Overview
The advancing technological environment has brought visual information to a new and important role in many professional settings. Graphic designers plan, analyze, and create visual solutions for communication needs. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers enjoy careers in print and publishing design, advertising, web design, illustration, animation, multimedia design, and layout design. Explore your creativity and apply it to a career in graphic design.

About the program
The Graphic Design Certificate teaches students how to create technically proficient work that communicates effectively. In this 18-credit program students will learn about the use of traditional and computer technology to design, edit, and produce graphic images in a wide variety of formats. The program provides a foundation in design by creating graphics using traditional art materials, and hands-on experience using design software on the Macintosh computer. This certificate is geared toward business and professional use.

* The Graphic Design Certificate program is offered at the Milton Campus only.

Who Should Pursue this Program

• Creative individuals looking to begin a career in graphic design.
• Individuals who have a creative interest in both art and technology.
• Individuals with previous design or visual art experience.
• Business professionals who sometimes have responsibility to design promotional materials.
• Those with administrative roles in advertising, design, or publishing firms who would like to move into or better understand the creative side of the business.

What You Will Learn

• Techniques and principles of visual communication in advertising and graphic design.
• How to target audience and client perspective in relation to promotion and advertising.
• Command of design-specific software to develop page layout skills using InDesign and QuarkXPress; photographic vision and expression using Adobe Photoshop; mechanical drawing skills using Adobe Illustrator.
• Critical, analytical and perceptual skills through assignments that focus on the use of image and type with other visual components of design.
• How to present creative work in a professional manner.

Program Requirements
This program is open to anyone seeking a stand-alone certificate program. For those who wish to return to school to complete a bachelor’s degree on a part-time basis, consider completing this certificate to augment your professional skills while you work on your bachelor’s degree requirements. The credits earned in this certificate may be applied toward a degree.

Total credits required to complete the certificate program: 18

*   There is an option to satisfy AC 1000 with Proficiency Exam.
** Prerequisite: AC/GD 2768 Web Page Design