- Las Positas College
- Degrees & Certificates
- Degrees & Certificates
- Associate of Arts of Graphic Design
Degrees & Certificates
Graphic Design
Associate in Arts
2022-2023
About the Program
The Graphic Design & Digital Media program teaches students to apply graphic design and digital media principles to create effective communication pieces through the use of color, type, and imagery. Students learn the principles of design and composition, typography, digital image manipulation, print and web page layout, and an array of technical skills using Adobe’s Creative Suite—Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat. In the web program, students will also learn to use Dreamweaver to work with HTML and CSS. Students will not only work with the latest digital tools for creating captivating images and graphics, but will also learn how to effectively use the concepts and principles of design using colors, typography, and composition in developing their work. In both the AA and certificate program, students learn production techniques and produce client-based work for print, web and multimedia. Upon completion of the program, students will have prepared a professional-level portfolio and be ready to go out into the workforce. Degree graduates often transfer to a four-year college.
About the Degree
The Associate of Arts of Graphic Design is designed to prepare students for work in the graphic design profession. The course work will prepare students to undertake a position in an advertising agency, creative services team, design studio, in-house design team, print shop, or web development firm.
Career Opportunities
Graphic Artist; Production Artist; Graphic Designer; Visual Designer; Senior Designer; Web Designer; Freelance Designer; Art Director; Creative Director; Creative Services Manager; User Interface Designer; User Experience Designer.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AA in Graphic Design, students are able to apply principles of design to effectively conceptualize, create and deliver design solutions for the intended audience.
- Upon completion of the AA in Graphic Design, students are able to critically evaluate quality and effectiveness of design projects, present one’s work effectively, and incorporate critique and feedback into design iterations.
- Upon completion of the AA in Graphic Design, students are able to describe the history and application of design and how color, type, and other design elements are used as effective communications tools.
- Upon completion of the AA in Graphic Design, students are able to use industry-standard
software with technical proficiency and create documents to required specifications
for delivery to clients.
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| GDDM 51 Color Theory or | |
| ARTS 26 Color Theory | 3 |
| GDDM 52 Introduction to Typography | 3 |
| GDDM 53 Photoshop I | 3 |
| GDDM 54 Illustrator I | 3 |
| GDDM 56 Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDDM 57 Branding and Identity Design | 3 |
| GDDM 58 Photoshop II | 3 |
| GDDM 59 Illustrator II | 3 |
| GDDM 60 Creative Portfolio Development & Self Promotion | 3 |
| GDDM 64 InDesign I | 3 |
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| GDDM 2 Wordpress and Content Management Systems | 3 |
| GDDM 3 The History of Modern Design | 3 |
| GDDM 4 User Interface and User Experience Design | 3 |
| GDDM 40 Design Shop: The Business of Design | 3 |
| GDDM 55 Web Design I | 3 |
| GDDM 65 Elect Prepress/Print Prod | 3 |
| GDDM 67 InDesign II | 3 |
| GDDM 68 Creative Portfolio Preparation | 3 |
| GDDM 70 Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers | 3 |
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| Total Units in the Major | 33 |
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Arts (AA) Degree, California State University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
Updated: July 2022