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Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement (CA)

About the Program

The Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design is designed to prepare the students for work in the graphic design profession. This certificate gives the students the knowledge and experience to enter the graphic design profession as a member of an advertising agency, creative services team, design studio, in-house design team, print shop, or web development firm.

Career Opportunities

Graphic Artist; Production Artist; Graphic Designer; Visual Designer; Senior Designer; Web Designer; Freelance Designer; Art Director; Creative Director; Creative Services Manager; User Interface Designer; User Experience Designer

Program Outcomes

  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design, students are able to apply principles of design to effectively conceptualize, create and deliver design solutions for the intended audience.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design, students are able to critically evaluate quality and effectiveness of design projects, present one’s work effectively, and incorporate critique and feedback into design iterations.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design, students are able to describe the history and application of design and how color, type, and other design elements are used as effective communications tools.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design, students are able to use industry-standard software with technical proficiency and create documents to required specifications for delivery to clients.

Required Core: (30 Units)

Course Number Course Title Units
GDDM 51 Color Theory 3
  or  
ARTS 26 Color Theory 3
GDDM 52 Introduction to Typography 3
GDDM 53 Photoshop I 3
GDDM 54 Illustrator I 3
GDDM 56 Introduction to Graphic Design 3
GDDM 57 Branding and Identity Design 3
GDDM 58 Photoshop II 3
GDDM 59 Illustrator II 3
GDDM 60 Creative Portfolio Development & Self Promotion 3
GDDM 64 InDesign I 3

List A: Select One (3 Units)

Course Number Course Title Units
GDDM 67 InDesign II 3
GDDM 68 Creative Portfolio Preparation 3
GDDM 2 Wordpress and Content Management Systems 3
GDDM 3 History of Graphic Design 3
GDDM 4 User Interface and User Experience Design 3
GDDM 40 Design Shop: The Business of Design 3
GDDM 65 Elect Prepress/Print Prod 3
GDDM 70 Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers 3

Total Units: 33