INFORMATION OVERVIEW
PREREQUISITES
Graduates of the Graphic Design Program get to work when they leave us. We concentrate on skills for immediate entry into the job market. Our curriculum is strong on graphic design fundamentals, yet explores and adapts to emerging communication technologies. We pride ourselves in keeping our curriculum current with changes and developments on an annual basis.
Conceptual design and technical skill are combined to produce a competitive portfolio. Instructors with industry experience lead students in consecutive integrated tracks of print design and interaction design, which includes but is not limited to, Web Design, UI/UX, Mobile Apps, and Motion. Problem solving, strategy development, and powerful use of typography and visuals achieve our communication solutions. Classes are organized in collegial work groups mirroring a professional studio environment. Design theory and practice, along with production using current computer software, prepare students for a graphic design career in print and interactive media.
Students completing the Graphic Design Program will be prepared for entry-level positions in:
Advertising agencies: producing layouts and presentations, preparing comprehensives for production, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, and assisting designers and art directors. Retail, corporate, and in-house art departments: preparing presentations, small design projects, developing illustrations for print and online media, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, assisting art directors and preparing comprehensives for production. Newspaper, magazine, and book publishing environments: setting type, designing small projects, assisting designers and art directors and preparing art files for production. Design studios: assisting graphic designers in creating corporate logos, annual reports, and packaging, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, and designing layouts for presentation and production. Freelance design, illustration and/or multimedia development for a variety of clients including advertising agencies, design firms, corporations, broadcast media, printing companies and other area businesses.
APPROVED LIST
Because there is often more interest in this program than we can accommodate, and because it is Fall entry only, student’s names are collected throughout the year and placed on Approved List.
Step 1 – Admission to Seattle Central Community College:
Admission can be done in person in room 1104 or on-line by going to http://seattlecentral.org/admissions/
Acceptance to Seattle Central Community College does not guarantee entrance into the Graphic Design Program. To ensure the application process to the Graphic Design Program is complete, you must follow all the steps below listed in the Admissions portion of this handout.
Step 2 – Academic Requirements:
Students must show that they are ready to take College Composition (English 101) and Pre-Algebra (MAT 081) by either (a) taking the COMPASS placement test for admissions, or (b) providing transcripts from any previously attended accredited institution(s). A: Placement Tests
Testing is conducted in room 1106 between the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm M-F with extended hours until 7:30pm on M & T. You will not need an appointment for testing, however it does take approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete. When you come in to test, please bring:
SID Number (which you will receive after completing the admission process)
Photo ID
$18.00 testing fee, payable to the Cashier B: Transcripts
Obtain a copy of any previous college transcripts (unofficial is fine) and continue to next step. (Math Scores are only good for 3 years. After that, you will need to take the math portion of the placement test above)
Step 3 – Advising:
Once you have been admitted to Seattle Central and have evidence of academic eligibility either with COMPASS placement test scores or your transcripts, contact the Manager of Workforce Education, Bill Spence located in room 1102-C7 or he can be reached at william.spence@seattlecolleges.edu or, (206) 934-4188. He will evaluate your test scores and give you a form – please retain. to bring to the division office 2BE-5166 (206) 934-4188. That form will be used to place you on the approved list. Regardless of the date of demonstration of the skill requirements below, you will not be placed on the list until we have received this form.
Step 4 – Setting Up Your Program File
Take this form to the BITCA Division Office (room 5166) and request to set up your program file. We will hold this file pending your portfolio passing a Portfolio Review at which point you will be put on the Approved List. You cannot be placed on the Approved List without an established program file.
Step 5 – Skill Requirements / Portfolio Review
Students wishing to enter this program must also submit an entrance portfolio that will be evaluated by faculty members in the Graphic Design program. Students are not eligible to enter the program until their portfolio has been approved.***DOWNLOAD 2012-13 Portfolio Submission Guidelines***
Once your entrance portfolio has been approved you have completed the application process to the Graphic Design Program. Your name will be added to the list at the next update.
Portfolio Review Dates 2012-2013 (room BE5166):
Portfolios due to BITCA Division Office by 4:00pm
Fall 2012: Due between 10/22 – 10/26/12
Winter 2013: Due between 2/4 – 02/8/13
Spring 2013: Due between 5/6 – 05/10/13
Important Notes:
Open House: We strongly recommend that you attend an Open House about this program at your earliest convenience. Open House is scheduled during the 5th week of Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. For specific information on dates and times contact the Business, Information Technologies and Creative Arts Office, room 2BE-5166, 206.934.3830.ENROLLMENT MEETING: Prospective students on the Approved List will be contacted by US Mail late in Spring Quarter and notified of a mandatory Enrollment Meeting, which will occur in early June. If you have been notified of the mandatory meeting, but cannot attend, it is necessary that you have someone attend who has written authorization to act for you at that meeting. During the Enrollment Meeting the program will be filled in the order applicants were placed on the Approved List. If the program reaches capacity before we are able to offer you a seat, you will be invited to declare your wish to remain available to fill any late openings. At that time no further process will be necessary, however, you will be required to attend the enrollment meeting again the following year. ADDRESS / PHONE NUMBER CHANGES: It is your responsibility to inform us if your contact information changes. Please inform the Division Office directly in writing or by email. Notice of the Spring enrollment meeting is done once by first class regular mail only. DEFERRAL: Students on the Approved List may defer entry by one year with a written or email request to the Division Counselor. This can be done only one time. COSTS: Students in these programs incur significant additional costs for tools and supplies. We advise prospective students to make financial plans accordingly while waiting to enter the program. More information on the Seattle Central Website