Academic Catalogs

Graphic Design Foundation, Certificate of Specialization

Banner Code: 2_CE_GDF

Not Financial Aid 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:

  1. Generate artwork utilizing the principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
  2. Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of digital art projects.
  3. Utilize software to generate digital art projects.

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ART G115Typography3
DART G105Digital 2D Design & Color Theory3
DART G135Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator3
DART G150Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop3
Total Units12

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 G115Typography3
DART G105Digital 2D Design & Color Theory3
DART G150Digital Image Editing I: Beginning Photoshop3
Units9
Course Title Units
Semester 2
DART G135Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator3
Units3