Program Links
- Map - Directions
- 235 Marshall Avenue
- Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
- T • 651.846.1600
- F • 651.846.1703
- Toll-Free • 1.800.227.6029
- TTY • 651.846.1548
Saint Paul College Programs
Computer Graphics and Visualization Careers
Program Requirements
• Computer Graphics and Visualization AS Degree
• Web Design Certificate
Computer Graphics and Visualization AS Degree
| Course | Cr | |
|---|---|---|
| CIST 2570 | Digital Photography 1 | 2 |
| CIST 2572 | Computer Animation 1 | 2 |
| CIST 2573 | Computer Animation 2 | 2 |
| CIST 2586 | Digital Sound | 2 |
| CIST 2587 | Digital Video Production | 2 |
| CSCI 1410 | Computer Science and Information Systems | 4 |
| CSCI 1443 | Dreamweaver 1 | 2 |
| CSCI 1448 | Adobe/Macromedia Flash 1 | 2 |
| CSCI 1450 | Web Fundamentals/HTML | 4 |
| CIST 1483 | Photoshop 1 | 2 |
| CIST 1484 | Photoshop 2 | 2 |
| CSCI 1521 | Structure of Computer Programming 1 | 4 |
| CSCI 2600 | Computer Graphics 1 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 34 | |
| General Education Requirements | 30 | |
| (Select at least 30 credits of General Education according to the Requirements listed below) | ||
| Total Program Credits | 64 |
| AS Degree General Education - 30 Credits Students are required to complete ENGL 1711 and any SPCH course from Goal 1 (7 credits) |
||
| Requirements* | Cr | |
| Goal 1: | Communication | 7 |
| ENGL 1711 Composition 1 (4 cr.) | ||
| SPCH XXXX (3 cr.) | ||
| Select a minimum of 3 credits from Goal 4 | 3 | |
| Goal 4: | Mathematical/Logical Reasoning MATH 1730 College Algebra |
|
| Select a minimum of 4 credits from Goal 5 | 4 | |
| Goal 5: | History, Social Science, & Behavioral Sciences | |
| Select a minimum of 3 credits from Goal 6 | 3 | |
| Goal 6: | Humanities and Fine Arts | |
| ARTS 1710 Fundamentals of Photography 1 (3 cr.) highly recommended | ||
| Select a minimum of 13 additional credits from Goals 1-10 of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum |
13 | |
| * Refer to the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Course List for specific course options. | ||
Web Design Certificate
| Course | Cr | |
|---|---|---|
| CIST 2570 | Digital Photography 1 | 2 |
| CSCI 1443 | Dreamweaver 1 | 2 |
| CSCI 1448 | Adobe/Macromedia Flash 1 | 2 |
| CSCI 1450 | Web Fundamentals/HTML | 4 |
| CSCI 1470 | Web Design | 4 |
| CSCI 2440 | Internet Programming 1 – Client Side | 4 |
| Total Program Credits | 18 |
Course Descriptions
CIST 1483 Photoshop 1
This course introduces the student to Adobe Photoshop 7. Topics include the Photoshop interface, hardware and software requirements, file formats, pixels, vectors, resolution, color theory, Photoshop color management, masks, type and topography, painting tools and brushes, layers and layer styles, filters, extract, liquefy and the pattern maker. This is a handson course where the students will develop a project using the knowledge gained in class. (Prerequisite(s): CSCI 1420 or equivalent knowledge) 2C/2/0/0
CIST 1484 Photoshop 2
This course is a continuation of CSCI 1483 Photoshop 1. Topics include image composition, retouching, composting, ImageReady, Web design, print and prepress, actions, and automation. This is a hands-on course where the students will develop a project using knowledge gained in class. (Prerequisite(s): CIST 1483 Photoshop 1 or equivalent knowledge) 2C/2/0/0
CIST 2570 Digital Photography 1
This course introduces the student to digital photography and relates it to Web design advantages of digital photography, advantages of analog photography, hybrid digital photography, maximizing image definition, utilizing camera features, light, composition, on-location shooting, studio shooting, useful photo accessories, computer requirements, converting analog to digital, cataloging and managing images, and choosing an image editing program. This is a hands-on course where the students will develop a project using the knowledge gained in class. 2C/2/0/0
CIST 2572 Computer Animation 1
This course introduces students to the 3-D Studio Max interface, workflow, coordinating systems, layers, setup, startup files, 2-D primitive shapes, object naming, sub-object levels, vertex tangency, modifiers, lofting, 3-D primitives, editable poly, HSDS modifiers, displacement mapping, camera types, creating and adjusting cameras, camera composition, camera movement, and lighting methods. 2C/2/0/0
CIST 2573 Computer Animation 2
This course builds on Computer Animation 1 discussing photometric lights, material editor, maps, mapping coordinates, key frame animation, controllers, constraints, hierarchical linking, reactor dynamics, practice flow and effects. As a final project, students will demonstrate their ability to use the techniques covered in class. 2C/2/0/0
CIST 2586 Digital Sound
This course teaches students how to create and edit digital sound for use in computer animation. Topics include analog and digital sound techniques and equipment, analog to digital conversion, basic sound editing, formats and sound conversion, digital to analog conversion, and basic sound effect techniques for use in computer animation. 2C/2/0/0
CIST 2587 Digital Video
This course covers video production techniques. All phases of video production will be covered including pre-production, production and post-production with focus on creating digital video. Topics include screenwriting, photography, drawing, story concept, characters, plots, themes, digital tools, generating original ideas, incorporating plot goals, creating the final story, creating original characters, themes and visual metaphors, developing visual styles, developing digital production styles, creating visually expressive characters, developing set designs, conceptual lighting design, developing color palette, narrative sound design, production story-editing choices, digitally enhanced storytelling techniques, using modern 2D animation to expand our realities and using 3D animation to show anything imaginable. 2C/2/0/0
CSCI 1410 Computer Science and Information Systems
Designed to introduce Computer Information Systems to students in the fields of computer science and information science. The course will cover the basic architecture and design of digital computers and the software that runs on them. Special emphasis will be placed on the technical aspects of the field of computer science and a significant amount of time will be spent developing a sound analytical understanding of the field. Topics such as machine architecture, binary arithmetic, algorithm development, data structures, file organization, database design, systems analysis, data communication and systems software will be covered. Students must have a sound preparation in mathematics through basic algebra. 4C/4/0/0
CSCI 1443 Dreamweaver 1
This course explores the basics of Dreamweaver MX. Topics include file organization, the Dreamweaver MX interface, site control, images, text, linking pages, ordered, unordered and defined lists, color schemes, tables and basic layouts. The focus of this course is to introduce the student to Dreamweaver MX and develop a simple Web site using the techniques learned. 2C/2/0/0
CSCI 1448 Adobe Flash 1
This course introduces the student to Macromedia Flash MX. Topics include common Flash tasks, the Flash interface, setting up, modifying, navigating Flash documents, creating simple graphics, working with text, working with bitmaps and building professional graphics. This is a hands-on course where the students will develop a project using the knowledge gained in class. 2C/2/0/0
CSCI 1450 Web Fundamentals/HTML
This course provides students with a thorough grounding in the World Wide Web, a fundamental knowledge of HTML and a basic understanding of Internet technical architectures. Students learn about search engines, Web servers, scripting, protocols, ISPs and other Internet technologies. Technical architecture topics include the study of networks, Internet protocols, Internet servers, firewalls, security and general issues in conducting ecommerce. Students will design and program HTML Web pages, tutorials and publish a Web site project. 4C/4/0/0
CSCI 1470 Web Design
This course explores the principles of Web design theory and practice. Concepts related to the look and feel of the client-side of the World Wide Web are emphasized. Topics include the design of a graphical user interface, site content, organization and navigation, with emphasis on the human interface. Also included are Web “usability” issues. Color palettes, font selection and use of animation are discussed. The use of HTML layout concepts and software such as PhotoShop and Dreamweaver are introduced. (Prerequisite(s): Students enrolling in this course will benefit from prior experience with HTML and a thorough exposure to the Internet.) 4C/4/0/0
CSCI 1521 Structures of Computer Programming 1
This course offers an introduction to the fundamental principles of programming and to different programming paradigms. Programming students will develop reasoning and abstraction skills needed for designing algorithms and programs. The course is taught using Java so some previous exposure to programming would be beneficial to students. (Prerequisite(s): CSCI 1410) 4C/4/0/0
CSCI 2440 Internet Programming 1 – Client Side
This course covers the skills needed to create dynamic, clientside web pages. Beginning with a refresher of HTML 4.01 and web page design, the course examines XHTML 1.0 and the separation of style and structure, supported by CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Students work with client-side JavaScript, Dynamic HTML (DHTML), the DOM (Document Object Model) and selected advanced topics. Class sessions include hands-on work and lectures, highlighted by the completion of a capstone project in which student teams develop a Web site for a "real-life" client. (Prerequisite(s): Students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of HTML 4.01 with some prior Web Development experience.) 4C/4/0/0
CSCI 2600 Computer Graphics 1
Computer Graphics 1 introduces the student to the subject of computer graphics as a technical and creative medium. Topics include basic graphic programming, hardware, software applications, electronic storyboarding, electronic color theory, vector and raster graphics, electronic illustration, file types and formats, digital imaging and digital printing. 4C/4/0/0



