preparedness in industry-standard technical and visual-thinking skills essential for transfer into undergraduate design programs, and entry-level jobs.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Total Credits: 15


Semester 1 Advising Note

Semester 2


Total Credits: 15


Semester 2 Advising Note

  • VMA-105  is not for VMA majors - do not take.
  • VMA-133  required for VMA-232  in semester 3 (fall semester).

Semester 3


Total Credits: 18-19


Semester 3 Advising Note

  • VMA-232  is offered in fall only.

Semester 4


Total Credits: 13-14


Semester 4 Advising Note

  • VMA-233  is offered in spring only.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • Approach visual design as a thoughtful, iterative process that includes research, problem-solving, ideation, prototyping, and refinement.
  • Apply core principles of typography, color, composition, and image-making, across both print and digital media.
  • Create a professional portfolio that supports transfer to four-year programs, internship opportunities, and entry-level design employment.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard software for vector graphics, image editing, layout, and interactive design, and prepare files that meet professional production requirements for both print and digital media.
  • Manage time and resources effectively to meet project goals, deadlines, and client expectations.
  • Communicate design concepts clearly and confidently through written, verbal, and visual presentations.
  • Engage in critique, collaboration, and analysis to support creative growth and communicate ideas with peers, clients, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Work respectfully and cooperatively with others by valuing different perspectives, supporting open exchange of ideas, and recognizing the role of design in building community and shared understanding.

Career Outlook


Graduates of this program will produce a portfolio of design work demonstrating foundation and entry-level skills and knowledge needed for careers in fields such as: advertising, print and digital book design, editorial design, environmental design, experience design, identity design, illustration, information design, in-house design, interaction design, motion graphics, packaging, print design, product design, typography, UX design, and web design.

Explore Career Options

Transfer Options


Transfer Advising Guides

MassTransfer A2B Map

  • Bridgewater State University
  • Salem State University
  • Westfield State University

MassTransfer A2B Link

  • University of Massachusetts Lowell

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