Graphic Design - Formerly Graphic Design Option - Major #8507

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


Graphic Design combines aspects of the graphic communication and business curricula to provide a foundation in graphic design. The student will receive a background in computer graphics, and introductory video, audio and web design with an understanding of the requirements and limitations of production.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate competency in communication techniques and visual design theory through the use of application specific software and hardware.
Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester

Term 1

16 units

GRC 15
Web Design

4 units
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
Adobe Brackets or comparable HTML editor, CSS, and components of Adobe Design Suite with emphasis on graphic design principles and digital photography included in exercises and project work. Skill development in recognition of artwork appropriate for web site design. Students capture images, design, create, and post working web sites using Adobe Creative Cloud. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course
      1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

      GRC 17
      Adobe Illustrator

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
      Use Adobe Illustrator to design and create vector images that solve a variety of graphic problems. Hands-on work creating projects for reproduction. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
          1. CSU Transfer Course
          1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

          GRC 20A
          Intro to Applied Graphics-Adobe Tools

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
          Overview of graphic communication processes as related to the graphics industry. Terminology, input/output considerations, current trends, and hands-on projects using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign for production operations. (A, CSU)
          Course Details:
              1. CSU Transfer Course
              1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

              GRC 30
              Adobe Indesign/Professional Publishing

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
              Adobe InDesign page layout software. Emphasis on production for print, e-book, and emerging technologies. Components from Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator programs. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
                  1. CSU Transfer Course
                  1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

                  GRC 39A
                  Introduction to Graphic Design

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                  Principles and methods of graphic communication. Projects incorporate symbols and typography into visual design, exploring interrelationships between formal elements and symbolic content. (A, CSU, UC)
                  Course Details:
                  1. Corequisite: GRC 20A
                  2. Corequisite: GRC 320A
                  1. B: Humanities
                  1. A3 - Critical Thinking
                  2. CSU Transfer Course
                  1. C - Humanities

                  Term 2

                  15 units

                  BA 38 Operation of the Small Business or BA 52 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

                  3 units

                  BA 38
                  Operation of the Small Business

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                  A systematic approach to developing and managing a small business including the development of a formal, comprehensive business plan. Emphasis on discussions and practical exercises to develop expertise in the operations, marketing, human resource utilization, and financing of the small business venture. (A, CSU)
                  or

                  BA 52
                  Introduction to Entrepreneurship

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                  Develops an understanding of the complex tasks faced by individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Identifies the methods for developing a business idea, the process of starting a business, how to acquire resources, and the key parts of a business plan. (A, CSU)

                  GRC 20B
                  Intro to Applied Graphics - Media

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                  Introductory production methods of graphic communication systems incorporating print media, web design, video production, and prototyping. Project work explores considerations and limitations of software for output. Units include professional development for the workplace. (A, CSU)
                  Course Details:
                      1. CSU Transfer Course
                      1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

                      GRC 31
                      Intermediate Photoshop

                      3 units
                      Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                      Adobe Photoshop with emphasis on graphic design and production. Units include production for print, web, and digital media applications. (A, CSU, UC)
                      Course Details:
                          1. CSU Transfer Course

                            GRC 40A
                            Intermediate Graphic Design

                            3 units
                            Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                            Advanced principles and methods of graphic communication. Projects incorporate symbols and typography into visual design, exploring interrelationships between the formal elements and symbolic content. (A, CSU, UC)
                            Course Details:
                            1. Prerequisite: GRC 39A
                            1. B: Humanities
                            1. CSU Transfer Course
                            1. C - Humanities

                            GRC 55
                            Social Media Design

                            3 units
                            Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
                            Graphic design principles and processes directly related to current social media platforms and interactions. (A, CSU)
                            Course Details:
                                1. CSU Transfer Course
                                  Total: 31 units