Digital Communication

The Digital Communication programs offer students the opportunity to explore innovative digital media. Business and industry need skilled illustrators, photographers and technical communicators to design, photograph, write, edit, and produce a wide variety of advertising and technical materials in print and electronic media.

Each of these programs provides students quality instruction in the rapidly evolving technologies which are utilized in regional and global careers. Photography students acquire skills in photographic techniques for illustrative, photojournalistic and portraiture presentations. Multimedia and Web students acquire skills in animation, digital video and the construction of interactive web pages. Graphic Design students acquire skills to develop their original concepts and ideas in traditional studio and digital design processes. Students in all specializations develop portfolios of their work to help prepare them for work in the industry after graduation.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Digital Communication. Students may choose from one of the following five specializations: General, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Web Publishing.

THECB allows students to earn only one Certificate Level I in Digital Communication. Students may choose from one of the following five specializations: General, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Web Publishing. Likewise, THECB allows students to earn only one Certificate Level II in Digital Communication. Students may choose from one of the following five specializations: General, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Web Publishing.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

HCC is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Seven Art and Design Programs—Studio Art, Interior Design, Digital Communication, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Filmmaking, and Digital Gaming & Simulation for Artists—collectively represent the Art and Design Unit at HCC.

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
Phone: 703-437-0700
Website: nasad.arts-accredit.org

There are 4,290 Graphic Designers employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 1.4% over the next four years.

• The estimated annual job openings is 171 jobs a year.
• Median Wages - $20.30 hourly, $42,000 annually

Hybrid programs allow students to take a mix of online and face-to-face courses. Hybrid programs offer 50% to 85% of their courses online and the remainder of the curriculum is taken in-person on one of HCC’s campuses. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Language Option Restrictions

Some hybrid programs require students to participate in foreign language courses as part of the program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements and available language options. If you would like to take courses in a language that is not offered online, you would have to do so on campus.

Elective Course Restrictions

Some hybrid programs may have a limited number of elective options available, based on which of the designated electives are currently offered online.  Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Required Course Restrictions

Hybrid programs require students to participate in campus-based courses as part of a given program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements. 

Potential Course Restrictions

Some online courses may have face-to-face requirements for exams, laboratory sessions, and other activities. Please review your course syllabus to determine if your online course has an on-campus laboratory or examination requirement.