Graphic Design Production Fundamentals Certificate Computer Studies Total Units: 15.0

Term Effective: Summer 2025

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.

Previous Versions:

Graphic Design Production Fundamentals - effective Fall 2019
Graphic Design Production Fundamentals - effective Fall 2010
Graphic Design Production Fundamentals - effective Fall 2003

Description:

The Graphic Design Production Fundamentals Skills Certificate prepares the student to do entry level print production in the field of graphic design. This certificate is designed for the student who wants a short program to develop employable skills in this field.

This program represents the first rung in a career ladder in graphic design. Students completing this certificate will have completed a portion of the Grapic Design Certificate of Achievement and may wish to pursue this more advanced program to enhance their employment opportunities.

Employers generally report that it is moderately difficult to find applicants who meet their hiring standards. This indicates a good outlook for qualified job seekers.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  1. Develop simple communication visuals from initial concept to files ready for print;
  2. Use Adobe Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to create basic advertising layouts, posters, logos, business systems, etc. for visual communications projects employing the basic principles and elements of graphic design; and
  3. Use professional typographic set-up to creat simple visual communication design.

Program Requirements:

The requirements for the Graphic Design Production Fundamentals program are:

  • Complete 15.0 units from
    • Graphic Design Production Fundamentals Requirements

Graphic Design Production Fundamentals Requirements - complete 15.00 units
CS 70.1AAdobe Photoshop 13.00
CS 72.1AAdobe InDesign 13.00
GD 20Introduction to Typography and Letterforms3.00
GD 51Introduction to Graphic Design3.00
GD 53Design Techniques in Illustrator3.00

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:

GD 51, CS 70.11A and CS 72.11A must be completed before enrolling in GD 20 or GD 53.
Contact
Information		 Phone Email Website
(707) 524-1567
sclark@santarosa.edu