The list below is NOT a complete list of program courses and shows courses taught in the previous, current, and two future terms. View complete degree/certificate requirements and course offerings by clicking the links below.
GDES 110 - Digital Design Applications I - 3.00 credits
This course is an introduction to the digital creation of art and designs according to best practices within the Graphic Design field utilizing layout, drawing, and image-editing software within the Mac OS environment. Students create graphics, format type, prepare imagery, while employing the principles of organization which inform and guide good design structure. The course uses the tools within Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and other technologies as time allows.
GDES 115 - Introduction to Graphic Arts - 3.00 credits
Recommended for majors and non-majors interested in the Graphic Arts field. Introduction to the graphic arts industry, historical aspects, trends, process, production methods from design through bindery, expectations and careers in the field.
GDES 150 - Digital Design Applications II - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 110 with a minimum grade of C. Students develop advanced skills within layout, drawing, and image-editing software, according to best practices of the Graphic Design field. Students hone their visual communication design skills through the creation of graphics and designs while employing the tools within Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, in a Mac OS environment, and other technologies as time allows.
GDES 160 - Graphic Design I - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 150 or concurrent enrollment, READ 11 or higher or appropriate placement, ENGL 90 or higher or appropriate placement, and formal acceptance into program. Enrollment in this course requires formal acceptance into the Graphic Design program. This course focuses on using images and type to communicate visually. It builds upon the typographic, compositional, and imaging skills that students have started to develop in their prerequisite Graphic Design courses. This course covers the history of typographic forms, principles of composition, and the expressive potential of type, explored through reading, research, exercises, and design production. Applications will include the study of typography, layout, promotion, production methods, and creative problem-solving using hand tools and the tools of the computer.
GDES 210 - Graphic Design II - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 160 with a minimum grade of C. This course is a further investigation of effective visual communications. Students will execute projects that demonstrate a higher understanding of design problem-solving and production skills than in previous courses. This course continues the analysis of client visual communication needs, idea and execution processes, defining successful elements of effective visual communication, defining and analyzing trends of the graphic design industry. Exploration of these concepts will be through advanced design projects utilizing traditional and computer tools typically used in the field.
GDES 220 - Graphic Design File Preparation - 3.00 credits
Prerequisites: GDES 150 or concurrent enrollment. Recommended for majors and non-majors interested in the Graphic Arts field. Introduction to the graphic arts industry, historical aspects, trends, process, production methods from design through bindery, expectations and careers in the field.
GDES 245 - Web Design I - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 150 or concurrent enrollment. This course introduces students to basic Web design principles using HTML and CSS and the use of both text-editing and web-authoring applications. Students will be introduced to planning and designing Web pages that meet coding standards and client needs. The course also covers concept and message development, visual design and production, publishing, strategic use of color, graphics and text formatted for the Web.
GDES 250 - Graphic Design III - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GEDS 210 or concurrent enrollment. This course will focus on advanced design problems that involve the crossover of print media into digital/electronic media, interactive media, and other non-traditional formats in campaigns for communicating and/or promoting a message or idea. Students will use the technology and studio skills covered in previous courses in the development and production of their design solutions.
GDES 255 - Web Design II - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 245 with a minimum grade of C. This course continues to cover Web design principles using HTML and CSS using web-authoring applications. Students will also be introduced to time-based and interactive design for digital media. The course also covers advanced concept and message development, visual design and production, publishing, strategic use of color, graphics and text formatted for the Web. Text-editing, web-authoring, motion graphic, and image-editing software are implemented.
GDES 264 - Graphic Design Portfolio and Practice - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 210 with a minimum grade of C. This is the capstone course for the graphic design curriculum and students should be in their last semester of the Graphic Design program. During the course, students will refine a body of design work and publish their portfolio in both print and web formats. Students will design and develop their own personal brand—including visual identity, resume, cover letter, business cards, and other collateral—while developing employment search skills and interviewing techniques in preparation for job inter¬views and/or transfer.
GDES 280 - Advanced Color Correction - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 150 or concurrent enrollment. Advanced color correction techniques that will render any image into quality artwork ready for print production. Focus on color theory, image quality, and color calibration to achieve predictable, high quality results. Proper scanning and image capture techniques for line-art, grayscale and color originals.
GDES 290 - Graphic Design Internship - 3.00 credits
Prerequisite: GDES 210. Instructor Permission Required: Students will learn job-searching skills and gain real world experience with the opportunity to utilize learned graphic design skills. The experience will involve duties associated with entry-level graphic design.