Graphic Design Degrees in Colorado (I-Z)
Many colleges offer graphic design degrees in Colorado, and it is no wonder why. With Colorado’s unique geography which includes alpine mountains, vast plains and deserts with huge sand dunes, the state presents many opportunities for those with an artistic ability to express their talents.
ITT Technical Institute – Westminster
ITT Technical Institute is one of the leading private colleges offering technology based education with a flexible schedule. The school has more than 140 locations throughout 38 states, with a headquarters in Indianapolis. ITT Tech has offered higher education courses designed for working students since 1969.
The ITT Tech campus at Westminster is located on Wolff Court and courses are offered through four different departments:
• School of Information Technology
• School of Electronics Technology
• School of Drafting and Design
• School of Business
In order to apply to ITT Tech, students must be at least 16 years of age and have either a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. Students must provide a copy of their diploma, a copy of their high school transcript. Students may be required to pass an English proficiency examination as well.
Drafting and Design Technology: Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Drafting and Design Technology program exposes students to a wide variety of skills that are necessary for entry-level positions for computer-aided drafting (CAD) or design professions. The curriculum includes CAD technology along with conventional drafting methods to give students a well-rounded education. Students use drafting and light tables as part of the curriculum, and also gain experience with drafting instruments, scales and calculators. Graduation requires completion of 93 credit hours, and some classes may be taught online rather than in the classroom. Students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Contact Information
ITT Technical Institute – Westminster
8620 Wolff Court, Suite 100
Westminster, CO 80031
Email: admissions@rarapahoe.edu
Telephone: 303-288-4488
Link
ITT Tech – Aurora
ITT Technical Institute is one of the largest private institutions whose mission is to provide flexible education for working adults as well as those who can attend full time. The Aurora campus is located on East Iliff Place in Aurora, and the school is headquartered in Indianapolis. Classes at ITT Tech are offered year round with breaks planned throughout the school year. All degrees offered at ITT Tech are career-focused. The Aurora location offers courses in four departments:
• School of Information Technology
• School of Electronics Technology
• School of Drafting and Design
• School of Business
Students must be at least 16 years of age and possess either a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED). Students must provide proof of high school graduation with a copy of their diploma or a high school transcript. Students may also be required to take an English proficiency examination prior to admittance.
Drafting and Design Technology: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Students who enter the Drafting and Design Technology program receive education in a variety of drafting and design fundamentals, including computer-aided drafting (CAD) technologies. In addition, traditional types of drafting and design are covered throughout the program, providing students with the knowledge necessary to obtain an entry-level position in the industry. Courses such as architectural drawing and design, as well as parametric modeling, and structural detailing help students develop the skills they need to enter the drafting and design world. Students who suffer from color-blindness or other disorders that prevent them from distinguishing between colors may not be able to perform the functions necessary to successfully complete this degree.
Contact Information
ITT Technical Institute – Aurora Campus
12500 East Iliff Avenue, Suite 100
Aurora, CO 80014
Telephone: 303-695-8317
Link
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
Founded in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design was created to provide art training based on traditional Renaissance-era methods. Steele was a well-known illustrator and educator and he wanted to develop a community of creative people who would instill the same passion for creativity and innovation that he had. His goal was to nurture students individually while continuing to offer social responsibility locally and globally.
The campus itself has a rich and colorful history. The Jewish Consumptives Relief Society built a safe haven for patients suffering from tuberculosis, for which there was no known cure at the time. Many believed that the ample sunshine and crisp mountain air would help ease the suffering of those dealing with the disease. The remote retreat grew to become the largest free tuberculosis treatment facility in the world. By the mid-1950s, the tuberculosis epidemic died down and the city of Lakewood began to move closer to what was once a remote location. Eventually, the institution discontinued tuberculosis treatment and became a cancer center, changing their name to the American Medical Center. In 2002, RMCAD purchased the location, and although they modernized buildings to serve the needs of design students, they have retained as much of the history of the campus as possible.
Bachelor of Fine Arts + Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Students who enter the Graphic Design program at RMCAD learn to create visual experiences as part of an ever-changing world. The program at RMCAD combines today’s technology with traditional studies in art history, design theory and works to develop critical thinking skills. Students also receive hands-on training by working with skilled design professionals through internships or job placement. Graphic design differs from regular fine arts degrees as art is designed for specific audience. The program highlights research techniques, presentations, software and storytelling.
At RMCAD, students dig deeper into their design studies, identifying, analyzing and solving real-world problems with a humanistic approach. Graduates are especially equipped to launch their design career in many fields, including advertising, product design and more.
Contact Information
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
1600 Pierce Street
Denver, CO 80214
Telephone: 800-888-ARTS
Link
The Art Institute of Colorado
The Colorado Institute of Art opened in 1952 as a professional technical-career college. In 1960, John Jellico, a former assistant director of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, joined others to purchase the school, which they operated until it was sold in 1975 to Education Management Corporation of Pittsburgh. In 1977, as the Art Institute of Colorado, accreditation was issued by the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools and the campus moved to a new location on 9th Avenue. In 2000, the school moved to its current location, using a state-of-the-art facility on Lincoln Street. In 2008, the school was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Today, the Art Institute of Colorado serves approximately 2,100 students form more than 40 states and 15 countries. There are approximately 140 full- and part-time faculty, and many of them are practicing professionals in their field.
Media Arts and Animation Bachelor of Arts
Students in the Media Arts and Animation program build a strong foundation in design, drawing and illustration, beginning with 2D formats. As they progress through the program, they begin working with 3D formats that are computer generated, making characters and objects come alive. The program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain entry-level positions as animator, special effects artist, layout artists and more in the design profession. Students obtain a combination of technical and conceptual skills, with a focus on building proficiency in drawing and media-based skills. Students are required to prepare a portfolio that demonstrates their ability from conceptualization to the final production.
Contact Information
Art Institute of Colorado
1200 Lincoln Street
Denver, CO 80203-2172
Telephone: 888-624-0300
Link
Trinidad State Junior College
Trinidad State was the first junior college in Colorado, having been established in 1925. The goal of the college was to provide affordable education to students in southern Colorado and beyond. They are also home to the oldest gunsmithing school in the country. The college was first housed in Trinidad High School until classes were moved to Tillotson Academy on Prospect Street. The school has offered two-year programs since 1932. In 1940, ground was broken for the first permanent structure for Trinidad State, and it was dedicated as the Berg Administration Building in 1941. The building was named in honor of Mr. Albert Berg, a member of the junior college committee for many years. The Scott Gymnasium, named for George W. Scott, the first dean and athletic director at the college, was completed in 1942.
Graphic Design
The Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design at the Trinidad State prepares students for careers in the graphic design profession using real world experience that develop the student’s natural talents. Students learn techniques to research new trends and technology in the field of graphic design, as well as use computers with the most up-to-date software in the industry. Students also learn fundamentals of business and gain the ability to think critically. Classes include typography, history of design, web motion graphics, commercial art and more in the graphic design field, while also taking core courses in English, math and science.
Contact Information
Trinidad State Junior College
600 Prospect Street
Trinidad, CO 81082
Telephone: 800-621-TSJC
University of Denver
In 1865, the Colorado Seminary was founded by John Evans, who was then the governor of the Colorado Territory and a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln, with the backing of the Methodist Church and local businessmen. Evans was a firm believer that education should be closely tied to Christianity and that furthering education built strong character. However, the trustees wanted an institution that was open to all denominations, not just those of the Methodist faith, and, as part of the initial charter, the trustees stated that no test of religious faith be used to determine who was admitted to the institution.
The seminary closed its doors due to an unstable economy after Denver’s gold rush, but, in 1880, reopened as the University of Denver. In 1884, John Hipp became the first graduate of the university. In 1890, the University of Denver relocated to land donated by Rufus “Potato” Clark, a reformed alcoholic and potato farmer, who owned property several miles south of Denver.
Today, the college stands on the corner of University Boulevard and Evans Avenue, and has produced eight Rhodes Scholars, with the first, Stanley Kuhl Hornbeck, named in 1904. Students work closely with faculty, peers and members of the community, providing them hands-on experience beyond the classroom. Students are also encouraged to study abroad as well.
BFA Studio Art
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, students from the University of Colorado are prepared to be a practicing, professional artist with a focus on experimentation in various art forms. Students may focus on many types of graphic design or traditional art genres. The program requires 110 credit hours in order to complete the degree. Students must submit a portfolio during the admissions process to be considered for scholarships. Studio Art majors participate in group exhibitions near the end of their senior year.
MA in Media, Film and Journalism Studies
The Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies offer three graphic arts degrees:
• MA in media, film and journalism studies, student-designed emphasis
• MA in media, film and journalism studies, video production emphasis
• MS in strategic communication
All programs offer a unique curriculum that focuses on implications of mass media, allowing students to specialize in specific areas that will prepare them for careers in a variety of graphic arts professions. All programs require 48 credits to complete the degree, and it often takes six quarters to complete the video emphasis and student-design versions. The strategic communication version has been completed in five semesters.
Contact Information
Admissions
University of Denver
2199 S. University Boulevard
Denver, CO 80208
Phone: 303-871-2036
Email: jenjohns@du.edu
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