Media Arts and Technologies @ MiraCosta College

Graphic Design : Certificate of Achievement

The Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement provides students with the design and technical skills needed to gain employment in the graphic design field with organizations and small businesses that design and distribute publications in both print and digital media. Students who complete this certificate will also be prepared to work as freelancers or pursue a graphic design degree at a four-year university. Students learn principles and professional practices in graphic design and publishing using current computer software applications as well as concept development through project planning and management.

Graphic Design is one of the most challenging and exciting careers available to the visual artist. Opportunities range from advertising, marketing, corporate branding, instructional and educational design, to architectural and environmental graphics, signage, motion graphics, and user interface (UI) design. Employment opportunities include graphic designer, graphic artist, imaging specialist, UI designer, photographic assistant, layout artist, and graphic production assistant.

• Download the Graphic Design Certificate Planning Guide (pdf)

Foundation Courses (required 15 units / 5 classes)

• MAT 110 Digital Imaging 1 : Adobe Photoshop (3 units)
• MAT 120 Media Design 1 : Production (3 units)
• MAT 125 Web Design 1 : Fundamentals (3 units)
• MAT 135 Graphic Design 1 : Principles (3 units)
• MAT 155 Graphic Design 2 : Typography (3 units)

Emphasis Courses (select 12 units / 4 classes; at least 6 units must be 100-level courses and at least 3 units must be 200-level courses)

• MAT 145 UI / UX Design (3 units)
• MAT 170 Digital Illustration 1 : Adobe Illustrator (3 units)
• MAT 180 Digital Publishing : Adobe InDesign (3 units)
• MAT 185 Graphic Design 3 : Design and Layout (3 units)
• MAT 210 Advanced Digital Imaging & Illustration (3 units)
• MAT 230 Advanced Publishing : Output for Print (3 units)
• MAT 270 Advanced Design Studio (3 units)

Elective Courses (Students may substitute 3 units from the Elective courses below in lieu of 3 units from the Emphasis courses listed above)

• MAT 105 History of Graphic Design (3 units)
• MAT 150 Animation and Interactivity (3 units)
• MAT 292 Internship Studies (0.5–3 units)

Required to Graduate (required 3 units, 1 class)

• MAT 290 Portfolio Development (3 units)

Total Required: 30 units