Program Overview

University Program Information

The university offers a range of programs and courses, including certificates and specializations.

Courses

• The courses are available in various formats, including online and on-campus.
  • Online courses offer flexibility and convenience.
  • On-campus courses provide hands-on experience and face-to-face interaction.

Certificates and Programs

• The university offers several certificates and programs, including:
  • Technical Management Program (TMP)
  • OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
  • Pathway Program
  • UC Excelerator
• These programs are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

Design History and Context

Course Description

The Design History and Context course (DESMA X 479.3D) provides students with a broad understanding of design and its dynamic past.

• The course covers the history of visual communication, design's sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and the artistic and technological characteristics of various movements.
• Students create portfolio pieces inspired by the designers and movements studied.

Course Details

• Duration: As few as 11 weeks
• Units: 4.0
• Current Formats: Online
• Cost: Starting at $925.00
• Prerequisites: DESMA X 479.6A Design Fundamentals, DESMA X 481.99Z InDesign, and DESMA X 479.4A Typography

What You Can Learn

• Identify significant designers and design movements
• Recognize key artists and illustrators who have had a significant impact on design
• Develop an understanding of the chronology of graphic design periods and styles
• Understand the effect of changing technologies on the field of graphic design
• Analyze how historical graphic design styles are incorporated into modern graphics
• Create portfolio pieces inspired by the designers and movements studied

Spring 2026 Schedule

• Date: March 31 - June 9
• Format: Online
• Instructor: Shirin Raban
• Fee: $925.00

Summer 2026 Schedule

• Date: June 23 - September 1
• Format: Online
• Instructor: Shirin Raban
• Fee: $925.00

Course Requirements

• Book: The History of Graphic Design

Design Communication Arts Certificate

Program Description

The Design Communication Arts certificate program is designed to ignite students' creativity and prepare them for a career in graphic design.

• The program helps students develop visual literacy and think like a designer.
• It includes portfolio reviews, a capstone course, mentorship, and internship opportunities.

Program Benefits

• Develop visual literacy and design skills
• Prepare for a career in graphic design
• Gain confidence in design abilities through portfolio reviews and mentorship
• Benefit from internship opportunities and a capstone course