Design
Academy for Design
Fundamental Requirements
The Design Academy program develops comprehensive creative and technical skills across multiple design disciplines. Students master digital design proficiency, visual storytelling techniques, traditional and digital composites, and work with professional design briefs while exploring various art mediums. The curriculum builds foundational skills that directly translate to successful careers in graphic design, web development, marketing, and creative industries.
Learning Experience
Students gain real-world experience through project-based learning and collaboration with industry professionals and organizations. The four-year program includes career-focused field trips, industry events, and community-based artistic projects that foster creativity and community pride while providing authentic portfolio development opportunities.
Skills and Prerequisites for Success
Prospective students should possess creative curiosity and willingness to explore various artistic mediums and design approaches. The program requires individuals who are open to constructive feedback, can work independently on projects, and collaborate effectively with peers and industry professionals.
Important Considerations
- Creative Exploration: Students are encouraged to discover and develop their unique artistic voice in a supportive environment
- Industry Connections: Networking opportunities with professionals who serve as mentors and potential employers
- Portfolio Development: Real-world projects and community collaborations build impressive professional portfolios
- Technical Skills: Emphasis on digital design proficiency alongside traditional art techniques
- Professional Preparation: Experience working with actual design briefs and industry standards
- Community Impact: Opportunities to create meaningful projects that positively affect the local community
- Diverse Pathways: Multiple career tracks available within the creative industries
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about visual arts, interested in combining creativity with technology, and eager to make a positive impact through their artistic contributions to the community.
Email: rosador@mcvts.org
Phone: 973.627.4600, Ext 305
Qualifications: Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in Painting, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University Certified Spanish Teacher Certified Art Teacher Certified CTE Visual Arts
Mr. Rosado
Mr. Rosado attended Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Concentration in Painting. He began his MCST career in 2006 as a teacher of Spanish. He developed the art elective curriculum in 2009 and taught it for several years. He also established a NAHS chapter for MCST in 2010, as the Art Club advisor, and became the Design Academy teacher in 2018. Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Rosado has been an active freelance artist, developing several traditional and digital composites. His personal work consists of painting, printmaking, logo development, branding, digital editing, photography and advertising. He has also had gallery exhibits in New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Red Bank. Mr. Rosado and his students have been fortunate enough to collaborate with members of their community. Some highlights include working with the Denville Beautification committee, Walls That Inspire, the Denville Police Department, Rhyme & Reason and Barclays. Mr. Rosado is a member of the WDHA Teachers Who Rock class of 2016 and the Morris Tech 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year.
Career Field -Design
Career Pathways in Design (include but are not limited to):
Visual Arts: Interior Designers, Commercial/Residential and Home Furnishings coordinators ♦ Graphic Designers, CAD Technicians, and Fashion Illustrators ♦ Textile Designers ♦ Commercial Artists, Illustrators, and Artists, all Media ♦ Curators and Gallery Managers ♦ Fashion Designers
Printing Technology: Graphics and Printing Equipment Operators ♦ Lithographers and Platemakers ♦ Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operators ♦ Desktop Publishing Specialists; Web Page Designers
Marketing Communications: Advertising Managers • Art/Graphics Directors • Creative Directors • Interactive Media Specialists
Design/Pre-Construction: Modeler (traditional and computer) Planner/Designer • Renderer (traditional and computer)
Seniors in the Academy for Design have completed internships with (including but not limited to):
| 19 to Zero | Leland Gas Technologies |
| Ad Magic/Breaking Games | County College of Morris |
| BLEND Marketing Group | Morris Museum |
| Clark Studio | Morris Sussex Sports |
| Dataart, Inc | Pippin Properties |
| Diamonds by Dawn | The Beck Group Inc |
| Jenna Shulman College Consulting, LLC | U.S. National Park Service |
| Kardwell International | Vintage Vibe |
Academy Course of Study
9th Grade
Academy: Design Concepts I
This course provides an initial foundation for the 9th grade Academy for Design students. Students will explore the
elements and principles of design through a two-pronged approach involving both theory and practice. During the year, students will learn basic drawing techniques, two-dimensional design principles, color theory and digital design concepts and skills. Students will begin to build a portfolio for future use. Students will have the opportunity to explore various career pathways in the design field.
Core Courses:
- English 9
- Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II
- Biology
- Health and Physical Education 9
- World History
- World Language
- Financial Literacy/VPA Elective
10th Grade
Academy: Design Concepts II
This course builds upon an initial foundation of the 9th grade Design Foundations I course. Students will deepen their exploration of the elements and principles of design through a two-pronged approach involving both theory and practice. During the year, students will continue to refine and develop drawing techniques. Students will explore the techniques and skills required to create three-dimensional designs. In this course, students will have the opportunity to delve into the art of photography in order to apply and extend design techniques. Students will also be able to practice and apply more advanced graphics fundamentals such as typography, logo development and design. During the course, students will continue to develop their portfolios and build exhibitions of their work. Throughout the academy program, students will explore various career pathways in design and continue to refine their goals and individual learning plans.
Core Courses:
- English 10*
- Geometry*, Algebra II* or Pre-Calculus*
- Chemistry*
- Health and Physical Education 10
- US History I*
- World Language
- Financial Literacy/VPA Elective
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
11th Grade
Academy: Design Concepts III
In this course, students will build upon the previous two years of foundational design principles to explore advanced topics in design. Students will create complex, challenging design pieces and further develop and refine their individual portfolios. Throughout the year, students will work in a variety of design areas including interior design, architecture, form development and digital animation.
Core Courses:
- English 11*
- Algebra II*, Pre-Calculus*, Calculus
- Physics*
- Health and Physical Education 10
- US History II*
- World Language
- Elective
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
12th Grade at MCST
Career and Technical Education (Academy):
- Career and Technical Education Elective (i.e. Virtual Enterprises International, Computer Science Principles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
- Independent Study
- OR CCM for Academy coursework
Structured Learning Experience (Graduation Requirement):
- All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.
Core Courses:
- English 12* (required)
- Health and Physical Education 12 (required)
- Calculus, Statistics, Foundations of College Math
- Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology I
- World Language*
*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation
12th Grade at County College of Morris
Eligible Seniors may complete their Senior coursework in full or in part at County College of Morris. See School Counseling Department for more information.
Required Courses:
FALL
- English Composition I (ENG111)
- Lifetime Wellness (HED128) or PE (labeled HES)
- Academy Course (1)
ART 122 Drawing I
ART 130 TWO Dimensional Design
DSN 115 Basic Drafting
DSN 135 Fashion Construction Technology I
COM 104 Interpersonal Communications
COM 109 Speech Fundamentals
CMP126 Computer Applications (all but CIS students)
CMP128 Computer Science 1 (all but CIS students)
BUS 112 Introduction to Business (all but FIB students)
ACC 110 Elements of Accounting (all but FIB students)
SPRING
- English Composition II (ENG112)
- PE or Lifetime Wellness (whichever was not taken in the Fall)
- Academy Course (1) (see above list)
*See Guidance (School Counseling) Department for additional information on CCM courses
Structured Learning Experience
- All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.