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Associate of Applied Science in Digital Design
Degree Overview
Train to be an IT professional at Stratford University....seek the knowledge that employers are looking for.
To meet the ever-changing requirements of the Web Design & Development industry, students must be offered hands-on experience with the latest technology, and be exposed to emerging trends. Essential skills such as defining project constraints and client relationship techniques are built upon a strong web design and web development foundation.
This program offers a unique curriculum that has a balanced core of both front-end web page creation and back-end application engineering. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with experience and capability in both sides of web work. While progressing through the Digital Design track, students can choose from a wide variety of electives, allowing them to create an educational concentration. In this program, students will learn how to take a web project from the beginning of the planning stage through to publishing, delivery, and maintenance. Our classes introduce concepts such as design principles, content delivery, usability, data gathering, and e-commerce theory.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both. It typically takes 60 weeks to complete the entire Associate's program without breaks.
Credits Required
Number of Classes
Core Component
45
10
Electives
22.5
5
Arts and Sciences
22.5
5
Total Required for Graduation
90
20
Core Courses
Elective Pool
Arts and Sciences
Fundamentals of Information Systems - CIS103
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students learn to analyze systems and quality concepts and learn how information technology can be used to design, facilitate, and communicate organization goals and objectives. An overview of hardware and software with its relation to information technology is also presented.
Fundamentals of Web Design - CIS202
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course applies effective graphic design techniques and methods to the web. Students learn to write HTML code directly and are to use HTML code generators such as Macromedia Dreamweaver. The course emphasizes the creation of web pages that are displayed properly in multiple browsers. Special attention is being paid to well-designed web pages that meet site requirements.
Creating Graphics for the Web - CIS203
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: IST101
Students will learn the fundamentals of creating graphics for use in website design and modifying existing graphics and photos for inclusion in websites. Special emphasis will be placed on creating appropriate graphics for both new and existing websites. Students will use a graphic editor such as Macromedia Fireworks to create and edit vector and bitmapped images.
Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems - CIS206
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed for students with limited or no previous database experience. Course outcomes include a solid understanding of fundamental database terms and concepts such as tables, queries, forms and reports, and their application using a popular database. This course also introduces database analysis, database design, and N-tiered client-server database systems. A problem-based approach using SQL is used in this course.
Internet Applications I - CIS212
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to allow students to build and test interactive Internet applications. Working in a graphical user interface (GUI) environment, students learn to customize forms with user input items such as check boxes, list items, and radio groups. Students also learn to modify data access by creating event-related triggers.
Interactive Web Animation - CIS222
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS203
In this course, students develop highly visual and interactive graphic content using industry-standard, timeline-based software, such as Macromedia Flash. This course focuses on understanding the application of traditional animation techniques with contemporary design practices.
Web Programming Design - CIS234
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course involves extensive work in the solution of problems on a digital computer and covers structured programming concepts, proper documentation techniques, coding, debugging, and running programs using I/O files, subroutines, arrays, searching, and sorting.
Theory of Information Presentation - CIS241
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS203 and any other digital design course
Students will learn more in depth standards and practices for the presentation of information on the web. This course will cover web color, typography, imagery, and branding in depth as they apply to professional web sites. Students will learn about writing for the web, maintaining content for the web, navigation issues, and ways to use visual information to create a specific customer experience.
Internet Applications II - CIS246
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS212
This course provides the student with the skills to build a Web application, which interfaces to an existing database. It builds upon the knowledge gained from Internet Applications I. In this course, students will install a basic web server on a PC and create simple web pages that display data from a small database located on their PCs. Students will learn how to upload those pages to a remote Web server, and run them using a remote database. Throughout the course students will refresh and reinforce their SQL skills, and become proficient connecting a Web page to a database, and using SQL Select statements to create dynamic Web pages.
Portfolios Creation - CIS290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Must have completed at least 36 credits hours of Digital Design Courses
In this course, students work through entire projects with real clients from inspiration to completion. Students prepare their own resumes and portfolios, while balancing a full website group project. This class focuses on web design contracting, expectations, and maintenance, as well as professional skills.
Usability and the Web - CIS208
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students learn the fundamentals of human factors as they apply to website design and how to balance these principles with current technologies. Students also learn what factors to take into account when designing websites that appeal to specific audiences and how to communicate that with managers and clients.
Digital Photography - CIS213
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: IST101
In this course, students learn to take digital images using a digital camera with flash memory. The student learns to manipulate the images using a bitmap photo-editing application such as Photoshop. Techniques include using scanners and cameras, and applying compression and photo effects.
Graphics Design - CIS218
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS202
This course will explain effective graphic design techniques and how they relate to the viewing audience's experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of graphic design, including typography, color theory, layout and style and recognize the importance of consistency and "branding." The course will emphasize the creation and application graphic design precepts to their uses such as presentations, web pages. Special attention will be paid to well-designed layouts that work well for multiple uses and their consistency and flexibility across multiple platforms.
Presentation Layer: Client Side Programming - CIS228
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS212
This course focuses on client-side programming with a basic introduction to server side programming. Topics include dynamic HTML, Javascript, Java Applets, cascading style sheets, design templates, and principles of user-centered design. Students are also introduced to multimedia and plug-in functionalities. The course includes a basic introduction to Server Side Includes (SSI). Students apply their knowledge of client-side programming as they enhance their personal e-portfolio website and construct a rudimentary e-business site.
Server Side Programming ASP.NET - CIS248
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides the student with advanced skills to build a professional web application using .NET technology. It builds upon the knowledge and skills gained from Internet Applications II. Students will learn how to develop administrative Web pages that can add/delete/update records in a remote database table. Students will refresh their knowledge of SQL JOINs, and use it to create more complicated web pages. Students will extend their final project in Internet Applications II to allow customers to register and create their own accounts, and to accept customer orders and implement a full check-out sequence. Students learn more advanced ASP.NET techniques including session state and two different kinds of authentication.
Advanced Interactive Animation - CIS249
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS222
In this course, students will learn more complex methods of digital animation, as well as various techniques for interactivity. Focus will be on tracking user movement, timing actions, and user interface design.
3-D Modeling - CIS257
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS222
In this course, students explore principles of 3-dimension graphics and apply them in the creation of 3D computer representations using industry-standard software packages such as Maya or Lightwave. The course emphasizes creation of accurate models rendered with color, shading, texture mapping and lighting to simulate the effects of materials, finishes, and surface graphics.
3-D Animation - CIS259
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS257
In this course, students explore the principles of form topology, visual design, and movement, and apply them in the creation of simple animated sequences using industry-standard 3D animation software. The course emphasizes the fine details of life-like motion graphics.
Systems Analysis and Development - CIS284
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS212
This course provides an understanding of the methodology and scope of business information systems analysis and design, and their relationship to the management process. The systems approach and its techniques of problem solving are stressed.
Web Application Project Management - CIS286
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Must have completed at least 29 credit hours of Digital Design courses
This course will allow students to propose a web application project. Students prepare a project plan that includes details of their project, deliverables, dates when they will be completed, and the associated learning that will be exhibited. Students implement their plan and record weekly status on their progress, issues, decisions, and learning. At the conclusion of the course, students complete their projects and summarize their results in a final report.
Current Topics in Computer Information Systems I - CIS291
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from Program Director
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics from the computer information systems field. The topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Computer Information Systems II - CIS292
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from Program Director
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics from the computer information systems field. The topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
Current Topics in Computer Information Systems III - CIS293
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Approval from Program Director
This course provides students discussion and problem solving in current topics from the computer information systems field. The topic will be announced in the current term schedule.
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Organizational Behavior - PSY310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites:
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.
