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Statewide Program of Study: Graphic Design and Interactive Media — Page 1�

Revised–May 2024

Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication Career Cluster

The Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication (AAVTC) career cluster focuses on designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content requiring creative aptitude, fluency in computer and technology applications, and proficiency in oral and written communication. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from camera operator, audio and video technician, director, and producer to graphic designer and web and digital interface designer.

Statewide Program of Study: Graphic Design and Interactive Media

The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The program of study includes designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

Level 1

  • Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
  • Video Game Design

Level 2

  • Sports Broadcasting I(Digital Design and Media Production)
  • Entrepreneurship I

Level 4

  • Sports Broadcasting II (Independent Study in Technology Applications)
  • Practicum in Entrepreneurship
  • Career Preparation for Programs of Study

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

  • Shadow an art director at a branding firm or design agency
  • Intern in the marketing and communications department of a technology company

Expanded Learning Opportunities

  • Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
  • Participate in Student Television Network
  • Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications

  • Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Certified Professional in Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design
  • Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Certified Professional In Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects
  • Audio-Visual Communications - Job Ready
  • Autodesk Certified User 3ds MAX
  • Autodesk Certified User Maya
  • C++ Certified Associate Programmer
  • Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP)
  • Certified Professional Photographer
  • Certified Professional: Programmer
  • Certified User: Artist
  • Certified User: Programmer
  • Certified User: VR Developer
  • Certified Web Animator Associate (CWAA)
  • Content Creation & Marketing Using Adobe Express
  • Graphic Production Technology - Job Ready
  • ITIL 4 FOUNDATION
  • Knowledge Pillars: HTML and CSS Coding Specialist (HCCS)
  • Knowledge Pillars: WordPress Certified Administrator (WCA)
  • Knowledge Pillars: WordPress Certified Developer (WCD)
  • Knowledge Pillars: WordPress Certified Editor (WCE)
  • Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate
  • Online Marketing Certified Associate (OMCA)
  • Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer
  • Toon Boom Associate Certification in Harmony Premium
  • Toon Boom Associate Certification in Storyboarding Pro
  • Tosa Adobe Illustrator (Advanced or Expert)
  • Tosa Adobe InDesign (Advanced or Expert)
  • Tosa Adobe Photoshop (Advanced or Expert)
  • Tosa Adobe Premiere Pro (Advanced or Expert)

Graphic Design and Interactive Media

Successful completion of the Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study will fulfill requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Associate Degrees

  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Arts

Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
  • Design and Visual Communications

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

  • Game and Interactive Media Design
  • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects

Additional Stackable IBCs/License

  • Certified Textile Designer (CTD)

Example Aligned Occupations

Software Developers

Median Wage: $127,000

Annual Openings: 12,350

10-Year Growth: 36%

Graphic Designers

Median Wage: $53,100

Annual Openings: 1,758

10-Year Growth: 10%

Art Directors

Median Wage: $80,944

Annual Openings: 1,025

10-Year Growth: 18%

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission. Retrieved 3/8/2024

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Statewide Program of Study: Graphic Design and Interactive Media — Page 2

Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication Career Cluster

Statewide Program of Study: Graphic Design and Interactive Media

Course Information

Level 1

Course

Prerequisites | Corequisites   

Principles of Arts, Audio + Video Technology, and Communications*

13008200 (1 credit)

Prerequisites: None�

Video Game Design

13009970 (1 credit)

Recommended Prerequisites: Principles of AAVTC

For additional information on the Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication career cluster, contact cte@tea.texas.gov or visit https://tea.texas.gov/cte 

Graphic Design and Interactive Media

Argyle ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Dawn Jordan at dawn.jordan@argyleisd.com. Further nondiscrimination information can be found at Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs.

Level 2

Course

Prerequisites | Corequisites  

Digital Design and Media Production*

03580400 (1 credit)

Prerequisites: None�

1. Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communication

Entrepreneurship I*

13011101 (1credit)

Recommended Prerequisites: Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance

Level 4

Course

Prerequisites | Corequisites

Independent Study in Technology Applications

First Time Taken:

03580900 (1 credit)

Prerequisites: Courses in CTE Pathway

Practicum in Entrepreneurship*

First Time Taken:

13011111 (2 credits)

Prerequisites: Courses in CTE Pathway

Career Preparation for Programs of Study*

First Time Taken:

12701121 (2 credits)

Prerequisites: At least one Level 2 or higher CTE course