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.


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)

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 Course

        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 Course

              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 Course

                    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 Course
                      1. C - Humanities

                      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: 2025 Fall 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: 2025 Fall 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: 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 Course

                            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 Course

                                  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 Course
                                    1. C - Humanities

                                    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 Course

                                          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:

                                                  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 Course

                                                        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 Course
                                                              Total: 38 units