Associate's Program
Bachelor's Completion Program
Associate’s Degree Program
The Modern College of Design guides students through an intensive program that results in an Associate Degree of Applied Business in Design. Our courses are focused, aligned, and taught with one purpose in mind: to create exceptional designers. Below, you can learn about the program structure, specific courses, and what to expect while at The Modern.
Students must have completed high school or earned their GED, and have achieved a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students also must present a portfolio of 8-10 pieces of work. Students also must score a minimum of 20 points on a five-tier rubric.Â
Students may apply beginning in their junior year of high school. All high school graduates or those who have earned a GED are invited to apply.
The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your design career training readiness score now!
Part-time, Accelerated, and Online program options are available
APP101
Introduction to Applications
GRD101
Design Basics and Print Production
WEB101
Web Design I
PHT101
Photography Basics
ENG101
English Composition
ARH101
Art History
GRD102
Graphic Design I
WEB102
Web Design II
ELT101
Art Elective
ENG102
Creative Writing
COM101
Introduction to Communications
WEB201
Web Design III
ELT-201-1
Design Elective
MKT201
Marketing I
BUS201
Business and Ethics of Design
PSY101
Psychology
GRD299
Portfolio Completion I
COM102
Advanced Communications
PRO299
Externship
Please find textbook requirements for each class here. Students can purchase textbooks through The Modern or on their own.
Make the world beautiful. The Modern student learns to design packaging, posters, brand identities, book covers, retail design, brochures, and more. Make your mark on the world through engaging and stimulating designs that increase engagement and excite audiences around the world.
Creating beautiful websites is crucial because of our digital lifestyles. The Modern student uses HTML and CSS to develop fully functional, responsive websites, designing across multiple platforms.
In our digital age, customer service relies on an excellent user experience (UX). The number of user interfaces (UI) that are available to any given consumer is astounding. The Modern student concentrates on making designs accessible, intuitive, and attractive. Help build something that people love to use.
Video is everywhere. As businesses attempt to create appropriate footage for their consumers, designers help produce targeted and engaging stories. The Modern student writes scripts, develops storyboards, and produces video.
Designs are on the move and not slowing down. Many industries understand the value of giving a user an engaging design that is anything but stagnant. The Modern student designs and animates 2D motion graphics to help businesses grow, websites improve, and users stay interested.
In our content-heavy world, a striking photo can often cut through the noise. The Modern student gains a wide variety of experience in portraiture, product, fashion, and architectural photography. Using original photography in design projects allows students to see its practical application as they prepare for careers.
Capturing a shortening attention span demands a creative illustrator. The Modern student creates traditional and digital illustrations in a variety of styles and learns to see beyond the obvious. Students are encouraged to incorporate their original illustrations into many design projects.
Advertising agencies are looking for exceptional skill in a crowded marketplace. The Modern students are prepared to meet this demand as they receive practical training to lead as an Art Director and Creative Director in their own professional campaign. Students then use their professional work to create a variety of industry relevant advertisements.
As marketing changes we prepare our students to stay relevant, agile, and successful in a variety of industries and markets. Students work collaboratively to create, design, and present marketing plans that are judged by industry leaders. Selected students are given the opportunity to compete in the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition.
Agencies and businesses need individuals who can implement solutions that are unique and inspiring. As markets get more crowded, the creative professional is in high demand. The Modern student is prepared to see beyond the obvious and incorporate creative solutions that stand above the industry average.