Graphic Design and Digital Media at NWFSC

Introduction to our Degree and Certificate Programs

Graphic Design Studio There are two degrees and four certificates offered in the Graphic Design and Digital Media Programs at Northwest Florida State College (click to see more information about each).:

Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts Technology

Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media/Multimedia Technology

Certificate in Digital Media/Multimedia Authoring

Certificate in Digital Media/Multimedia Presentation

Certificate in Graphic Design Production

Certificate in Graphic Design Support

The NWFSC catalog defines A.A.S. degrees in part as follows: "...A.A.S. degrees are two-year programs containing a general education component of at least 18 general education credits in five subject areas and at least 42 college credits in a specific technical or professional skill area." The A.A.S. degree is not intended to transfer into a Bachelor's program, however students can continue in Bachelor's programs, with limited transferable credit.

Many students ask about the difference between an associate's and bachelor's degree in the workplace. In our program, most of the coursework toward the A.A.S. is in your major, with a core of supporting general education credits. In a bachelor's program, you would have a similar requirement of credit in your major with a much larger commitment to credit in general education areas. Employers will obviously give more weight to applicants holding a bachelor's degree, but will make a decision after a review of the applicants actual skills and abilities as evidenced by a portfolio of creative work. If you have the opportunity to continue your education at the bachelor's level beyond our programs, you should take advantage of it. The knowledge and experience you can gain from a broad liberal arts education in a bachelor's program is invaluable. However, you may discover that we actually offer more directly relevant and practical coursework in your major than many four-year programs. This can enable you to develop a better portfolio in a shorter time frame. Also, coursework in our programs can act as a springboard to higher level study.

Certificates in this department are awarded to indicate that a student has had certain core coursework that is applicable toward a full A.A.S. degree program. Each certificate represents a basic skill set only, and should not be considered a substitute for the full degree program. All students are encouraged to acquire the certificates as they progress toward completion of a degree.