Advanced Certificate
Graphic Design
Degrees and Certificates
Courses
GRA120L: Design Software Essentials
In Design Software Essentials, students cover the necessary functions of Photoshop and Illustrator. These are the two major 2D image creation and editing software. These programs form the foundation of digital imaging in both print screen and video graphics. Students will learn through several lab assignments that cover pixel manipulation, composing, adjusting, and resizing in Photoshop. In Illustrator, students will learn how to properly and efficiently manipulate vectors; how to create and use color properly, and finally how to efficiently output vector images for screen or print. Concepts learned in this course carry over into animation, motion graphics, 3D design, and more.
GRA125L: Foundations of Design
This course covers the major principles and elements of design, which form the basis for visual communications by introducing students to creative processes in which designers use to create work. Exposing students to the technical processes and theories used in graphic design; including sequential gaming, animation art, print and publishing, digital expressive illustration, silkscreen and sign design processes.
GRA127L: UX Foundations
User Experience (UK) involves a person'92s behaviors, attitudes, and emotions about using or anticipating using a particular product, system, or service. This course uses straight-forward introductions, the tools of the trade, and more detailed workflows to develop a unique user experience for a fictitious company'92s product or services.
GRA134L: Typography
This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of Typography. Students study the various classifications of type, and the anatomy associated with each class. Students will solve visual design and layout problems for various media requirements.
GRA136L: Digital Illustration
This course explores the techniques and equipment used to incorporate your sketches into digital designs. Students develop thumbnails and sketches for various elements to be digitized by industry standard software.
GRA137L: Aspects of Graphic Communication
In this course students will be given projects that will incorporate all aspects of graphic design. Focused study, exploring the branding process from the ground up, using the principles and elements of design, color theory, typography and layout, students will learn the methods of visual identity, branding, moving images, and web development. Students are introduced to visual communication strategies, communication theory, and the message of language in design, through issues of form, color, texture, hierarchy, imagery, animated movement, typography and narrative, learning how to harness these elements to communicate concepts clearly, effectively and expressively.
GRA224L: Publication Design
This course teaches the necessary skills to develop layouts for both page and screen publications. Industry standards and practices will be discussed, while developing layouts using grids, typography, color theories, and basic design principles.
GRA226L: CMS Basics
Focusing on online use, a Content Management System (CMS) is an application that allows a developer to create, manage, store, and deploy content on web pages that can easily be edited and maintained by a client. Students are exposed to the different companies offering CMS services, and how to implement, manage, and customize a basic CMS presence.
GRA227L: CMS Customizing
This course goes beyond basic CMS implementation and tasks the student with developing a custom CMS child theme. Students use a standard CMS Theme as a base for a custom child theme and develop a new custom layout with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
GRA228L: Motion Gaming Graphics
This course introduces the fundamental principles of expression through movement in time, sequential composition editing, and image sequence and as well as sound integration, editing and story structure using current digital software. Students explore the techniques and software to incorporate illustrations and graphics into moving animated designs in both 2D and 3D using Blender, Photoshop, and other current software for gaming designs. Students develop sketches for a series of short projects to apply basic animation principles.
GRA229L: e-Commerce Basics
Electronic commerce (ecommerce) is an industry where the buying and selling of products and services are conducted online. In this course students develop an ecommerce site using a standard CMS system with an e-commerce plug-in. Students are exposed to the development and management of inventory, creating sales items, shipping options, accepting payments, and how to return items.
GRA266L: Independent Study
Students in an independent study option will engage in learning about a topic of special interest and/or need. A written report on the topic of the independent study is required.
GRA271L: Screen Process Printing
This course introduces the student to commercial screen-printing techniques. Areas of emphasis include types of frames, terminology, fabric selection, photo mechanical stencil preparation, fabric stretching techniques, screen printing inks, squeegee selection, and substrates. Projects are selected and designed by each student and must be printed on predetermined substrates. Classroom theory will be supported by lab demonstrations.
GRA280L: Graphic Design Capstone
This course is intended to provide the vehicle for students to show overall competency and skills in Graphic Design Technologies, which have been a part of their degree program. Under supervision of a faculty advisor, the student will select an appropriate project, plan, and perform the necessary tasks, and present the results. It is expected the student will create a professional portfolio with the objective of obtaining either a professional position in the field, or admission into a 4-year institution.