What does the VCD Program offer?
• Two year Associates of Applied Science degree - 66–72 hours
• Certificates - 28–54 hours

What courses do we offer?
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Digital Publishing
• Typography
• Interactive Design
• Web Page Design
• 2D & 3D Animation
• Digital Imaging
• Digital Video
• Electronic Prepress

Which software do we use?
• Discreet 3D Studio Max®
• Macromedia Flash®
• Macromedia Dreamweaver®
• QuarkXPress®
• Adobe Photoshop®
• Adobe Illustrator®
• Adobe Premiere®
• Adobe After Effects®
• Macromedia Fireworks®
• Adobe InDesign®
• Adobe Final Cut Pro®

Your success is our goal
We prepare students for employment by teaching industry standard processes and skills, as well as current technology, with a strong emphasis on concept development.
Our instructors are award-winning designers, currently working in the field. Students will prepare a digital or traditional portfolio to assist in acquiring employment in the visual communication industry upon graduation.

top

Our goal...
Is to prepare students for employment by teaching industry standard processes and skills, as well as current technology, with a strong emphasis on concept development.
Our instructors are award-winning designers, currently working in the field. Students will prepare a digital or traditional portfolio to assist in acquiring employment in the visual communication industry upon graduation.

It's important...
for all students to take classes in the correct sequence to save time, money, and frustration. Students should be advised every semester. Please check the VC degree plans for a complete list of all classes and prerequisites.

Where should students begin?
The following classes have no prerequisites: Basic Illustration, Basic Graphic Design, Digital Publishing I, Digital Imaging I, Interactive Multimedia I, 3D Modeling & Rendering I, Basic Graphic Design, Basic Illustration, Object Oriented Graphics and Offset Press Operations.

What jobs can I get with this preparation?
Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Illustrator, Animator, Junior Designer, Junior Art Director, Web Designer, Freelance Designer, Multimedia Designer, Producer: Web and/or Multimedia CD-ROM, Interactive Designer, Desktop Publisher, 3D Animator, 3D modeler and Prepress Technician

top

Is this an accredited institution?
All of our courses are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means that all of our instructors and curriculum must meet a set level of criteria established by the state of Texas.

Will my credit hours transfer to other schools?
All courses will transfer to any other Community College and some courses will transfer to four year universities. It is recommended, however, that you check with your four year university to ensure all courses will transfer into your intended major.

Will my credits from another school transfer towards a degree at ACC?
Courses taken at many accredited institutions will transfer toward a degree at ACC. Courses must have similar contents in order to transfer over as equivalent credit hours towards your intended major. Contact a Visual Communication advisor for specific information.

What if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
This normally means that you have completed your 15 hours of general education requirements, so you will only need to take the core courses in your chosen major.

Top

How should I choose my electives?
In order to strengthen your skills and make yourself more marketable in the visual communication industry, it is strongly recommended that your electives should be selected with advice from a VC faculty member.

How does your Internship Program work?
This course is normally reserved for the last semester. A student must have 30 hours of course work in the VC department. Students must have obtained enough skills and production knowledge in order for both parties to benefit (student and employer).

How are you connected with local industry?
The VC department has an advisory committee that consists of Graphic Design, Printing and Multimedia professionals. We survey the industry each summer. We are also involved with trade shows, local art groups and associations.

Can I challenge or place out of courses and receive credit?
Possibly, as long as you don't register for the class beforehand. Contact the VC office for more information.

When do you have open computer labs?
The Open Lab schedule is based on room availability. Check with a VC staff member.

Top

How many students per class?
The class limit is 12-13 students for all computer based courses and basic foundation courses, and 24 for lecture courses.

What is the student audience?
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds such as: high school graduates, college graduates, and design professionals.

How is the work structured in the classroom?
The instructors bring real world knowledge into the classroom, therefore many of the assignments are similar to an actual studio environment.

What do your computer labs offer?
We have both Mac and PC computer labs with industry standard graphic design and multimedia software. As required, labs will have printers, scanners, VCR's and TV monitors.

Do your students get jobs?
In the past we have had a 89% rate of employment success. We have a very active industry network and internship program that increases employment opportunities for students.

What extra things do you do to prepare me for employment?
We offer our students Portfolio Development classes in all our specializations.

Top

What kinds of awards have your students won?
Our students have won numerous awards locally and nationally such as the Austin Advertising Federation (ADDY) Award (local), and the Graphics New Talent Award (national). Texas State University's Creative Summit, AIGA Top Dog Awards, and more. (See the student's Portfolio Page).

Do you offer any scholarships?
Yes, we offer two scholarships that are awarded annually to VC students earning an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design and one scholarship for Digital Publishing & Graphics Technology. The amount of the award varies. Please go to the scholarship page for more information.

How much will my education cost?
ACC offers one of the least expensive education's in the state of Texas.
Fees and tuition for a 12 hour course load per semester are as follows:
- In District - $636.00*
- Out of District - $1392.00*
- Out of State - $2436.00*.

*The above is an approximation and is subject to change. The above does not include supplies, lab fees, insurance fees, or parking permits.

How can I get in contact with you or get additional information?
You may contact us the following ways:
- contact faculty from the faculty page on this website
- email us at viscom@austincc.edu
- call us at 512-223-4838 or 223-4797

The goal is, as always in graphic design, to communicate visually, interpret a problem in a personal way, while meeting the needs of others.

Top