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.
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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)
