Associate in Arts - Graphic and Interactive Design

at Foothill College USA

Psychology stands at the intersection of the biological sciences and the humanities because of its study of mental processes, cognition and behavior of individuals and social groups. To further understanding, psychology is involved in research with both animals and people. The psychologist is interested in how the brain and nervous system function, how perception evolves from sensation, how we learn and remember, and what it is that motivates us.

Psychology covers the total life span to learn more about how individuals function in family, community and society. To this end psychologists research what can go wrong in development and how it can be changed, and how to resolve organizational, personal, international, and family conflict. It is a dynamic field in which advanced research methods lead to new understandings of human behavior, which can be applied in practical situations in the lives of individuals.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to recognize the diversity of behavior of various populations and be able to explain, interpret, apply, and evaluate a broad base of concepts in the different fields of psychology.
• Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills and psychological theories to real-world situations, and to be able to apply research methodology and data analysis in the process of answering questions about human behavior.

This program prepares students to design, administer, maintain and troubleshoot networks of all sizes. Skills gained include specification preparation, network management, network design, equipment and system sales and software development. Laboratory courses provide students with hands-on experience to demonstrate the principles of Enterprise Networking. Courses provide learning opportunities for students new to the field, as well as those who are experienced professionals. Specialized courses are also available to help the student prepare for certification exams, including: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization, and the Certified Wireless Administrator (CWNA).

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The student will be able to design a network infrastructure to support specific user and business requirements.
• The student will be able to design, implement and maintain appropriate security services for network systems.
• The student will be able to select the components to create a virtual infrastructure.
• The student will be able to optimize the performance, reliability and availability of network services.

The Business Administration program has a dual mission (transfer and workforce) in providing students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare for transfer to four-year institutions and to pursue a career or to develop their own businesses.

Students are provided the courses necessary to pursue studies in specialized business fields such as accounting, finance, advertising, marketing, management, banking, and business information systems. All students expecting to work in private or profit organizations or government are strongly urged to include business principles and other business specialized courses as electives.

Additionally, the department offers coursework and activities for increased professional proficiency, career changes, or new employment challenges, as well as for small business development. The Business department's small business entrepreneurship program is currently in redesign mode and will be refocused on the development of curriculum, activities, and community partnerships with the objective to address the "skills gap." Our initial emphasis will be on skill areas in leadership, communication, collaboration, project management, and innovation.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate appropriate use of business terms and concepts across a standard breadth of business functions (R&D, Mfg, Sales, Mktg, Ops, IT, Acctg, Finance, etc.).
• Students will demonstrate appropriate use of analytical frameworks, methods, and skills in response to business questions, cases, and projects.

Environmental Horticulture & Design is a broad field encompassing the functional, aesthetic, and environmentally sound creation and care of our landscapes. Students learn to combine principles of environmental design, construction and maintenance practices for urban, rural and natural landscapes. The green industry is one of the largest employers in the United States.

The Environmental Horticulture & Design department offers an Associate in Science degree and two Certificates of Achievement. Students may also take courses in preparation for transfer to four-year institutions where they may continue their studies in horticulture, landscape architecture, and other related disciplines. We also encourage people currently working in the field to attend classes to supplement or update their knowledge and to work toward certification in the field. For the homeowner or the landscape professional, short courses from two to four weeks are available.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate skills necessary to design residential landscapes.
• Students will be able to identify plant material.

Geospatial technology is the unifying tool with which spatial phenomena is explored. Geospatial technology consists of Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems and Remote Sensing. The Geographic Information Systems Technology program at Foothill College provides opportunities for career preparation and lifelong learning by providing courses that meet workforce needs. Geographic information systems are collections of computers, software applications and personnel used to capture, store, transform, manage, analyze and display spatial information. The associate degree provides a solid technical background in geographic information systems concepts and applications including cartographic concepts, database design, programming and interdisciplinary applications of the technology. The outcomes of the associate degree align with the U.S. Department of Labor geospatial competency model for geospatial careers. The degree also includes general education and elective courses required for graduation. Completion of the degree requires practical work experience in geographic information systems. The Geographic Information Systems Technology degree prepares students for entry-level technician jobs.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to apply cartographic principles of scale, resolution, projection, data management and spatial analysis to a geographic nature using a geographic information system.
• Students will be able to plan, evaluate and execute an original geographic information systems project.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate orally, in writing and graphically, the outcome of geographic information systems analysis.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of professional obligations to society, employers and funders and individuals as outlined in the Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification Institute Code of Ethics.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a professional qualified by professional credentialing, academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound. The scope of practice includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, has demonstrated competency and has completed the appropriate credentialing which is the standards of practice. Coursework includes use of sonography relevant to gynecology, obstetrics, abdominal subjects, superficial structures and vascular applications.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate the necessary knowledge, technical skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills and diagnostic ability within the scope of practice for diagnostic medical sonography.
• Students will demonstrate the necessary knowledge and values pertaining to professional demeanor, including the implementation of confidentiality and privacy for the practice of diagnostic medical sonography.

The Communication Studies department offers a wide variety of courses and special programs to meet the needs of our students. Whether you aspire to become a communication specialist, enhance your marketability in the workplace, or improve your people skills, our faculty and advisers can help you identify the right program to meet your needs. Coursework involves collaboration, presentation, listening, cross-cultural understanding, rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and professional communication. The program includes application of these foundational principles in a collaborative and supportive environment.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers rated oral communication as the highest among attributes necessary in achieving professional success. More and more businesses and occupations prefer to hire employees who possess strong communication skills. When evaluating applicants, four-year universities look favorably upon students with strong backgrounds in communication. Effective communication skills assist in individual development and enhancement of human relations.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to identify patterns of communication in a variety of contexts.
• Students will be able to utilize appropriate methods of communication in critical thinking and/or communication situations.

Foothill College's Music Technology Program (MTEC) offers cutting-edge curriculum, instruction, and hands-on training in the areas of digital media content creation based on real-world industry standards. MTEC is an innovative educational program that integrates art and music with science and technology using a vocational strategy that enables students to realize a competitive advantage in an ever-evolving, digital-centric socioeconomic era. In addition to preparing students to pursue baccalaureate degrees at four-year institutions, the Foothill College MTEC program prepares students for diverse, productive careers in digital media content creation for music, technology, liberal and audio-visual arts, and communications.

The MTEC curriculum offers students the option to design their course of study to meet their needs. To augment their core courses, students may choose elective courses from music or related fields like media studies, photography, graphic design, and computer science. Because all these fields are very closely related, students can focus on areas that reflect their individual interests and goals. All musical styles and genres are supported and welcomed. Our goal is to give students the opportunity to succeed based on their talent, interest and hard work.

Program Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the MTEC program will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency with various aspects of digital media content creation, including the use of hardware, software, digital asset management practices and other areas identified by the program's Board of Advisors.
• Apply concepts from audio engineering, acoustics, sound synthesis, music theory, computer literacy and team collaboration in practical situations to optimize digital media production workflows.
• Demonstrate proficiency with audio-video equipment including live content acquisition, microphones, video cameras, sound reinforcement, post-production editing, mixing, mastering, metering, and system troubleshooting.
• Evaluate merits of professional media productions with an understanding of technical and aesthetic considerations appropriate for various genres.
• Distinguish between related career paths associated with the discipline of Music Technology including digital media content creation, technical support, marketing, entrepreneurship and business administrative positions.

Sports Medicine is a multi-disciplinary educational experience. Instruction emphasizes injury prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation through the principles of anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics and psychology. Hands-on experience is available to the student intern through the Athletic Treatment Center from an array of Sports Medicine professionals. Students interested in medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, chiropractic, nutrition or other allied health fields are candidates for this program.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate entry-level knowledge and skill in a variety of sports medicine disciplines, including athletic training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning and emergency medical care.
• Students will be able to provide quality medical care for Foothill College intercollegiate athletic teams.

Due to our increasingly technology-driven society, chemistry graduates will find an impressive array of opportunities for exciting careers in a wide range of fields. A chemistry degree can provide preparation for careers in areas such as basic research, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, instrumentation, new product and process development, and education.

There is an increasing need for technical expertise in expanding fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, forensic science, clinical chemistry, food science, occupational safety and alternative fuels.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will have knowledge of current theories and applications in the field of chemistry.
• Students will have an enhanced ability to research, assess and evaluate topics of interest.
• Students will have an enhanced ability to communicate effectively using the language of chemistry.
• Students will have facility in the safe handling of chemicals and the execution of common laboratory techniques.