Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement - Level II

The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the communication arts and graphic design fields. The core learned disciplines are the principles and elements of design, exposure to art and design history, and conceptual visual problem-solving. Students are given a balanced blend of creative, design, and technology skills necessary to develop successful print, digital, and multi-media graphic design. The program offers the essential skills required for entry-level employment opportunities as a production, layout, content, publication, print, advertising, or social media graphic designer. The ability to problem solve problems with visual solutions is developed. A portfolio of work is prepared using industry-standard software and processes, plus self-branding and job research necessary for employment opportunities in the field of Graphic Design. 

Upon completion of the required courses with at least a “C” or “P” (pass) grade in each course, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

There are currently 188 students that list the Graphic Design Certificate as their major. Pre-pandemic we had 14-20 students receiving the certificate, our numbers are down for the last few years. We anticipate that this new simplified certificate will lead to increased numbers of completers due to a decrease in bottlenecking of courses with prerequisites.

This program divides the current Graphic Design certificate into two parts. Level I covers basic software skills and design fundamentals. Level II prepares the student for entry into the industry by developing their communication arts and problem-solving skills and developing a portfolio that is necessary to enter the workforce. This certificate is not offered at nearby institutions. This program is housed in the Art Department. We are in the Arts Communications and Humanities Pathway.

The course Unites and Hours listed below include Certificate I and Certificate II courses because Certificate I must be completed before entering Certificate II. Certificate II requires the completion of the courses in Certificate I.

The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the communication arts and graphic design fields. The core learned disciplines are the principles and elements of design, exposure to art and design history, and conceptual visual problem-solving. Students are given a balanced blend of creative, design, and technology skills necessary to develop successful print, digital, and multi-media graphic design. The program offers the essential skills required for entry-level employment opportunities as a production, layout, content, publication, print, advertising, or social media graphic designer. The ability to problem solve problems with visual solutions is developed. A portfolio of work is prepared using industry-standard software and processes, plus self-branding and job research necessary for employment opportunities in the field of Graphic Design. To achieve the Certificate of Achievement: Upon completion of the following courses with at least a ‘C’ or 'P' grade in each course, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

This certificate program is available after completion of the Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement - Level 1 program. Level 1 focuses on basic software skills and design fundamentals. Level 2 explores design solutions for specific fields and problems and expands on elements and principles of design. Level 2 prepares the student for entry-level work in the field or transfer to a 4-year university or art school with a portfolio, self-branding and marketing materials, and an understanding of interview and other job searching requirements.

COURSE BLOCKS - Level I and II certifications listed.
Course Blocks - Required Course - Level I
ARTB4 - Two Dimensional Design
ARTB15 - Introduction to Visual Design
ARTB20 - Digital Art - Vector
ARTB25 - Typography
ARTB22 - Social Media Design

Course Blocks - Choose One - Level I
ARTB16 - Digital Photography
ARTB17 - Black and White Photography
ARTB26 - Video Production 1
ARTB2 - Drawing 1

Course Blocks - Required Courses - Level II
ARTB40 - Digital Illustration
ARTB41 - Advertising Design
ARTB42 - Graphic Design
ARTB55 - Portfolio

COURSE SEQUENCE - Level I and II certifications listed.
Term 1 - Level I
ARTB4 - Two Dimensional Design
ARTB15 - Introduction to Visual Design
ARTB20 - Digital Art - Vector

Term 2 - Level I
ARTB25 - Typography
ARTB22 - Social Media Design
Choose one from List A (one of the below options):
ARTB16 - Digital Photography
ARTB17 - Black and White Photography
ARTB26 - Video Production 1
ARTB2 - Drawing 1

Term 3 - Level II
ARTB40 - Digital Illustration
ARTB41 - Advertising Design

Term 4 - Level II
ARTB42 - Graphic Design
ARTB55 - Portfolio