Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

The Graphic Design Certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs as graphic designers and for those who are looking for experience with industry level design programs.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Arts & Humanities

Department

Art

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Arts, Communication, Design

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Integrate design skills into their aesthetic sensibility.

  2. Describe how art history impacts design solutions.

  3. Use basic concepts, tools, and techniques of digital media to produce art works concept to finished product.

  4. Apply technical and design standards for digital media.

  5. Assemble a portfolio that demonstrates preparation for work as an entry-level production artist or graphic designer.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

13 units
ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H
This is a writing course emphasizing expository and argumentative essays, which helps students develop writing skills necessary for other degree applicable courses. It includes reading and analysis of various forms of writing, instruction in library research and preparation of documented research papers.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
  2. Corequisite: Students who require supplemental support to succeed in ENGL 101 may be required to take ENGL 086 or ENGL 087 depending on assessment.
  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR

    This is a writing course which emphasizes expository and argumentative essays, which helps students develop writing skills necessary for other degree applicable courses. It includes reading and analysis of various forms of writing, instruction in library research and preparation of documented research papers. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
  • Transfers to CSU
    • ART 120
    Two-Dimensional Design
    The course is an introduction to basic principles, components, and terminology of two-dimensional design common in the visual arts. Course topics include the principles of design, elements of design, color theory, and an exploration of the creative process.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
  • Transfers to CSU
    • ART 145
    Introduction to Digital Applications for Graphic Design

    This course focuses on the fundamental use of computer technology and design software in the production of visual communication and image-based solutions. Students learn to design, analyze, discuss, and present work in a professional digital environment.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
    ART 148
    Fundamental Graphic Design Principles and Digital Practices

    This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles, practices, and theories applied to the creation of compositional space. Students will explore the integration of design elements and principles, color theory, composition, typography, visual communication, and visual logic, as they relate to design disciplines and professional practices.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to CSU

    • 2nd Semester

    12 units
    ART 149
    Design Thinking in Visual Communication

    This course applies design and production techniques in the development of ideas and user-centered concept visualizations with an emphasis on utilizing more advanced software.  Students will explore complex problems utilizing the Design Thinking methodology, including empathy, define, point of view, ideate, rapid prototype, and test, in the creation of 2D and 3D artifacts.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ART 148
    ART 161
    Digital Photography
    This introductory course focuses on photography as a creative medium. Emphasis in the course is on aesthetics, composition, content, technical and creative skills required to make effective images using digital cameras and computer software. Students also critically evaluate photographic images according to the principles of photographic theory. Students will supply their own camera.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
    ART 185
    Beginning Website Design
    This course focuses on the elements of website production, including eXtensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). The course emphasizes preparing web content and designing website layouts in Adobe DreamWeaver. Practical and theoretical understanding of problems related to digital technologies are presented.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ART 148
    ART 100
    Art History: The Stone Age to the Middle Ages
    The course is a survey of western art from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The course provides an overview of the art and architecture of the following periods: the Stone Age, Ancient Near East, Egypt, the Aegean, the Greek and Roman Empires, the Etruscans, the Byzantine Empire, the Medieval periods in Europe, Romanesque, and Gothic. 

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
  • Transfers to UC