Degree Map

A.S. in Digital Art and Design

Catalog Year 2026-27

No Developmental Requirements

The number of credits you take each year will determine when you graduate. To graduate on time, you are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least 30 credits toward your degree during the calendar year, including fall and spring semesters and winter and summer sessions. This degree map is designed for students who place into ENGL-101 and MA-321.

Additional map for students who must complete developmental Math or English.

Semester 1

Class

Credit Hours

ENGL 101 - English Composition I

MA 321 - Mathematics in Contemporary Society

ARTS 121 - Two-Dimensional Design

ARTS 291 - Digital Imaging

One Course from Flexible Core 2C

Note: Recommended: ARTH-100, ARTH-101, ARTH-115, ARTH-116, ARTH-117, ARTH-120, ARTH-202, or ARTH-225

Total credits for the term: 15

Milestone

Claim a Handshake account

Begin creating a transfer plan with the QCC Transfer Resource Center

Draft a Basic Resume

Connect with faculty and success partners on campus to access resources, review your goals, track degree progress, and plan for transfer.

Explore career pathways in digital art and design by taking a FOCUS2 career assessment

Join a student club, get involved on campus to start building your network and developing core skills.

Semester 2

Class

Credit Hours

ENGL 102 - English Composition II

ARTS 151 - Drawing

ARTS 290 - Digital Design I

CH 106 - Chemistry and the Arts

Note: Required Core 1C: Life & Physical Sciences

One course from Flexible Core 2A , 2B , 2C , 2D , or 2E

Total credits for the term: 16

Milestone

Begin a career plan with QCC Office of Career Services

Visit a museum, design expo, or attend an industry event through organizations like AIGA NY or the Graphic Artists Guild to explore the design field

Assemble a basic portfolio of work (10-20 images)

Attend campus events, workshops, related to art/design

Draft a Cover Letter: Practice writing a cover letter that you can use to apply to internships and fellowships.

Attend Transfer Events (AA/AS only)

Create a LinkedIn account

Semester 3

Class

Credit Hours

ARTS 192 - Digital Animation

ARTS 292 - Digital Design II

One course from Flexible Core 2A , 2B , 2C , 2D , or 2E

Total credits for the term: 15

Milestone

Research and Apply to Baccalaureate Programs: Narrow list of schools and programs for transfer

Research scholarships and prepare transfer documents (seek recommendation letters, draft personal essays.

Start Your Internship Search: Begin looking for and applying to internships: Apply for/start an internship. Consider CUNY Career Launch, Spring Forward, CUNY Cultural Corps, or looking for entry level jobs on job sites like NYFA Jobs and NYFA Opportunities for Artists

Finalize portfolio; seek mentor feedback and register for a National Portfolio Day review

Tailor your cover letter for internship and transfer applications in your area of design specialization

Take on Leadership Roles in Clubs and Organizations

Find a Mentor to Check in With Periodically