Digital Media: Graphic Design Associate in Arts Degree Program

Program Overview

Digital Media: Graphic Design Associate in Arts Degree Program

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
  • Digital Media: Broadcast and Electronic Media | 60 units
  • Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design | 60 units
• AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
  • Film, Television, and Electronic Media | 60 units
• CA Certificate of Achievement
  • Digital Media: Graphic Production | 21 units
  • Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design | 21 units
• CS Certificate of Specialization
  • Digital Media | 12 units
  • Digital Media: Applied Audio and Video Production | 12 units
  • Digital Media: Broadcast and Electronic Media | 12 units
  • Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design | 12 units

Career Opportunities

The skills that graphic designers possess transcend media boundaries. They may work in print or they may work in three-dimensional media such as environmental graphics, exhibit and display design, or signage. They may design for electronic media such as television, the web, or multimedia or they may create motion graphics and titling for film and video. They may work in information design and interface design or even type design. They may design packaging, books, magazines, and posters, all forms of advertising, corporate communications, corporate identity, environmental and retail design, web design, education design, or nonprofit design. Their creativity and skills are necessary wherever a message and an audience meet, regardless of the media.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Synthesize visual solutions to graphic problems by integrating information and ideas.
• Design and produce original solutions to graphic problems using technology and software central to the graphics industry effectively.
• Analyze, compare and contrast the effectiveness of their own original design work and the work of others.

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for Digital Media for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

Program Overview

The Graphic Design associate's degree prepares students for entry-level work in the visual media industry; the degree also serves the needs of students planning to transfer to study Graphic Design at a four-year school. The curriculum includes basic visual literacy and visual communication skills, the complete software package necessary for employment or transfer, typography, graphic design theory and application, and several production classes that offer real-world hands-on learning experiences.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 27 units
  • ART 200 | Portfolio Preparation | 3 units
  • ART 301 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 units
  • OR
  • DGME 103 | Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design | 3 units
  • DGME 164 | User Interface/User Experience Design | 3 units
  • DGME 211 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 units
  • DGME 215 | History of Graphic Design | 3 units
  • DGME 216 | Intermediate Graphic Design | 3 units
  • DGME 220 | Typography | 3 units
  • DGME 230 | Production Design for Print and Screen | 3 units
  • DGME 250 | Internship | 3 units

Total Required Major Units: 27

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Graphic Design associate's degree aims to prepare students for entry-level employment in the visual media industry.
It additionally facilitates the transfer of students to four-year schools for further study in Graphic Design.
• Objectives: The program instills fundamental visual literacy and communication skills, equips students with the industry-standard software suite, and imparts knowledge in typography, graphic design principles and practices, and hands-on experiential learning through production classes.

Outline:

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue entry-level positions in the visual media industry, including graphic design, typography, production design, user interface/user experience design, and other related fields.
• Opportunities: The program prepares students for a range of opportunities in print, electronic, and digital media, including package design, book and magazine design, advertising, corporate communications, environmental design, web design, and more.
• Outcomes: The program emphasizes the development of creative and technical skills necessary for success in the graphic design profession.
Graduates are equipped to effectively communicate visual messages across various platforms and media.