Communication Design Foundation One-Year AAS Degree Program

http://fitnyc.edu/communicationdesign

Plan of Study

Semester 1		Credits
MAJOR AREA	CD 116 - Design Studio Intensive I	3
	CD 126 - Digital Graphics Intensive I	2
	CD 173 - Typography I	2
RELATED AREA	AD 217 - Advertising and Digital Design: Principles, Processes, and Practices	2
	CT 270 - Introduction to Motion Design	2
	DE 216 - Foundation in Spatial Experience Design	2
	GD 216 - New Approaches to Graphic Design	2
	PK 216 - Foundation in Packaging Design	2
Semester 2		Credits
MAJOR AREA	CD 217 - Capstone Design Studio	3
	CD 226 - Digital Graphics Intensive II	2
	CD 232 - Visual Language	2
	CD 234 - Color Studies	2
	CD 235 - Design History	3
	CD 273 - Typography II	2
RELATED AREA	CT 244 - Introduction to Web Design	2
TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
	MAJOR AREA	21
	RELATED AREA	12
	Total Credits:	33

*Fall 2026 Requirements: See below.

General Education Art & Design: 24 credits
One year AAS degree programs include completion of at least 30 transferable credits from an accredited college with a minimum of 24 liberal arts credits equivalent to FIT’s  General Education requirements. Six (6) additional transferable elective credits are required for 30 transferable credits total.

• 6 credits in college-level written and oral English communication (3 credits each in SUNY GE: COMO and COMW or a 3 credit a combination (SUNY GE: COMO and COMW) course plus additional 3 credits in English (taken in the U.S. or in a country in which English is an official language);
• 3 credits in college-level mathematics above basic algebra 
• 3 credits in physical science, biology, or life science (SUNY GE: NSCI). 
• 3 credits in diversity studies, specifically the historical and social factors related to equity, inclusion and social justice  (SUNY GE: DVRS)  
• 9 additional credits as follows:
  • 6 credits of Art History
  • 3 credits from one of the remaining SUNY GE Areas: 
    • The Arts (SUNY GE ARTS)
    • World History and Global Awareness (SUNY GE: GLBL)
    • Humanities (SUNY GE: HUMN)
    • Social Sciences (SUNY GE: SOCS)
    • U.S. History and Civic Engagement (SUNY GE: USCV)
    • World Languages (SUNY GE: WLNG)

Online Degree Option
The online degree is designed to give students flexibility in earning an Associate of Applied Science degree (see Online Degree Programs for additional information).

Students who successfully complete the Communication Design AAS program will be able to:

1. Apply two- and three-dimensional foundation principles to visual literacy problems.
2. Recognize and create effective typographic hierarchies as part of original graphic design solutions.
3. Apply research, analysis, and critical thinking skills to the various stages of effective communication design development from concept sketching to complete comprehensive.
4. Create well-executed projects with appropriate attention to detail, using both digital and hand skills.
5. Demonstrate professionalism and confidence in individual and group projects and presentations, which include the combination of oral, written, and visual skills.
6. Develop design solutions that address the parallel relationships between advertising design, graphic design, packaging design, and visual presentation and exhibition design.