Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in the fields of graphic design, digital media, content creation, UX design, interaction design, web design, motion graphics, photography, animation, and video production, the skills covered include production processes, design thinking, project management, and collaborative teamwork. The program stresses the design thinking process as well as the professional and production methods used currently in the industry. This program provides students with a comprehensive hands-on education that prepares them to earn industry-standard certifications. Students emerge with design practices to develop and produce marketing materials for their professional portfolios. Students develop a portfolio from projects that require written, oral, and visual presentations. The program also places an emphasis on creativity, design skills, digital portfolios, project management, problem-solving, global teamwork, and entrepreneurship options.

Completer Projections

Graphic design is all around us, in a myriad of forms, both on-screen and in print, yet it is always made up of images and words. The goals of this certificate program are to expose students to the fundamental skills required to make a sophisticated graphic design: process, historical context, and communication through the ideation of image-making and typography. After completing this program, students will be able to:

1. 1. Employ research, ideation, development, analysis, and prototyping to solve a variety of business marketing problems.
2. 2. Combine appropriate aesthetic form and content to create evocative and engaging work.
3. 3. Create appropriate typographic solutions for a variety of design situations.
4. 4. Demonstrate proficiency with computers, software, and production processes.
5. 5. Select appropriate tools, materials, and processes for a range of media products.
6. 6. Work collaboratively within a creative team.

It helps students develop skills in creating effective graphic design solutions from each course in the program to build a professional portfolio that can be presented to potential employers, clients, or university art & design programs. The goal of this specialization is to equip learners with a set of transferable formal and conceptual tools for “making and communicating” in the field of graphic design. This core skill set will equip learners for formal studies in graphic design, and a starting point for further work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design.

Students earning a certificate in Graphic Design may pursue entry-level positions as content creators or graphic designers or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward an advanced degree. COD has transfer agreements with California State Universities in this discipline/program. However, transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities vary from institution to institution; students should consult with a counselor and the d program advisor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.

What students learn from the coursework classes prepares them to remain current in graphic design and marketing. The curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as specific courses in the industry standard software Adobe Creative Suite; Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere, and Digital Photography. Software is delivered via Adobe’s Creative Cloud which updates to the current version allowing students and faculty to constantly stay current. Additionally, our campus provides Adobe Certification via Certiport which tests knowledge of the Adode Creative Suite software. Upon passing the exams students, as well as faculty and staff, receive certificates and badges that prove their proficiency in the software. Shifts in technology happen all the time and graphic design is also affected. DDP faculty keep current with trends through current events, professional development and using LinkedIn Learning on-line training service.

Graphic designers have a unique ability to work as a contractor or as an employee for companies anywhere in the world because of the internet. Their unique skills can crossover to other industries thus increasing their job and earning potential beyond the immediate job market area.

Emerging Occupations

A wonderful resource for industry trends in this field is the Digital Media Educators’ conference which brings together faculty from all California community colleges. The conference focuses on identifying the digital media elements in every aspect of the world as a whole and specifically in business and the workplace. It also addresses issues and best practices for teaching digital media for business in the Community College and/or High School setting. In addition, it encourages conversations on what lies ahead for the Digital Media industry sector.

            It is a good time to pursue a career in graphic design. Monitoring job boards like www.indeed.com. Sometimes students are on the cutting edge of what is a trend which could benefit an employer who is not aware of it. Providing a carefully designed survey for industry employers can not only share the emerging occupation possibilities and pave the way for future jobs but also gain their support in developing and making decisions about courses, certificates and degrees.

Competitive Fields

            Digital Media is in a competitive market. Talent is important but not more than a good work ethic or a great understanding of the tools. Earning an Adobe Certified Associate credential provide prospective employers the satisfaction that this applicant is proficient in using the industry standard software.

Career Technical Education Skills

            Graphic Design courses are currently offered fully online giving students flexibility to earn a certificate or degree at their convenience. Graphic Design is unique in that students have options for advanced degrees as well as Career Technical Education (CTE). CTE programs, like Graphic Design provide students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. According to SkillsUSA, about 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. CTE prepares these learners for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context. In fact, the high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is about 90 percent – 15% higher than the national average. CTE programs are rigorous in preparing students with career readiness skills in fields such as Graphic Design. High standards are expected for those entering the workforce in 21st century.

Small Business

            Careers in the Media & Entertainment/Digital Media Sector have a great many entrepreneurial opportunities. It is imperative that graphic design students are offered entrepreneurial courses to better prepare them for this opportunity.

            The Associate's Degree in Digital Design & Production addresses these employment needs by teaching students the design process; how to research, analyze, evaluate, plan, develop and produce creative content. Using current digital technologies, students become immersed in the graphic design process from brainstorming to presentation. They become competent in understanding how design thinking is developed and how it reaches and affects the client and its target market.

Program Requirements

DDP 102              Digital Illustration ....................................................................... 3

DDP 103              Publication Design & Production................................................. 3
DDP 110              Graphic Design............................................................................. 3

DDP 111              Advertising Design....................................................................... 3

DDP 112              Digital Typography...................................................................... 3

DDP 113              Design for Social Change............................................................. 3

DDP 116             Social Media Design.................................................................... 3

DDP 151              User Experience Design............................................................... 3

DDP 195              Business Practices for Creatives.................................................. 3

CIS 087                Introduction to Programming Using Python................................ 3

CERTIFICATE TOTAL........................................................................................ 30

Course Sequence