Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design

The Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design provides opportunities for career preparation by providing courses that meet workforce needs. Graphic design skills are highly desirable not only in the graphic design profession but also in related fields, including social media, branding, marketing, and any profession that includes visual promotion. Students enrolled in this program develop basic and advanced skills in the integral processes of graphic design while learning industry standard graphic design software. The outcomes of the program align with professional graphic design standards and are designed to produce a well-rounded, highly-trained graduate with sufficient expertise to be employable in an ever-expanding job market. Furthermore, the courses in this certificate will scale up to the Certificate of Achievement and AA degree in Graphic and Interactive Design.

The courses average 39 students per course. The number of projected completers per year is 39. These figures are based on the number of students completing the program courses in the 2017-18 academic year. There is a high demand for professionals with graphic design skills in the local job market, as well as in other regions of California. We also anticipate this certificate to be offered as a dual enrollment option. 

The Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design prepares students to be competent graphic designers while providing the opportunity to gain skills necessary to advance their careers.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Apply basic principles of graphic design and visual composition, and create graphic designs for branding, newsletters, packaging, marketing, and social media

• Create and produce professional quality original graphic designs

Students will be required to take 4 courses for a total of 14 units.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
GID 33	Graphic Design Studio I	4	Y1 Fall
GID 34	Graphic Design Studio II	4	Y1 Winter
GID 35	Graphic Design Studio III	4	Y1 Spring
GID 60	Careers in the Visual Arts	2	Y1 Winter

The Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design aligns with the planned goals for Foothill College because the program serves the regional area in support of workforce development and economic growth. The program is unique and does not duplicate any existing program within the Foothill-De Anza District or the surrounding colleges. The program is also unique in that it can be achieved completely online.

De Anza College has a certificate with a similar name. However, the focus of this certificate is in depth practice and mastery of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop with design principles.