Course Descriptions

GRA1000C Graphic Design Tools and Techniques
60 hours, 4 credits

Students will utilize industry standard design software in the creation of graphic design images. Basic tool functions and techniques in both raster and vector modes will be explored.

GRA1206C Typography
40 hours, 3 credits

This course is an introduction to the history, forms, and use of typefaces and letterforms in digital design. Basic typographic vocabulary and fundamentals are emphasized to develop a creative understanding of and technical competence in using type as both a visual aspect of design language and as a means to enhance communication. The student will use design software to produce major typographic projects for multiple forms of media.

Pre- or corequisite: GRA1700C

GRA1500C Graphic Design Trends and Movements
60 hours, 4 credits

Students in this course will gain an understanding of graphic design through the various movements and technological developments throughout history, with an examination of how graphic design fits into the human experience. This course focuses on the concepts of design in cultural and social movements, with a look toward future developments.

GRA1600C Color Theories and Applications
40 hours, 3 credits

This course introduces important concepts in color as they relate to emotion and perception. Graphic designers will learn to effectively communicate using hue, value, intensity, proportion, and placement in composition. Students will also learn how to use color in solving design problems.

Pre- or corequisite: GRA1700C

GRA1700C Elements and Principles of Graphic Design
60 hours, 4 credits

The fundamental elements and principles of graphic design will be explored and implemented in the creation of basic compositions. Concepts such as contrast, rhythm, and balance will be studied, while additional vector and graphic techniques are explored.

Prerequisite: GRA1000C

GRA1800C Layout Design
40 hours, 3 credits

This course expands upon the elements and principles of graphic design to create engaging compositions. Students will gain skills in visual problem solving with emphasis placed on the relationships between images and text. In addition to the functions of layout software, students will learn about visual structures that enhance communication.

Prerequisites: GRA1206C; GRA1600C

GRA1900C The Art and Business of Design
40 hours, 3 credits

This course will refine the design skills that students have to offer the marketplace. Students will be able to identify prospective clients and learn what clients expect from a graphic design professional. Projects will guide students in pricing design services and exploring essential legal issues that are relevant to the graphic design industry.

Prerequisite: GRA1700C

GRA2100C Design for Marketing
40 hours, 3 credits

This course introduces students to the concepts, activities, and analyses that comprise the marketing process, and graphic design’s role within the process. Emphasis is placed on building practical skills in solving marketing problems within our culturally diverse, global society. Components of marketing and promotion are examined, and students will learn to evaluate and develop marketing and design briefs.

Prerequisite: GRA1800C

GRA2200C Responsive Web Design
60 hours, 4 credits

This course further develops HTML and CSS skills to create responsive Web designs. Students examine how layouts, typography, and images get presented in Web browsers while exploring Web accessibility guidelines and troubleshooting techniques. This course also introduces students to a mobile-first approach to Web design across multiple devices.

Prerequisite: GRA2800C

GRA2260C Graphics in Motion
60 hours, 4 credits

This course introduces students to motion graphics and their place in graphic design. Students use a variety of techniques to create basic animations that include keyframing, 2D imagery, typography, video, and audio. Students learn how to apply effects and blending modes to enhance their motion graphics projects. This course also prepares students for incorporating motion into graphic design projects.

Pre- or corequisite: GRA1800C

GRA2700C Graphic Design Campaigns
70 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on the development of media campaigns for specific target markets. Students will develop campaign elements across multiple platforms, determine budget and production costs, and create a marketing communication strategy. Factors affecting consumer behavior within a target market will also be explored.

Prerequisite: Must be taken in student’s last quarter

GRA2800C Web Design Fundamentals
40 hours, 3 credits

This course is an introduction to online interactivity. Students will plan, design, and publish online websites that incorporate text, images, animation, navigation, and other interactive elements using industry-standard software. Students will employ essential design principles using online interactive design tools and HTML and CSS for structure and styling in the creation of single and multi-page websites.

Prerequisite: GRA1800C

GRA2970C Graphic Design Portfolio
70 hours, 4 credits

This course prepares students for successful employment within the graphic design industry by helping them develop and refine their creative work in the development of a professional graphic design portfolio. Students will learn how to present themselves and their work professionally through the use of the internet, resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and job interviews.

Prerequisite: Must be taken at the end of the program/last term

GRA3005C Interactive Publishing
60 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on the creation of interactive media from static content. Students explore the compatibility and limitations of various devices with elements of interactivity while designing documents appropriate for best practices in interactive media and engaging user experiences.

Prerequisite: GRA3200C

GRA3100C Contemporary and Emerging Design
60 hours, 4 credits

Students will analyze the abilities of cutting-edge design strategies and emerging technologies to influence society. In addition, they will study the role of ethics and responsibility in the design profession. Incorporating sustainable practices into design solutions will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: GRA1600C

GRA3150C Media Production Processes
40 hours, 3 credits

This course is a review of the digital composition of proper file formats and extensions for multiple design applications. Correct file resolution, rendering, saving, and exporting will be explored as they relate to final professional digital design output. An emphasis on final professional-level delivery will be explored.

Prerequisite: GRA1000C

GRA3200C Communicating with Typography
60 hours, 4 credits

This course is a deeper exploration of typography in the application of type for visual communication. Students will develop solutions for social and business communications with an awareness of global and multicultural challenges. Branding, marketing, and user experience will be explored through authentic projects.

Prerequisite: GRA1206C

GRA3300C Collateral Design
60 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on the various design elements that comprise a comprehensive visual identity system for a business or organization. Students will design and present collateral pieces while also analyzing media and production costs of each. Multiple forms of media will be explored in the development of a final project and proposal that encompass various collateral media.

Prerequisite: ADV3100C

GRA3400C Design Business Strategies
40 hours, 3 credits

This course focuses on business concepts that designers must understand in order to execute successful solutions. Topics covered include brand features, benefits and values, budgeting and scheduling, business positioning, and client communication. This course will build a strategic foundation for creative development as well as business acumen.

Prerequisite: GRA1700C

GRA3600C Designing for the User Experience
60 hours, 4 credits

This course is the study of the user experience design process. It focuses on problem analysis, target audience research, empathy, and assessment methods. Students will use design to solve problems and create better experiences for end users. They will also communicate their design processes and the effectiveness of their solutions in a professional manner.

Prerequisite: GRA3200C

GRA4100C Advanced Image Editing
60 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on advanced concepts and techniques for the creation of professional images in print, web, and digital media. Students will identify and apply creative solutions to visual challenges, as well as explore the ethical and legal issues of image editing, including copyright.

Prerequisite: GRA1600C

GRA4150C User Interface Design
60 hours, 4 credits

Students in this course will focus on the physical and technical elements of human-computer interaction as they relate to the design of effective navigation of a device or program. Concepts and theories around the design of “easy-to-use” graphical and audio user interfaces will be explored, from discoverability and predictability to cognitive load. Students will also learn about related attributes of interface design, including accessibility issues and user-testing.

Prerequisite: GRA3600C

GRA4200C Communicating with Motion Graphics
60 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on using motion graphics to communicate complex messages. Students incorporate 2D and 3D imagery, text, video, and audio into projects and animate them with keyframes, expressions, and effects. Kinetic typography, motion tracking, and camera layers will be introduced. Students will develop these skills to create animated infographics and render them for multiple forms of media.

Prerequisite: GRA3600C