Graphic Design, Associate of Arts Degree

Graphic design is a field that uses visual communication and conceptual strategy to solve graphic problems. The program starts with strong foundational coursework and an early emphasis on typography and design principles. Guided by instructors who are working professionals, students use current industry software and processes to create professional design projects. With an emphasis on process, conceptual strategy, and professional practices, students are given broad opportunities to develop a unique voice, vision, and viewpoint. Using both print and digital formats, students produce projects that demonstrate an understanding of visual communication through brand strategy, interaction design, and typographic systems. The program culminates in a professional body of work that could be used to obtain employment or transfer to a four-year design program.

(A) Enrollment Data

Annual Number of Sections (SECT) and Enrollment (ENRL) Totals

*The college experienced limited course offering and enrollment during the pandemic.
+New course.
Source: https://www.sdcity.edu/about/institutional-effectiveness/research/enrollment-dashboard.aspx

(B) Completer Projections

Based on enrollment data, the estimated completer projection of students to earn this award annually is 10 students.

Item 1.  Program Goals and Objectives

The Design program at San Diego City College provides students with strong foundational coursework, emphasizing in typography and design principles needed to enter the industry. Students benefit from instructors who work professionally in the field. Students receive hands-on experience using current industry software and other tools to create projects for the real world. The Design program is primarily designed for students interested in entering the graphic design and interaction design fields. Students following the associate degree paths will be able to gain essential studies and skills needed to transfer to a private or public four-year design program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the program will be able to:

●       Develop conceptual strategies and apply them to solve design problems.

●       Demonstrate an understanding of visual coherence by building typographic systems.

●       Demonstrate proficiency with current industry standard design software.

●       Employ production methodology to design projects.

●       Incorporate research and strategy processes into design projects.

●       Design interactive and digital media experiences for a variety of digital devices.

●       Produce a body of work that demonstrates a unique voice, vision, and viewpoint.

●       Apply professional practice knowledge and theory to develop career and business skills.

Career Goals

At San Diego City College, we open the door to unlimited opportunity. Potential jobs include account executive, animator, art director, chief creative officer, content strategist, copywriter, creative director, design educator, design strategist, freelance designer, front-end developer, graphic designer, illustrator ,information architect, in-house designer, interaction designer, production artist, product designer, production coordinator, project manager, senior designer, user experience designer, and user interface designer. Fields of specialization include advertising, graphic design, environmental design, illustration, information graphics, interaction design, packaging, publication design, motion graphics, type design/lettering, user experience design, user interface design, and website design.

For additional information please visit our website: https://sdcc.gd

The program modifications made to design (DSGN) certificates and degrees do not change the total number of awards being offered in the region. Program modifications will not contribute to an overproduction to the supply in the labor market demand as it will continue to yield the same number of graduates or completers as in previous years.

This program modification updates the program award title and includes updates to course numbering and course titles that reflects the program’s emphasis on design. These changes will promote student success by giving clarity to course sequencing and award options. The changes will also give students more flexibility to choose intermediate and advanced courses that are relevant to their specializations and education/career goals.

COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:

COMPLETE THREE ADDITIONAL COURSES FROM THE FOLLOWING: