Courses
Conceptual design and technical skills are combined to produce a competitive portfolio. Instructors with industry experience lead students in consecutive integrated tracks of print design and interaction design, including but not limited to, Advertising, Branding, Poster Design, Typography, Environmental Design, Packaging, Web Design, UI/UX, Mobile Apps, AR/VR, and Motion. Problem-solving, strategy development, and effective 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 and production using current computer software prepare students for a graphic design career in print and interactive media.
Quarter One
DES 110: History of Graphic Design
3.5 credits
Explores the global history of visual communication and the graphic arts in media, commerce, and the social sphere. The field of graphic design, in particular, has continually evolved to align with and elevate the ever-changing technology and culture landscape.
DES 131: Graphic Design I
3.5 credits
This foundation course lays the groundwork for all other design classes. Thought, idea, and the communication of that idea in visual form and presentation style are paramount. In-class projects and homework assignments introduce students to graphic design’s terminology, process, and social context. Each project offers students ways to experiment with building visual ideas using traditional image-making techniques and digital technology.
DES 145: Graphic Production I
3.5 credits
This course introduces the basic foundation and building blocks necessary for successfully using the vector-based graphics program Adobe Illustrator. It focuses on basic skills, concepts, and techniques. Students are given the concepts and skills necessary to use and understand the software tools and palettes. Emphasis is placed on mastering the building blocks using shapes and layouts to create icons, logos, graphic renderings, and illustrations.
DES 151: Interactive I
3.5 credits
Introduces User Experience Design (UX) principles and skills required for front-end development, specifically HTML and CSS. Students will be introduced to concepts such as user research, user testing, personas, and task flows while building responsive websites and learning how to use essential prototyping tools.
NME 110: New Media I
6 credits
The course provides students with authentic tasks and projects, preparing them for real-world work demands in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in a project-based curriculum, exploring the role of communications in the context of New Media and society. Additional objectives of New Media are to develop skills that form the basis for future career work in the creative arts disciplines, all of which relate to general media, and to establish professional contacts.
Quarter Two
DES 121: Typography I
3.5 credits
In this course, students will learn the basic principles of micro typography: the anatomy of letters, how to adapt letterforms, letter and word spacing, line spacing, and how to create hierarchy within the text. By focusing on the details of letters, sentences, and page layout, students will create expressive typography, experiment with readability, legibility, and meaning, understand the type classifications, and apply the text as hierarchical arrangements on a page.
DES 132: Graphic Design II
3.5 credits
This course aims to introduce color and its application to design. It will combine academic and hands-on approaches to help students learn and practice color theory, explore how color is used in culture, and understand the methods designers employ to make their work effective. Class formats will combine discussions, exercises, and projects to offer insight into the world of color in all design forms. We will work both in physicality and on the computer to understand how color exists in both worlds.
DES 146: Graphic Production II
3.5 credits
This course introduces the foundation and building blocks necessary to successfully use the page layout program Adobe InDesign. It focuses on basic skills, concepts, and techniques. Students develop the concepts and skills to design and build simple and complex page layouts. Emphasis is placed on text flow and editing, placing graphics created in Illustrator/Photoshop, page layout using grids and guides, and print production.
DES 152: Interactive II
3.5 credits
Continues exploring User Experience Design (UX) and skills required for front-end development, specifically HTML and CSS. Students will be introduced to concepts such as Design Thinking, Design Systems, Empathy Maps, Customer Journey Maps, Prototyping tools, and SVG animation.
NME 120: New Media II
6 credits
This interdisciplinary Creative Academy course, the second of a three-course series, brings together Graphic Design and Visual Media students to apply skills to complete integrative design assignments. Students are given authentic tasks and projects, preparing them for real-world work demands in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in this project-based curriculum, exploring the role and interplay of design and communications in the context of New Media and society.
Quarter Three
DES 122: Typography II
3.5 credits
This course focuses on macro typography, using the grid for page construction. Through assigned exercises and projects, page structure, hierarchy principles, and grid systems will be explored and practiced.
DES 147: Graphic Production III
3.5 credits
This course focuses on basic skills, concepts, and techniques using the pixel-based program Adobe Photoshop. Students learn how to color-correct a photo using curves and levels successfully. Emphasis is placed on creating a non-destructive workflow and using the proper selection tool for the job. Necessary skills such as compositing with layers, selections, masking, channels, retouching, layer effects, smart objects, and blending modes are taught.
DES 153: Interactive III
3.5 credits
Advanced Web Design and User Experience Design principles, building on the previous two quarters’ core principles. Students will develop complex websites with advanced techniques such as CSS Grid and Animated SVG and explore additional prototyping tools such as Webflow while exploring emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality and Voice Design.
DES 160: Design Thinking and Storytelling for Design
3.5 credits
A hands-on exploration of design thinking and public speaking tools geared at helping students produce novel solutions and present them effectively. Students will explore design thinking methodology and employ creativity tools, prompts, and sprints to become more agile and confident creative problem solvers.
NME 130: New Media III
6 credits
This is the final of a three-course series in which advanced techniques will be applied and explored. The course provides students with authentic tasks and projects, preparing them for real-world work demands in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in a project-based curriculum, exploring the role of communications in the context of New Media and society.
Quarter Four
DES 231: Graphic Design IV
4 credits
This course explores advertising, art direction, and photo direction, emphasizing expressive, creative, and collaborative problem-solving and developing research skills. We learn techniques for creating engaging ads for various media and how to target the right market with the right message.
DES 232: Graphic Design V
4 credits
This course explores the multi-page editorial design, considering the audience and existing advertising base. While the focus will be on magazines, the skills developed will also be applied to other everyday design tasks, such as business documents, newspapers, brochures, newsletters, and other multi-page documents.
DES 251: Interactive IV
4 credits
Advanced Interaction Design principles include eCommerce Websites, continued exploration of CSS Grid, prototyping tools, design thinking, design for the public good, social media strategies, and Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress.
DES 252: Interactive V
4 credits
Introduction to Motion Graphics and how it relates to Web design and development. Focus on using Adobe AfterEffects to create video and animation projects for web, TV, and Film.
DES 280: Special Projects I
4 credits
This is the first in three courses designed to expand current graphic design knowledge and skills. It offers students the opportunity to work on a significant self-initiated design project. The course emphasizes research and the design process that leads to a successful design solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students can develop vital portfolio pieces with the ultimate goal of employment.
Quarter Five
DES 233: Graphic Design VI
4 credits
This course will concentrate on poster design as a form of visual communication. Emphasis will be on conceptual visual problem-solving for different audiences and outcomes. Students will experiment with grid layouts and brainstorming methods to expand upon their ideas and then print their visual solutions on our large-format inkjet printers.
DES 234: Graphic Design VII
4 credits
This course develops brands for businesses, non-profits, and governmental agencies. Students focus on research, brainstorm ideas, and create a strategy for their organization’s brand. The remainder of the course is devoted to the creative development of the brand as expressed through various media.
DES 250: Interactive
4 credits
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a relatively new discipline that examines how people interact with and use various digital products. This course will address the considerations needed when designing an interface and the differences and similarities between screen-based and print-based media.
DES 270: Environmental Graphics
4 credits
Explores graphic designs sensitive to human scale in both built and natural environments, including way-finding systems, informational signs and symbols, exhibit design, and ornamental solutions.
DES 281: Special Projects II
4 credits
This is the second in a series of three courses designed to expand current graphic design knowledge and skills. It offers students the opportunity to work on a significant self-initiated design project. The course emphasizes research and the design process that leads to a successful design solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students have the opportunity to develop vital portfolio pieces with the ultimate goal of employment.
Quarter Six
DES 236: Graphic Design IX
4 credits
Students acquire work contracts with clients and apply their design skills in exchange for a fair wage or equitable trade. They receive practical experience with pricing and negotiating fees, writing proposals and design briefs, organizing efficient timelines, managing workflows, and applying basic accounting and business practices. Students are also provided with ethical guidelines for conduct and behavior within the design profession.
DES 235: Graphic Design VIII
4 credits
Study the basic concepts of exhibit design and design and install the SCCA Portfolio Show. Students will work in teams and explore creative options for the layout and navigation of the show, including, but not limited to, the installation of two- and three-dimensional display options, print and web portfolio displays, motion graphics, and internal and external signage.
DES 253: Interactive VI
4 credits
The final Capstone project utilizes all skills acquired in the previous quarters, including public speaking and whiteboard interview practice and the production of their portfolio website.
DES 260: Portfolio Prep
4 credits
Develop, design, and prepare a portfolio representing individual creativity and demonstrating skills for seeking employment in Graphic Design. In this class, students will develop a personal business card, and they will be asked to participate in a review of portfolio work conducted by professionals from outside the program.
DES 282: Special Projects III
4 credits
This is the last in a series of three courses designed to expand current graphic design knowledge and skills. It offers students the opportunity to work on a significant self-initiated design project. The course emphasizes research and the design process that leads to a successful design solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students have the opportunity to develop vital portfolio pieces with the ultimate goal of employment.