Graphic Design Associate of Arts (AA)
About the Program
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 this program, students are able to:
- Apply principles of design to effectively conceptualize, create and deliver design solutions for the intended audience.
- Critically evaluate quality and effectiveness of design projects, present one’s work effectively, and incorporate critique and feedback into design iterations.
- Describe the history and application of design and how color, type, and other design elements are used as effective communications tools.
- Use industry-standard software with technical proficiency and create documents to required specifications for delivery to clients.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
Required Core: (30 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GDDM 51 | Color Theory | 3 |
| OR | ||
| ARTS 26 | Color Theory | 3 |
| GDDM 52 | Introduction to Typography | 3 |
| GDDM 53 | Adobe Photoshop I | 3 |
| GDDM 54 | Adobe Illustrator I | 3 |
| GDDM 56 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDDM 57 | Branding and Identity Design | 3 |
| GDDM 58 | Adobe Photoshop II | 3 |
| GDDM 59 | Adobe Illustrator II | 3 |
| GDDM 60 | Creative Portfolio Development & Self Promotion | 3 |
| GDDM 64 | Adobe InDesign I | 3 |
List A: Select One (3 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GDDM 2 | Wordpress and Content Management Systems | 3 |
| GDDM 3 | History of Graphic 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 70 | Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers | 3 |
| PHTO 70 | Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers | 3 |
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 Associate Degree General Education Pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) patterns for a 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 must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.