72 Credits AAS3493, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
Graphic Communications is an ever-changing industry that encompasses magazine, newspaper and book printing, digital publishing, creative design, illustration, web page design, large format and digital printing and a host of other services according to the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation
As a student in the Graphic Communications program, you will be developing the creative side of yourself while carrying out your creativity in an actual production setting. The program offers training and instruction for students interested in graphic design, graphic production, web design and animation media.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 72 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $15,440
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $15,440 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (16 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
GCC1100 Introduction to Graphic Communications (4 credits)
This is an exploratory course covering many aspects of Graphic Communications. Hands-on projects will acquaint the learner with the various processes that encompass what graphic communications means to the general population. History of graphic communications, industry jargon, industry tours and guest speakers are also part of this course. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading Score 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1120 Graphic Software 1 (4 credits)
This course will be taught in a hands-on atmosphere, learning the basics of various software packages used within the industry. Students will work with the tools, menus and panels, and integrate the use of the software for print and non-print outputs. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA score of 750 or higher)
GCC1130 Layout and Typography (3 credits)
Students will be introduced to the conceptual planning process used in layout and design. Students will understand that type as well as graphics are important design elements of a layout. It will be demonstrated how type interacts with graphics in a layout. Layout principles, color, proofing and preparing literature for output and printing will also be included in this course. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score of 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1145 Color Applications and Digital Tools (3 credits)
This course is designed to cover basic topics which include input/output hardware and the software involved: basic scanning of graphics and photographs; basic digital camera usage; and file formats, size and resolution comparisons. Additionally, students will cover the basics of color theory and color management with practical knowledge for print and web. The course is taught in a hands-on atmosphere with an emphasis on the different methods of output to various devices and their effect on the digitized image. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Readig score 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1215 Drawing Foundations for Graphic Communications (3 credits)
This course covers basic drawing fundamentals and the use of drawing as a planning tool. Basic drawing techniques will be used to create thumbnail sketches, comprehensives and digital illustrations. Students will utilize traditional and computer drawing tools. (Prerequisite: GCC 1120)
GCC1220 Graphic Software 2 (4 credits)
Graphic Software 2 is a continuation of GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1. The course is taught in a hands-on atmosphere learning more advanced features of the page layout, vector and raster softwares. Students should already have the fundamentals of the tools, menus and panels within each of the software packages. More advanced topics, interactive features and animation software will be explored. (Prerequisite: GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1)
GCC1260 Printing Processes (4 credits)
This course is designed to acquaint the learner with the fundamentals of printing ink on various substrates. Coursework includes terminology, equipment and safety. The principles of offset lithography, screen, laser and inkjet printing are stressed in a hands-on laboratory atmosphere. Basic prep and post-press processes are also stressed in this course. (Prerequisites: GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1, GCC 1130 Layout and Typography)
GCC2110 Design and Illustration 1 (4 credits)
Students will learn planning procedures for advanced design, illustration and production principles on the board and in the use of various software. Projects may include brochure, package and logo design, variable data layouts, product photography planning, and preparing social media content. Color, preflight, output and live industry work will also be covered in this course. The advanced use of industry-used software will be essential in all assignments. (Prerequisites: GCC 1210 OR GCC 1215 AND GCC 1220)
GCC2120 Portfolio 1 (3 credits)
Students will design personal business logos and stationery ensembles which will include stationery, cover letters and resumes. Traditional portfolio page layouts will be designed and revised throughout the semester. Student work will be prepared for display in their portfolios. (Prerequisite: GCC 1220 Graphic Software 2)
GCC2150 Web/Interactive Media 2 (3 credits)
This course covers the basic preparation, planning and software used for multimedia and web presentation. Students will learn planning procedures for web and interactive media. These procedures will include planning flowcharts, wireframes and storyboards. Students will also learn file formatting and file preparation for web and interactive media. (Prerequisites: GCC 1220 and COMP 1140)
GCC2161 Production Work Flow 1 (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the Graphic Communications student to the workplace through tours, live projects, and special topics. Students will perform production tasks of design work of the student and/or live work of a customer within the college or non-profit entities within the community. These hands-on projects will incorporate all phases of graphic communications from design to workflow to production and finishing. Emerging technology and topics will also be discussed and researched as part of this course. (Prerequisites: GCC 1220 and GCC 1260)
GCC2210 Design and Illustration 2 (4 credits)
This course is a continuation of GCC 2110 Design and Illustration 1. Students will work in a hands-on atmosphere with higher-level projects such as packaging layouts, multi-page layouts and large format printing. The advanced use of industry-used software will be essential in all assignments. (Prerequisite: GCC 2110)
GCC2220 Portfolio 2 (3 credits)
Students will continue to research potential employment sites and prepare for the interviewing process in the graphic communications field. The students will continue to research, update and expand their portfolios with projects from other Graphic Communications courses as they prepare for graduation and entering the job market. (Prerequisite: GCC 2120 Portfolio 1)
GCC2250 Web/Interactive Media 3 (3 credits)
This course builds on the course work covered in GCC 2150. The capabilities of different web and interactive applications will continue to be explored. Students will finalize their webfolios, and design other various promotional web and interactive projects. (Prerequisite GCC 2150 Web/Interactive Media 2)
GCC2261 Production Work Flow 2 (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of GCC2161 - Production Work Flow 1. Students will work on production projects that will incorporate all phases of graphic communications from design to workflow to production to finishing. Fourth semester Graphic Communications students prepare materials to promote their annual spring display of work through various communication methods. Students continue to formulate their problem-solving, team-building and lifelong learning skills through this course. (Prerequisites: GCC 2161)
COMP1140 Web for Business (3 credits)
This course approaches developing web pages from a business point of view. It covers HTML5 and CSS3 markup languages used to create web pages. The course is intended for people wanting to learn how to create and publish web pages. No previous experience with HTML or programming is required. (Prerequisites: None)
Technical Courses (Optional)
The following courses are not required but are optional courses which may be beneficial to you in this career field. You will graduate from this program even if you do not complete these courses.
GCC2275 Special Problems (1 - 4 credits)
The student will propose and produce a project in their area of interest. (Prerequisite: GCC 1220 Graphic Software 2 OR advisor approval)
GCC2290 Graphic Communications Internship (1 - 3 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with a purposeful occupational experience in the Graphic Communications field. Each internship is an individualized experience. A plan is created for each student in conjunction with the training site to provide experience related to the skills and knowledge acquired in the program. This plan is based on the college's and the program's core competencies. One credit of Internship is equal to 48 hours. (Prerequisites: GCC 1210 Drawing for Graphic Designers OR GCC 1215 Drawing Foundations for Graphic Communications; GCC 1220 Graphic Software 2; and GCC 1260 Printing Processes; OR advisor approval)
Required Arts and Sciences (3 Courses)
To complete an AAS Degree, students must complete 18 MnTC credits from 3 of the 10 MnTC goal areas. Select the following courses:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
OR
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
ART130 Painting (3 credits)
Painting is an introductory studio course in the elements of traditional and contemporary oil painting. Students will explore and discuss the various techniques and methods basic to the creation of paintings. Students will participate in the discussions and critiques of traditional and contemporary paintings and explore the creative process via the medium of oil paint. (Prerequisites: None) (MNTC 6: Humanities and Fine Arts)
OR
ART140 Digital Photography (3 credits)
Introduction to the conceptual, technical and historical aspects of photography as a creative medium using digital technology within the fine arts context. Students study camera operation and techniques, composition and design, digital image capture, related software, and digital output. This class also utilizes the computer as a digital darkroom to enhance photographic images. Projects provide students with an understanding of how photographs function, not only technically, but also visually and conceptually. Students must have a digital camera; (variable F. Stop, and shutter recommended) Textbook and other supplies will also be required. (Prerequisite: None) (MNTC 6: Humanities and Fine Arts)
OR
ART150 Drawing I (3 credits)
This drawing course will further the students' understanding of the core elements of drawing: line, composition, perspective, proportion, texture, value, and shading. These drawing elements will be taught through both traditional and modern methods. The course will also include several short lectures to give examples of the work, and to expand art appreciation. There will be a strong emphasis on the student's ability to critique their own work along with their peers. The dialogue within the classroom will help to expand the student's skills and process. (Prerequisites: None) (MNTC 6: Humanities and Fine Arts)
Elective Arts and Sciences
Select 8 additional MNTC credits from goals 1 - 10. The following courses are recommended: PSYC100, SOC100, ART100, ENGL130, PHIL100 and PHIL 215.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
