Once again, the Visual Communication Program in the Lone Star College System has proven to be a leader in the state.

In 2008, the program received state recognition from the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB), becoming the first in the state to do so. The LSC-Kingwood Visual Communication Program's AAS degree graphic design track was recognized for integrating Digital Media Skill Standards into the curriculum, developed by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies to define the level of knowledge and skills employers can expect from program graduates entering the workforce.

Last month, Texas awarded LSC-Kingwood for the second time by recognizing the program's AAS degree multimedia track, cementing the college's reputation as the go-to school for visual communication training. 

"Meeting the key indicators means that the state recognizes that our program meets the learning outcomes set forth by our industry nationwide," said Donna Monteferante-Johnson, professor of visual communication at LSC-Kingwood. Monteferante-Johnson was instrumental in the effort to integrate skill standards into the Visual Communication Program, along with visual communication faculty at LSC-Cy-Fair and LSC-North Harris.

AAS degree graduates from the Graphic Design and Multimedia Tracks will receive a gold seal affixed to their diplomas, providing documentation to employers that the program completers have met industry skill standards.

Digital Media Skill Standards were developed by an expert panel of IT workers representing 40 organizations in geographically diverse locations of the country with high concentrations of IT professionals. The skill standards enhanced program will benefit both employers and graduates.  Graduates will gain the work competencies - skills, knowledge, and abilities - that employers have agreed are required for success in network administration positions.  Employers in turn will gain a more qualified workforce.

The Visual Communication Program trains digital designers in the communication media of the future.  Students are prepared for careers in commercial art and design, desktop publishing, multimedia development, web design, 3-D animation, video and post production.

At LSC-Kingwood, individuals may pursue an AAS degree in visual communication or choose from several certificate programs, including: graphic design, motion graphics, video and post-production, multimedia design, 3D animation and web design.

For more information on the Visual Communication Program, call Donna Monteferante at 281-312-1426 or email Monteferante (at) lonestar.edu.

Register now for spring 2010 credit classes in one of three ways: phone, online or on campus.  Classes are offered days, evenings, or weekends in traditional, Internet, video, TV and independent study formats. Current students can register by telephone at 281-519-6625. Former and current students can register online at www.LoneStar.edu/registration

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 51,000 students in credit classes last fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more, visit http://www.lonestar.edu/. 

For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281-312-1600.