Graphic Design - Major #8507

Certificate of Completion 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.


This non-credit 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 communications techniques and visual design theory through the use of application specific software and hardware. Assessment: critique of project work, portfolio review.
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Certificate Requirements 

0 units

GRC 315
Web Design

0 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.

GRC 317
Adobe Illustrator

0 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.
Course Details:

          GRC 320A
          Intro to Applied Graphics - Adobe Tools

          0 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.
          Course Details:

                  GRC 320B
                  Intro to Applied Graphics - Media

                  0 units
                  Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                  This course introduces 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.
                  Course Details:

                          GRC 330
                          Adobe InDesign/Professional Publishing

                          0 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.
                          Course Details:

                                  GRC 331
                                  Intermediate Photoshop

                                  0 units
                                  Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                  This course features Adobe Photoshop with an emphasis on graphic design. Units include production for print, web, and digital media applications.
                                  Course Details:

                                          GRC 339A
                                          Introduction to Graphic Design

                                          0 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.
                                          Course Details:
                                          1. Corequisite: GRC 20A
                                          2. Corequisite: GRC 320A

                                                GRC 340A
                                                Intermediate Graphic Design

                                                0 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.
                                                Course Details:
                                                1. Prerequisite: GRC 39A
                                                2. Prerequisite: GRC 339A

                                                      GRC 341
                                                      Visual Communications

                                                      0 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.
                                                      Course Details:

                                                              GRC 345
                                                              Web Development with Word Press

                                                              0 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.
                                                              Course Details:

                                                                      GRC 351
                                                                      Storyboarding

                                                                      0 units
                                                                      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.
                                                                      Course Details:
                                                                              Total: units