Term Effective: Fall 2010

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 Computer Graphics involves the study and manipulation of basic visual elements mediated with the computer. The elements include space and composition, line, shape, value, color and texture. Students will study the various problems and potentials of computer graphics. Students will explore themes and in-depth problem-solving, individual expression and experimentation with digital media, methods and materials.

Techniques such as paint program image creation, photo manipulation, hue, saturation and value adjustment, texture and lighting layering, digital photo collage, animation and web page publishing are covered in this course of study, as are color printing and an introduction to the work of many artists working with new media.

The Fine Arts Certificates are designed to provide a broad-based education. The certificate program gives a basis for possible internships and paid apprenticeships as a studio assistant, or for work in a museum gallery or design firm setting. It also prepares students for work in graphic design and animation firms. Students earning the Certificate of Achievement in Computer Graphics can set up their own studios and sell their work in galleries, may work as freelance illustrators, or design web pages. Those pursuing careers in teaching at the secondary school level will enhance their abilities to teach art by completing this certificate.

Students earning certificates could be prepared for employment in a variety of entry-level positions, as mentioned above. Generally speaking, the average rates of pay are relatively low at the entry level, although rates of pay and availability of such jobs vary. Individuals wishing to pursue freelance careers need to be able to combine the regular practice of creative skills with self-promotion and good business practices. A bachelor's or master's degree in art or art history is required for most career positions in museums and galleries. 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.