Design Specialist | Pierpont C&TC

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Design Specialist

Beach, Rachel

Coordinator of Interior Design

Instructor of Applied Design

Rachel.Beach@pierpont.edu

304-367-4367

316C Wallman Hall

Locust Avenue Campus, Fairmont

Program Purpose:

The program for design specialist is an emerging career field, often linked to professions utilizing the newest technologies in design. The term design specialist comes from the research identifying an employment path for individuals with a strong design background that can move into a variety of fields. The degree has a blend of courses to develop the student into a concept planner and visual designer. The Design Specialist graduate will have a background from two top industries in design: fashion and interior environments. By guiding the student from the past to the present, the applied design courses have a focus on the importance of historical relevance in design and present day tools of project building and communication through technology. This program offers a very flexible delivery options, including both on-line and hybrid classes.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of design theory and the elements and principles of design through organizing, manipulating, and solving design problems.
Students should recognize the history of their field, and maniple the materials, components, and products that are associated with that field.
Students should be able to communicate and justify, through written report and oral presentations, the details, inspiration, problems, solutions, and the vision of their design
Students should develop and demonstrate a work ethic in their field of design through practicum experience and community service.
Students should demonstrate an understanding of business practices and consumer marketing principles as related to the products and services of their field.

Opportunities:

Demand for graduates with Design Studies degrees has traditionally come from production, sales, marketing, and management firms related to design products and studio-trained designers (fashion, interiors, etc.). More recently, there has been growing recognition that design thinking (the process of design) supports entrepreneurship and innovation in all venues. Internet searches of Business Week and/or Fast Company using the key word "design" will provide a quick overview of the rapidly expanding career potential in this field.

Design Specialists are defined as an employment path for individuals with a strong design background that can move into a variety of fields. Examples of employment in the many related fields of design include; Accessories Consultant, Commercial Sales, Construction Project Support, Design Blogger , Entrepreneur - Physical/Virtual, Fashion Buyer, Facilities Management , Support, Furniture Sales, Exteriorscapes Designer, Interior Decorator, Interior Lighting Designer, Kitchen & Bath Design, Public Relations Assistant, Residential Furnishing Sales, Retail Store Manager, Space Planning Consultant, Style Consultant, Textiles Sales, Trends & Forecasting Consultant, Wedding Planner/Consultant, Wholesale Apparel Buyer, Visual Merchandiser, Web Content Developer, and Window Treatment Designer.

Upon completion of this degree a graduate has the option to transfer to West Virginia University, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design for an additional 2 years to complete a bachelor degree in the Design Studies Program. All Pierpont credits transfer directly into the program for a seamless transition into a bachelor degree. The offering of an interdisciplinary design major by West Virginia University is unique in the state and within the University. Design Studies brings together positive aspects of the studio-based design majors and the multi-disciplinary studies major to provide a design-focused program that is flexible and student-centered. Acceptance into the program is noncompetitive. Employment in design-related occupations is expected to continue to grow.

Program Total Credit Hours:

60 CHs

Support Coursework:

15 CHs

APPD 1151

Design Concepts

CH(s)

ENGL 1104

Written English I

3|4

CH(s)

ENGL 1108

Written English II

CH(s)

OFAD 1150

Computer Concepts and Applications

CH(s)

MTH 1207

Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics

3|5

CH(s)

ENGL 1104 Prerequisite(s): 18 or higher on the English portion of ACT; 450 or higher on Critical Reading of SAT; A scaled score of 38 or higher on Writing Skills Set of ASSET; 71 or higher on English portion of COMPASS; 88 or higher on Sentence Skills of ACCUPLACER. Students falling below the listed scores will be required to take a four(4) credit hour ENGL 1104.

ENGL 1109 may be substituted for ENGL 1108. ENGL 1108 & 1109 Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1104.
Must obtain a "C" or better in all English courses.

Program Specific Required Coursework:

42 CHs

Program Specific Elective Coursework:

3 CHs

PROG ELEC

Program Specific Elective

CH(s)

Required Elective (Select one)

BUSN 1102 Introduction to Business 3

ENGL 1108 Written English II (PR) -OR-

ENGL 1109 Tech Report Writing (PR) 3

EVMG 1103 Wedding Planning 3

Model Schedule

Fall Semester

CH(s)

OFAD 1150

Computer Concepts and Applications

CH(s)

Total Credit Hours:

15 CHs

Spring Semester

Total Credit Hours:

15 CHs

ENGL 1109 may be substituted for ENGL 1108. ENGL 1108 & 1109 Prerequisite(s): grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1104. Must obtain a "C" or better in ENGL 1108 or ENGL 1109 to graduate.

Fall Semester

Total Credit Hours:

15 CHs

Spring Semester

Total Credit Hours:

15 CHs

Restricted Elective (Select one)

BUSN 1102 Introduction to Business 3

ENGL 1108 Written English II (PR) -OR-

ENGL 1109 Tech Report Writing (PR) 3

EVMG 1103 Wedding Planning 3

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Beach, Rachel

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