Description

The Graphic Design One-Year Certificate of Completion provides a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of Graphic Design: color, typography, composition and their application using industry-standard approaches. Students apply current production methods and techniques to relevant projects that consider branding and target market. Courses cover unique aspects of graphic design including print and digital designs; vector art and graphics; and brand and style guide development. Students can select additional courses in digital photography or user experience to complete this certificate. This combination of courses is intended to give students the knowledge and skill set to augment their transfer degree and/or initiate a career as a freelance or entry-level graphic designer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

1. Create designs with industry standard software.
2. Model effective and professional communication when collaborating with industry professionals and clients.
3. Produce a portfolio that demonstrates the variety of skills and creativity developed.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

Recommended:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of WR 065 Rhetoric and Critical Thinking II or higher or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7
• Completion of MTH 015 Beginning Algebra or higher or minimum placement Math Level 7
• Basic computer competency or CIS 010 Computer Keyboarding is recommended for those needing basic keyboarding skills

Additional Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

• 32GB or larger portable storage (USB drive or SSD): $20 to $100
• A desktop or laptop computer capable of running the latest version of the Adobe Creative Cloud and the latest version of Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS: approximately $500 to $2000
• Reliable high-speed internet access

Course Requirements

¹

ART 295 Portfolio Development and Business Practices and BA 214 Business Communications do not fulfill the foundational writing requirement for the AAOT with a focus in Art and Design.

²

ART 104 Creative Applications of Mathematics does not fulfill the foundational math requirement for the AAOT with a focus in Art and Design.

Advising Notes

Planning is important. Some courses are offered only once per academic year, offered in only one delivery format, and many courses need to be taken in sequence. 

Speak with the program director or an advisor about course scheduling.

Program may take longer than a year to complete depending on support courses necessary to meet minimum course requirements.

Performance Standards

• Academic Requirements: 
  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
  • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher. 

Sample Plan

¹

ART 104 Creative Applications of Mathematics does not fulfill the foundational math requirement for the AAOT with a focus in Art and Design.

²

ART 295 Portfolio Development and Business Practices and BA 214 Business Communications do not fulfill the foundational writing requirement for the AAOT with a focus in Art and Design.