Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement - Level I

The program is designed to prepare students for basic skills 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 creative design and technology skills necessary to develop successful print, digital, and multi-media graphic design. The program offers essential skills required for understanding production, layout, content, publication, print, advertising, and social media. Included is portfolio-ready work using industry-standard software and processes. 

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. It reduces some of the prerequisite bottlenecking.

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 program is designed to prepare students for basic skills 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 creative design and technology skills necessary to develop successful print, digital, and multi-media graphic design. The program offers essential skills required for understanding production, layout, content, publication, print, advertising, and social media. Included is portfolio-ready work using industry-standard software and processes. 

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to interpret and use the principles and elements of design to convey a graphic design message.

2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to critique and defend their own work, as well as the work of others.

3. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to create print and digital work.

4. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to use industry standard hardware and software to create skills-based projects.