2023-2024 College Catalog

Graphic Design

 

Open Page as PDF

Graphic Design program is a comprehensive study of the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to research, conceptualize, prototype and implement all aspects of graphic design projects in a variety of modern visual communication media.

For additional career possibilities, visit the Career Services Center on the main campus to utilize computerized career information systems and other valuable career resources.

Graphic Design, Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement

The required coursework begins with the first semester focused on Design Technologies, during which the students learn the foundations of the design toolset, including the history of its development, its modern applications and the skills required to use those tools in their own projects. The second semester focuses on a wide set of Design Methodologies currently in use in the design industry. The students start exploring Web and digital design as possible media for their work. The third semester is focused on designing for User Experience and allows students to practice a more holistic approach to their designs taking into consideration the medium, the goals, the needs of the target audience, and the implications to all stakeholders. The fourth and final semester is centered around Professional Practices. Students will learn how to work collaboratively on real-world design challenges, manage their design practice and showcase their skills in a portfolio.

The main goal of the program is to prepare the students for the next step in their design career, whether it’s an entry-level design position or a transfer to continue their studies.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Graphic Design program, students will be able to effectively apply appropriate skills and methodologies to all stages of a visual design project, and develop an effective portfolio for transfer or entry-level employment in the design and visual communication industry.

Area of Emphasis: (36 units)

Required Courses (36 units):

DESIGN 11,Design Foundations (formerly GR DES 31)(3)
DESIGN 12,Typography 1 (formerly GR DES 33)(3)
DESIGN 13,Digital Design Tools (formerly GR DES 18)(3)
DESIGN 21,Design Methods(3)
DESIGN 22,Typography 2 (formerly GR DES 43)(3)
DESIGN 23,User Experience Design 1 (formerly GR DES 61)(3)
DESIGN 31,Interactive Advertising(3)
DESIGN 32,Communication Design(3)
DESIGN 33,User Experience Design 2 (formerly GR DES 62)(3)
DESIGN 41,Industry Project(3)
DESIGN 42,Information Design(3)
DESIGN 43,Design Portfolio (formerly GR DES 67)(3)

User Experience Design Essentials, Certificate of Achievement

User Experience (UX) Design prioritizes the needs and wants of the user. The UX designer's goal is to create useful, meaningful, and ethical/sustainable interactions with a product, service, or design. This certificate of achievement will provide an overview of the design process and tools used within the UX field with a specific focus on mobile or web-based solutions. Students will collaborate to research, critique, and design a real-world project or projects to present to stakeholders. Project outcomes may also be equally diverse with projects ranging from interactive campaigns to speculative prototypes.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge of principles, methods and tools of User Experience design and the ability to effectively incorporate them in their design work.

Area of Emphasis: (12 units)

Required Courses (12 units):

DESIGN 13,Digital Design Tools (formerly GR DES 18)(3)
DESIGN 23,User Experience Design 1 (formerly GR DES 61)(3)
DESIGN 33,User Experience Design 2 (formerly GR DES 62)(3)
DESIGN 75,Mobile Design 1(3)

Web Design Essentials, Certificate of Achievement

A web designer works to shape the visual and interactive aspects of a user’s experience of a website, web application, or mobile app. They work closely with web developers and content creators. In this certificate, students will learn necessary web design skills including application of color theory, typography, layouts, images and graphics, and other elements of design systems. Students will outline user behaviors and interactions, and create portfolio-ready websites for various purposes.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate an understanding of the Web as a medium of visual communication and the skills necessary to apply graphic design principles to the interactive Web-based media.

Area of Emphasis: (12 units)

Required Courses (12 units):

DESIGN 24,Web Design 1 (formerly GR DES 65)(3)
DESIGN 34,Web Design 2 (formerly GR DES 66)(3)
DESIGN 44,Web Design 3 (formerly GR DES 67)(3)
DESIGN 75,Mobile Design 1(3)