Term Effective: Fall 1986

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Certificate of Achievement with an emphasis in Graphic Design involves the study and practice of the principles of visual communication from a fine arts base. Students will develop original works, explore various concepts, utilize creative problem solving, and refine basic design skills. They will use a variety of tools, techniques and materials to express their ideas, from traditional to contemporary, including digital media. This course of study involves both practical and innovative use of images, type, and hand-formed letters in a wide range of applications including the development of symbols, logos, posters, CD covers, page layouts, publication design, etc. Students will gain an historical perspective of art and design movements and their influence on today's design aesthetic.

The Fine Arts Certificates of Achievement are designed to provide a broad-based education. Students earning the Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design can set up their own studios to work as freelance graphic designers/illustrators including desktop publishing and web design. The certificate program gives a basis for possible internships and paid apprenticeships as a studio assistant, or for work in an advertising agency, publishing, or design firm. It also prepares students for entry-level positions working as an art supply salesperson, or production artist for newspapers, and print shops. By completing this certificate, those pursuing careers in teaching at the middle or high school level will enhance their abilities to contribute in the design of campus publications and graphics, such as the school newspaper and class annual.

For students interested in an Associate degree, an Art major is available. More information about Art programs can be found at the Art Department website.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.

It is important that students who are completing an Associate Degree and desire to transfer to a four-year institution meet with a counselor to plan their lower division coursework. While many majors at SRJC are intended to align with lower division major preparation required by California public universities, specific lower-division major requirements vary among individual campuses. See a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, and check Guides For Transfer in Specific Majors, and ASSIST to review transfer preparation guides for specific schools and majors.

Notes:

No course may be used more than once to fulfill a requirement in the certificate.