Bachelor of DesignVisual Design
Adviser Documentation
Program Overview
The B.Des Visual Design is a 94-credit professional degree designed for completion in 3 years. All upper-division (300/400-level) courses are completed in Year 3.
Studio-Based
Hands-on design education with real projects
Digital-First
Web, UX, motion graphics, and interactive design
Brand Strategy
Strategic thinking for modern design challenges
Capstone Project
Professional portfolio-ready final project
Career-Ready Skills
- Print, packaging, and publication design
- Web and interactive design
- User experience (UX) design
- Motion graphics and video
- Brand identity systems
- Experiential and environmental design
- Accessible design practices
- Professional portfolio development
Program Details
- Total Credits
- 94 credits
- Duration
- 3 years (6 semesters + summers)
- Accreditation
- HLC Accredited
- Department
- Visual Arts
- Division 3 Dean
- Bryan Robertson
Accelerated Pathway Available
Dedicated students entering with AP credit (such as ART 110, ART 112, and/or general education equivalents) may be able to complete the B.Des in approximately 2 years post-high school. Consult with an advisor to map your personalized pathway.
Stackable Credential Pathway
Build your credentials incrementally. Each level stacks upon the previous, allowing you to enter the workforce at multiple exit points while keeping the door open for continued education.
Graphic Design Certificate
33 credits
Entry-level credential with design fundamentals
AAS Visual Design
64 credits
Comprehensive associate degree with AGEC
B.Des Visual Design
94 credits
Professional baccalaureate degree
Graphic Design Certificate
Entry-level credential with design fundamentals
AAS Visual Design
Comprehensive associate degree with AGEC
B.Des Visual Design
Professional baccalaureate degree
AAFA Visual Art — Related but NOT Stackable
The Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Art (AAFA) is a transfer-focused degree with different requirements. While some courses overlap, it does not directly stack into the B.Des pathway.
Graphic Design Certificate
An entry-level credential covering design fundamentals, digital tools, typography, and visual communication.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 110 Drawing I | 3 |
ART 114 Color | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 112 Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
DES 100 Digital Design Studio | 3 |
ART 139 Video Editing | 3 |
Stackable Credential
The Graphic Design Certificate stacks directly into the AAS Visual Design. All certificate courses count toward the associate degree, allowing seamless continuation.
AAS Visual Design
A comprehensive associate degree that incorporates the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) for improved transferability while building advanced design skills.
Year 1
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 110 Drawing I | 3 |
ART 114 Color | 3 |
ENG 101 College Composition I | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 112 Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
DES 100 Digital Design Studio | 3 |
Year 2
AGEC Integration
The AAS Visual Design now incorporates AGEC requirements, including Written Communication, Quantitative Reasoning, Natural Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. This improves transferability while maintaining design focus.
B.Des Visual Design
The first two years of the B.Des largely mirror the AAS Visual Design progression. Students completing the AAS can continue directly into Year 3 of the B.Des.
Course Level Notation
Courses marked UD are upper-division (300/400-level).
Year 1Lower Division / 33 credits
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 110 Drawing I | 3 |
ART 114 Color | 3 |
ENG 101 College Composition I | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
ART 112 Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
DES 100 Digital Design Studio | 3 |
Year 2Lower Division / 31 credits
AAS to B.Des Transition
Students who complete the AAS Visual Design can continue directly into Year 3 of the B.Des. The AAS serves as the foundation for the bachelor's degree, with all courses counting toward the B.Des requirements.
Year 3Upper Division / 30 credits / All 300/400-level
Capstone Sequence
Design Project Research & Production I
Define capstone project, research planning, requirements
Design Project Research & Production II
Produce deliverables, accessibility checks, validation
Design Capstone
Finalize project, presentation, case study
Portfolio
Professional portfolio curation and job prep
Specialized Skills
- Brand Strategy — Digital marketing, content strategy
- Interaction Design — Motion, prototyping, UI systems
- Experiential Design — Wayfinding, environmental graphics
- Professional Portfolio — Case studies, job preparation
Career Outcomes
Year 3 culminates in a comprehensive capstone project and professional portfolio, preparing graduates for:
- AgencyDesign agency positions
- In-HouseCorporate design teams
- FreelanceIndependent practice
- StudioLaunch your own studio
Credential Comparison
Compare the stackable credentials to find the right path for your goals.
| Feature | Certificate | AAS | B.Des | AAFANot stackable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 33 | 64 | 94 | 62 |
| Duration | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Credential Type | Certificate | Associate | Bachelor | Associate |
| Stacks to B.Des | ||||
| Includes AGEC | ||||
| Upper-Division | ||||
| Capstone Project | ||||
| Portfolio Course | ||||
| Primary Outcome | Entry-level design fundamentals | Comprehensive design + transferable gen eds | Professional-level design career | Transfer to 4-year fine arts program |
Graphic Design Certificate
33 cr- Duration
- 1 year
- Type
- Certificate
- Stacks to B.Des
- AGEC
Outcome: Entry-level design fundamentals
AAS Visual Design
64 cr- Duration
- 2 years
- Type
- Associate
- Stacks to B.Des
- AGEC
Outcome: Comprehensive design + transferable gen eds
B.Des Visual Design
94 cr- Duration
- 3 years
- Type
- Bachelor
- Stacks to B.Des
- AGEC
Outcome: Professional-level design career
AAFA Visual Art
62 cr- Duration
- 2 years
- Type
- Associate
- Stacks to B.Des
- AGEC
Outcome: Transfer to 4-year fine arts program
AAFA Visual Art
Different Degree Path
The Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Art (AAFA) is a transfer-focused fine arts degree. It is designed for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or similar degree. The AAFA does NOT directly stack into the B.Des Visual Design.
Relationship to B.Des
Key Differences
- AAFA focuses on fine art (drawing, painting, sculpture) rather than design
- AAFA is designed for university transfer, not workforce entry
- AAFA does not include DES-prefix design courses
When to Recommend AAFA
- Student wants to transfer to a 4-year BFA program
- Student is interested in studio fine arts (not commercial design)
- Student wants maximum general education transferability
Transition Points (Where Degrees Meet)
These courses are shared between AAFA and the B.Des pathway. A student switching between programs would carry these courses forward:
Shared Foundation Courses
- ART 110 Drawing I
- ART 112 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART 114 Color
- ART 113 Three-Dimensional Design
These courses transfer directly between AAFA and B.Des pathways
Art History Requirements
- ART 200 or ART 201
Both programs require art history; courses are interchangeable
Video/Film Media
- ART 139/FMA 139 Video Editing
- FMA 150 History of American Cinema
Shared media production and history courses
AAFA Progression Plan (Reference)
Teach-Out Overview
Practical guidance for advising students during the transition from the old Graphic Design AAS/Certificate to the new Visual Design programs.
Affected Students
Note: Many students are early in their programs and can seamlessly convert to the new progression.
Transition Timeline
- • ART 130 → DES 204 (last ART 130)
- • ART 230 ends
- • New DES courses begin
- • ART 131 ends
- • ART 233 ends
- • DES 101 runs
- • ART 132 ends
- • ART 234 ends
- • DES 103 runs
Advising Decision Flowchart
Apply course substitutions
Use crosswalk for subs
Key Contacts
Course Crosswalk
Complete mapping of old courses to new courses. Use this reference when applying substitutions for transitioning students.
For Advisors
The courses below are transitioning to new DES-prefix courses with updated numbers. Advisors unfamiliar with design should note: ART 131 (old Graphic Design I) is now replaced by DES 101 (Principles of Visual Communication I).
| Old Course | New Course | |
|---|---|---|
ART 131 Graphic Design I | DES 101 Principles of Visual Communication I | |
ART 132 Graphic Design II | DES 103 Principles of Visual Communication II | |
ART 130 Web Design | DES 204 Web Design | |
ART 230 Graphic Design III | DES 305 Applied Design I | |
ART 233 User Experience Design | DES 306 User Experience Design | |
ART 234 Advanced Graphic Design Projects | DES 307 Applied Design II | |
ART 137 Adobe Photoshop I | DES 100 Digital Design Studio | |
ART 231 Digital Illustration | ART 214 Digital Illustration |
Key Substitution Rules
ART 131 → DES 101
ART 131 (Graphic Design I) is replaced by DES 101 (Principles of Visual Communication I).
ART 137 Special Case
ART 137 (Adobe Photoshop I) may continue running for lifestyle/community learners. Substitution to DES 100 is only required if the student declares for B.Des. Otherwise, ART 137 satisfies AAS/Certificate requirements.
200 → 300 Level Courses
ART 230, 233, and 234 have moved to 300-level (DES 305, 306, 307) per HLC requirements. These are now B.Des-only courses and no longer part of the AAS or Certificate.
AAS/Certificate Replacements
For AAS/Certificate students not pursuing B.Des, the old 200-level design courses are replaced by ART/FMA electives (FMA 150, FMA 138, ART 139, ART 113) which run more frequently.
Curriculum Map
Understanding the I → R → M progression: how skills develop from introduction through reinforcement to mastery across the program.
Introduced
Concept is introduced; students gain initial exposure and basic understanding
Reinforced
Concept is practiced and deepened through application
Mastered
Concept is demonstrated at a professional level with independence
Skill Progression Through the Program
Introduced (I)
Year 1Foundational concepts introduced with basic understanding
Reinforced (R)
Year 1-2Skills practiced and deepened through application
Mastered (M)
Year 2-3Professional-level demonstration with independence
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
The B.Des has 10 PLOs that build upon the AAS (8 PLOs) and Certificate (7 PLOs). Below is a comparison showing how outcomes scale across credentials:
| # | B.Des PLO |
|---|---|
| 1 | Design connected systems for print, packaging, screens, and spaces that work together to achieve communication goals |
| 2 | Construct interactive prototypes using established methods to meet documented requirements |
| 3 | Implement complex typographic systems according to historical design conventions |
| 4 | Compose appropriate fine art techniques to meet communication goals in design deliverables |
| 5 | Create design deliverables that meet defined technical standards |
| 6 | Critique design deliverables with discipline-specific terminology to propose actionable revisions |
| 7 | Demonstrate work evidencing the synthesis of historical research, professional standards of execution, and project management |
| 8 | Create design deliverables that meet defined accessibility standardsB.Des only |
| 9 | Substantiate design decisions with presentations appropriate for clients, collaborators, and fabricatorsB.Des only |
| 10 | Compose tangible design artifacts that are producible with real materials, processes, and compliance rulesB.Des only |
Reading the Curriculum Map
The full curriculum map (available from the department) shows which Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) align with each PLO. Numbers in cells indicate which specific CLOs from that course support each PLO. This ensures comprehensive coverage and no gaps in skill development.
Key Advising Points
Essential information for advisors working with visual design students. Keep this section bookmarked for quick reference.
3-Year Completion
The B.Des is a 94-credit, 3-year degree. All 400-level courses are in Year 3. There is NO 4th year.
Stackable Pathway
Certificate (33 cr, 1 yr) → AAS (64 cr, 2 yr) → B.Des (94 cr, 3 yr). Each credential stands alone.
AAFA Not Stackable
AAFA Visual Art does NOT stack into B.Des. Some courses overlap, but it's a different pathway designed for university transfer.
AGEC Integrated
The AAS Visual Design now incorporates AGEC requirements, improving transferability while maintaining design focus.
Teach-Out in Progress
Old ART-prefix courses are being phased out. Use the Course Crosswalk for substitutions. Contact Program Lead for complex cases.
Accelerated Option
Students with AP credit (ART 110, ART 112, gen eds) may complete B.Des in ~2 years post-high school.
Quick Reference
| Credential | Credits | Duration | Stacks to B.Des |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 33 | 1 year | |
| AAS Visual Design | 64 | 2 years | |
| B.Des Visual Design | 94 | 3 years | — |
| AAFA Visual Art(Fine Arts) | 62 | 2 years | — |
Common Advising Questions
- Q:Can a student complete just the Certificate and stop?
- A: Yes. Each credential stands alone. Students can exit after Certificate, AAS, or continue to B.Des.
- Q:Can AAFA students switch to B.Des?
- A: Yes, but not seamlessly. They'll carry over shared foundation courses (ART 110, 112, 113, 114, art history). They'll need to complete design-specific DES courses.
Need More Help?
For complex advising situations or questions not covered here, contact the Program Lead: