Graphic Design Foundation, Certificate of Specialization
Banner code: 2_CE_GDF
Financial aid: Not eligible
This certificate will prepare the student for a career in the field of graphic design and also prepare students for upper division courses in Digital Arts. The focus is upon foundation graphic design skills in current industry standard software, typography and visual communication.
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
Program Level Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Generate artwork utilizing the principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate digital art projects.
Certificate of Specialization Requirements
This certificate focuses on skill-based competency, so the student can quickly move into the workplace. Therefore, there is an emphasis on updating or learning newly emerging technologies. The coursework for the Certificate of Specialization must be under 18 units. This certificate is not approved by the State, there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation, and it is not recorded on a transcript. In order to earn a Certificate of Specialization, all courses that apply to the certificate must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” in each course unless otherwise stated. Fifty percent of the certificate program must be completed at GWC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ART G115 | Typography | 3 |
| DART G103 | Digital 2D Design | 3 |
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| DART G222 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Recommended Program Sequence
These sequences are general maps for students to finish all requirements for the Certificate. There may be advisories or time requirements that students may want to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor for alternate sequencing.
Year 1:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| ART G115 | Typography | 3 |
| DART G103 | Digital 2D Design | 3 |
| DART G150 | Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop | 3 |
| Units | 9 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| DART G135 | Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| DART G222 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| Units | 6 | |