Graphic Design - Formerly Graphic Design Option - Major #8507

Certificate of Achievement Program Map

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.


The Graphic Design program combines aspects of graphic communication and business curricula to provide an entry-level skillet in the industry. This background includes introductory video, audio and web design with an understanding of the requirements and limitations of graphic 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. Assessment: critique of project work, portfolio review.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1

16 units

GRC 15
Web Design

4 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
This course incorporates the use of "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. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer

        GRC 17
        Adobe Illustrator

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
        This course involves using Adobe Illustrator to design and create vector images that solve a variety of graphic problems. Emphasis on student project work provides an extensive coverage of software features. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:
            1. CSU Transfer

              GRC 20A
              Intro to Applied Graphics-Adobe Tools

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
              This course provides an overview of graphic communication processes as related to the graphics industry. Topics include 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

                    GRC 30
                    Adobe Indesign/Professional Publishing

                    3 units
                    Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                    This course concentrates on Adobe InDesign page layout software. There is an emphasis on production for print, e-book, and emerging technologies. Components from Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator programs are included in project work. (A, CSU)
                    Course Details:
                        1. CSU Transfer

                          GRC 39A
                          Introduction to Graphic Design

                          3 units
                          Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                          This course deals with the 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. CSU Transfer

                              Term 2

                              12 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: 2026 Spring Semester
                              This course provides 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)
                              Course Details:
                              1. Advisory: BA 52
                              2. Advisory: ENGL C1000
                                1. CSU Transfer
                                  or

                                  BA 52
                                  Introduction to Entrepreneurship

                                  3 units
                                  Effective Term: 2026 Spring Semester
                                  This course develops an understanding of the complex tasks faced by individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Students identify 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)
                                  Course Details:
                                  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
                                    1. CSU Transfer

                                      GRC 20B
                                      Intro to Applied Graphics - Media

                                      3 units
                                      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                      This course introduces repurposing media for production systems, incorporating print media, web design, video production, prototyping and screen presentation. Project work explores considerations and limitations of software for output. Units include professional development for the workplace. (A, CSU)
                                      Course Details:
                                          1. CSU Transfer

                                            GRC 31
                                            Photoshop for Design

                                            3 units
                                            Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                                            This course features Adobe Photoshop with an emphasis on graphic design. Units include production for print, web, and digital media applications. (A, CSU, UC)
                                            Course Details:
                                                1. CSU Transfer

                                                  GRC 40A
                                                  Intermediate Graphic Design

                                                  3 units
                                                  Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                                  This course deals with 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
                                                  2. Prerequisite: GRC 339A
                                                    1. CSU Transfer

                                                      Term 3

                                                      10 units

                                                      GRC 41
                                                      Visual Communications

                                                      3 units
                                                      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                                      This is a survey course centering around the significant techniques and examples of visual communication as employed by the mass media, including newspapers, magazines, television, and advertising. Discussion and demonstration of the tools used in analyzing visual communication creation and analysis of images for print, web, and video is included. (A, CSU, UC)
                                                      Course Details:
                                                          1. CSU Transfer

                                                            GRC 45
                                                            Web Development with Word Press

                                                            3 units
                                                            Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
                                                            This course involves the design, configuration, and implementation of scalable websites using the Word Press content management system and Adobe Photoshop. (A, CSU)
                                                            Course Details:
                                                                1. CSU Transfer

                                                                  GRC 51
                                                                  Storyboarding

                                                                  1 unit
                                                                  Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                                                  This course involves pre-visualization for animation, video, web, and game production. Introduction to media-specific storyboarding processes and techniques. (A, CSU)
                                                                  Course Details:
                                                                      1. CSU Transfer

                                                                        GRC 55
                                                                        Social Media Design

                                                                        3 units
                                                                        Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                                                        In this introductory course, students will create content for a branded identity. Students will use online-based software and/or smart device applications to create graphics, images, blog posts, and video for current Social Media platforms. (A, CSU)
                                                                        Course Details:
                                                                            1. CSU Transfer
                                                                              Total: 38 units