Program Overview
Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement
Related Degrees & Certificates
- AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
- 3D Animation and Videogame Art | 60 units
- Digital Art and Animation | 60 units
- CA Certificate of Achievement
- 3D Animation and Videogame Art | 42 units
- Digital Art and Animation | 27 units
- Video Game Design | 33 units
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities include entry-level Graphic Design: Pre Press, Graphic Design Assistant, Graphic Design Production Assistant, and Freelance Graphic Designers. Graphic designers can work in both large and small firms. Large companies will have their own in-house departments and hire designers directly. Other firms need the talents of a designer seasonally or for special projects and look for small design firms or freelance designers. Pre press production is a vital part of the printing industry as printing firms rely on graphic designers to correctly set up creative work for the press.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Communicate design concepts clearly and concisely (i.e., visual, oral, and written).
- Develop competitive industry-standard skills in the respective fields.
- Understand the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.
Program Overview
This certificate prepares students for the career of graphic design. Graphic Designers are typically responsible for graphic design production and pre-press production. Graphic Designers create corporate branding and identification, logos, business cards, letterhead, newsletters, brochures, flyers, postcards, and are responsible for the creation of publication marketing collateral. The Digital Art and Animation program provides the latest software and hardware to students in the graphic design certificate program. Faculty members have extensive industry experience, and their expertise is critical to the success of students in this exciting and creative field.
Requirements
Major: Core and Selective Requirements
Complete Core Courses, 19.5 units
- MART 314 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 units
- MART 366 | Color Management and Theory | 3 units
- MART 371 | User Interface/User Experience Design | 3 units
- MART 372 | Digital Illustration | 3 units
- MART 376 | Introduction to Digital Imaging | 3 units
- MART 378 | Digital Page Layout | 3 units
- MART 390 | Portfolio Creation | 1.5 units
Total Required Units: 19.5
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in graphic design.
- Objectives: Upon completing this program, students will be able to:
- Communicate design concepts clearly and concisely (visual, oral, and written).
- Develop competitive industry-standard skills.
- Understand the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.
Outline:
- Content: The program covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Computer Graphics
- Color Management and Theory
- User Interface/User Experience Design
- Digital Illustration
- Introduction to Digital Imaging
- Digital Page Layout
- Portfolio Creation
- Structure: The program consists of 19.5 units.
- Course Schedule: The program is offered on a semester-based system.
- Modules: The program includes the following modules:
- MART 314 Introduction to Computer Graphics: This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computer graphics, including raster and vector images, color theory, and image manipulation.
- MART 366 Color Management and Theory: This course covers the principles of color theory, including color harmonies, color psychology, and color reproduction.
- MART 371 User Interface/User Experience Design: This course teaches students the principles of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, including information architecture, usability, and accessibility.
- MART 372 Digital Illustration: This course introduces students to the techniques and tools of digital illustration, including drawing, painting, and vector graphics.
- MART 376 Introduction to Digital Imaging: This course covers the basics of digital imaging, including image scanning, retouching, and color correction.
- MART 378 Digital Page Layout: This course teaches students the principles of digital page layout, including typography, grid systems, and image placement.
- MART 390 Portfolio Creation: This course guides students in creating a professional portfolio showcasing their graphic design skills.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Projects
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Portfolio reviews
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
- Hands-on exercises
- Group projects
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty with extensive industry experience.
Careers:
- Career Paths: Graduates of the Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement can pursue careers in graphic design, including:
- Pre-Press
- Graphic Design Assistant
- Graphic Design Production Assistant
- Freelance Graphic Designer
- Opportunities: Graphic designers can work in various settings, including:
- Large companies with in-house design departments
- Small design firms
- Freelance work
- Outcomes: Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the graphic design industry.
