WHAT PATHS?
PATHWAYS
Visual Arts,
Design, & Entertainment
Students that typically pursue Visual Arts and Design focus on careers in producing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services. Careers in this pathway require a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication.
AT A GLANCE
IS THIS YOU?
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I appreciate the arts
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I like to create new things or ideas
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Self-expression is important to me
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I work well in unstructured situations
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I like to speak and/or perform in front of people
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I enjoy being around imaginative individuals.
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I am attracted to creativity or cultural expression.
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I am independent, original, or innovative.
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I like to create things that entertain or inform others.
EXPRESSING MYSELF CREATIVELY
DESIGNING SOMETHING FUNCTIONAL
CREATING TO ENTERTAIN OR INFORM
Explore the Different Possibilities
Check out the specific concentrations within this interest cluster, with information regarding specific careers, as well as potential majors to pursue in college!
Animation
For the student looking to explore the art of the moving image, and to learn how to master the tools needed to articulate a creative vision, whether using film, animation, installations, interactive media or a combination.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Interior Design
Students pursuing interior design analyze design challenges of a complex nature. Issues of graphic communication, project analysis, programming, space planning, design and selection of interior components are presented in a logical sequence. Instruction emphasizes the three-dimensional possibilities of sculpting interior space, from conceptual ideas.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Performing Arts
For the student interested in maximizing their talents in their respective craft. Potential careers involve: Actor, Musician, Musical Theater Performer, Dancer, Theatre Director
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Architectural Design
For the student seeking to design, plan, manage, build and maintain environments. Potential careers involve: CAD drafting, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Exhibit Design, Set Design, Interior Decoration
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Communication Design
For the student pursuing design across a wide variety of media, designing communications that function effectively within complex webs of interactions between people, products, and environments. Potential careers involve: Graphic Design, Brand Communication, Industrial Design, Product Design, UX/UI Design
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Storytelling, Directing & Editing
For our creative thinkers that seek to become future storytellers and story creators. Potential careers involve: Film and Video Editing, Screenwriting, Producers and Directors, Sound Design, Journalism, Communication, Production, Photography
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Multimedia Design & Cinematography
For students who see themselves as visual creators in the film industry or in business settings. Potential careers involve: Motion Design, Video Graphics, Special Effects, Cinematography, Animation, Computer Graphics
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
ROADMAPS
Connect with Alumni or a Senior Mentor
Check out how our alumni students and current seniors are pursuing this pathway! Learn about what it takes. To learn more about an alumni's journey, check out their roadmap.
COURSEWORK
Choosing the Right Courses
Provided here are the COC classes that are recommended for your pathway. You are not required to take all them, so you should talk to your counselor to clarify which classes are right for you. Explore the different possibilities below!
CAWT 140
Survey of Microsoft Office Programs
Examines operating systems, Microsoft Office, word processing, spreadsheet analysis, database management, presentation software, and the application of information technologies to organizational settings.
Professors/Instructors
COMS 105
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Examines the principles and practices of public speaking, communication theory, and techniques for public speaking. Includes speech organization, development, research, audience analysis, reasoning, and presentation skills for the development of informative and persuasive speeches.
Professors/Instructors
MATH 140
Statistics
Examines statistical methods including empirical and theoretical frequency distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, probability, counting techniques and computer-based statistical software.
Professors/Instructors
MATH 104
Precalculus
Analyzes equations, inequalities, functions, systems of equations, conic sections, zeros of polynomial equations and additional topics in preparation for calculus.
Professors/Instructors
MATH 102
Trigonometry
Examines trigonometric functions, identities, and equations, along with solutions of triangles, complex numbers, vectors, and applications.
Professors/Instructors
GMD 142
Digital Illustration
Introduces digital illustration for graphic design using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Topics include: book, editorial and package design.
Professors/Instructors
MUSIC 131
Keyboard Instruction I
First of two levels of keyboarding, focusing on introductory skills. Emphasizes instruction in elementary music-reading, repertoire, piano technique, tone production, sight-reading, keyboard harmony, and performance styles.
Professors/Instructors
Lee, L.
MUSIC 107
History of Rock & Roll
Explores the rise of rock and roll as a modern musical genre and examines its place in modern society.
Professors/Instructors
Macpherson, W.
MUSIC 106
Development of Jazz
*CHECK COURSE CATALOG*
Professors/Instructors
MUSIC 100
Fundamentals of Music
Introduces the elements of music and musical notation; music reading and sight-singing; scales and intervals.
Professors/Instructors
Rios, L., Lawson, J.
ARCHT 260
3D CAD for Modeling/Animation
Presents advanced computer-aided drafting (CAD) features to create three-dimensional conceptual drawings. (prereq: Archt 084 or 160)
Professors/Instructors
Flores, O.
ARCHT 160
2D CAD for Architecture & Interior Design
Presents drawing and editing commands and procedures to complete basic 2-D CAD drawings for an architectural set of construction documents.
Professors/Instructors
Oliver, J.
Four-Year Ed Plans
Provided here are ed plans for you to take AOC & COC coursework for specific concentrations within this pathway.
Keep in mind that these ed-plans are subject to change based on your individual needs and preferences.
AA Degrees
Many of the ed-plans above do not result in earning an Associate Degree. However, completing one of the ed-plans above will still allow you to complete your IGETC and to transfer several General Ed college credits.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR THIS PATHWAY
For students who are considering applying to an art program, a creative portfolio (required for submission from colleges in visual arts and design) is most often the deciding factor in whether they are accepted. As such, students pursuing this pathway should look into mastering the practical skills relevant to their respective field.
Make sure to document your performances and to keep track of your creative pieces. It is recommended to begin crafting your portfolio in the summer before your junior year.
Show range with your work. If your strong point is graphite, do portraits or landscapes, for instance.
