Visual Communications
Technology (VCT) Program

Program Description
The two-year Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Visual Communication Technology prepares its graduates for first-time employment in the varied and rapidly changing field of visual communications. The program seeks to provide a comprehensive background for its students as well as opportunities for specialized study within the diverse areas of the industry. Entering students - who may begin any quarter - pursue an integrated program of foundation courses in art and design, computer graphics, visual communication media, business and communications.  >Program website: Shoreline Visual Arts

Opportunity Grant - excellent education for free
We have the privilege of offering you an excellent education for free, through the Opportunity Grant, which is given to us from the State of Washington. The idea of this program is to: offer you training to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, or continue your training (if other financial aid has ended), steer you into a career ladder that can help you be successful and self-sufficient. The Opportunity Grant is for students enrolled in Automotive, Phlebotomy, Visual Communication Technology, Education, manufacturing, Accounting, and Business Technology. These programs have short-term training available, often leading to living wage jobs in less than a year, in fields that currently have a high number of vacancies. Eligible students get free tuition for 45 credits, $1000.00 for books and/or tools, and financial assistance for certain emergency situations. >Click Here for More Information.

Degrees and Certificates
AAAS Option A: Graphic Design
AAAS Option B: Digital Image Production
AAAS Option C: Digital Arts and Imagery
AAAS Option D: Digital Interactive Media
AAAS Option E: Marketing
VCT Graphic Print Production (one year certificate)

Transfer Degrees
Associate in Fine Arts Foundation Studio Art - AFA
Associate in Fine Arts Photography - AFA

• Short Term Certificates
  • VCT Art and Design Foundation
  • VCT Business Foundation
  • VCT Computer Foundation
  • VCT Computer Graphics Foundation
  • VCT Advanced Digital Illustration and Animation
  • VCT Advanced Digital Photography
  • VCT Advanced Multimedia
  • VCT Advanced Prepress and Print Production
  • VCT Advanced Web Design
  • VCT Digital Video New Media
  • Web Development E-Commerce
  • Web Development Web Writer

Advisors
Jim Reddin
   jreddin@shoreline.edu, (206)533-6792
Bruce Amstutz,
   bamstutz@shoreline.edu, (206) 546-5822
Christine Shafner
   cshafner@shoreline.edu, (206)546-4667
Mary Bonar, Program Manager
   mbonar@shoreline.edu, (206)546-4671

Program Options
Students may add additional specializations to their two- year degree by taking extra courses. All programs of study emphasize portfolio development. Students are encouraged to seek industry experience through internships during their second year of study.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of settings including advertising agencies, publication houses, public relation firms, commercial graphics companies, visual support departments, printing departments, news agencies, print shops, digital service bureaus, software development companies, digital media companies, photo-processing companies, and the Internet. Some companies have in-house production departments while others subcontract with advertising agencies and independent designers.

Innovations in computer technology continue to rapidly change and expand the field of visual communication, in general, and the Visual Communication Technology Program at Shoreline Community College in particular. The following courses of study are subject to change. The student entering the program should expect these changes and stay in contact with vocational advisors in their area of study. Please note that courses indicated as Art XXX or VCT XXX are currently being developed, and that some changes to course titles and descriptions are pending. Programs of study may be changed by students with the consent of the Visual Communications Technology faculty and the Humanities Division Dean. Students who do not start Fall Quarter may find that conflicts in course scheduling may require a longer time to graduate.

Certificates of Completion for focused programs of study and one-year Certificates of Proficiency are available as alternatives to the two-year degree.

Students complete General Education requirements, VCT Foundation requirements and VCT Degree Option requirements as described below.