This major will prepare students for employment in the fields of graphic design, illustration, website design, advertising and marketing, and social media marketing. It consists of experiences in applied design, digital imaging, graphic design principles, layout and design, and website design. The focus is on an introduction to design thinking, visual communication, and skills in graphic design, illustration, web design, and graphic art for print and digital delivery.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply graphic design principles in the ideation, development, and production of visual messages.
2. Communicate solutions that address audiences and contexts by recognizing the human factors that determine design decisions.
3. Identify design history, theory, terminology, and criticism from a variety of perspectives.
4. Utilize software applications and technology in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
5. Synthesize design processes and strategy from ideation to production to creatively solve communication problems.

Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:

• Web Designer
• Animator
• Corporate Designer
• In-house Designer
• Advertising Designer
• Freelance Designer
• Editorial Designer
• Typography Designer
• Illustrator

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
ART G115	Typography	3
DART G100	Introduction To Digital Arts	3
DART G105	Digital 2D Design & Color Theory	3
DART G135	Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator	3
DART G150	Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop	3
DART G152	Digital Imaging II: Intermediate Photoshop	3
DART G170	Graphic Design Principles	3
DART G174	Print and Digital Publication Design	3
DART G177	Professional Practice for Designers	3
DART G178	Web Design I	3
PHOT G190	Digital Photography 1	3
Major Total		33
GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC)		18-39
Total Units		60

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students.  The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Year 1:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 1
DART G100	Introduction To Digital Arts	3
DART G105	Digital 2D Design & Color Theory	3
ENGL G100	Freshman Composition ^	4
ART G115	Typography	3
Area E: Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development or any additional course from Area A-D		3
Units		16

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 2
DART G135	Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator	3
DART G150	Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop	3
DART G152	Digital Imaging II: Intermediate Photoshop	3
Area C: Arts & Humanities course		3
Math Competency		3
If Mathematics is satisfied by competency, select Area A2: Communication and Analytical Thinking course
Units		15-17

Year 2:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 3
DART G170	Graphic Design Principles	3
DART G178	Web Design I	3
Area B: Natural Sciences course		3
Area D: Social & Behavioral Sciences course		3
Elective coursework for a total of 3 units		3
Units		15

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 4
DART G174	Print and Digital Publication Design	3
DART G177	Professional Practice for Designers	3
DART G179	Digital Prepress	3
PHOT G190	Digital Photography 1	3
Ethnic Studies Competency		3
Units		15
Total Degree Units		60

^

Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.