Media Arts: Graphic Design
Associate in Science Graphics · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Award Type: Associate in Science
The Media Arts:Graphic Design program prepares students for careers in the visual media industry. The curriculum is designed to help students build strong design foundations, visual literacy skills and become proficient in the technical skills required of a visual designer. Coursework leads to degree completion, transfer and/or entry-level employment. Electives provide for emphasis in specific areas of interest including illustration, graphic design, digital publishing, web design and 3-D design. Capstone courses offer a unique opportunity to create a collective portfolio of student work.
The graduate of the Associate in Science in Media Arts: Graphic Design will:
- Discover how visual language communicates global culture through research, innovative thinking, writing, and creative expression.
- Research, conceptualize and create innovative responses to design projects using knowledge of visual literacy for meaningful communication.
- Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard processes and technologies to create, capture and manipulate visual content in developing artwork for digital and print media.
- Integrate artistic expression, professional attitudes, and effective working habits as individuals or as members of a collaborative team.
- Develop a portfolio for transfer, employment, or freelancing in the design and visual communication industry.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A major of 36 units is required for the degree. | ||
| Required core courses (27 units): | 27 | |
| GRPH 110 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRPH 112 | Digital Imagery | 3 |
| GRPH 113 | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| GRPH 115 | Digital Design and Publishing | 3 |
| GRPH 116 | Portfolio Design & Development | 3 |
| GRPH 117 | Typography | 3 |
| MMAC 101 | Introduction to Multimedia | 3 |
| PHTO 170 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
| ART 110 | Design 1 | 3 |
| Plus a minimum of 9 units selected from any of the areas of concentration listed below: | 9 | |
| Option A - General Concentration | 37 | |
| ART 106 | Art of the 20th Century | 3 |
| ART 112 | Design Color Theory | 3 |
| ART 120 | Drawing 1 | 3 |
| ART 122 | Life Drawing 1 | 3 |
| FILM 101 | Film as Art and Communication | 3 |
| GRPH 118 | User Interface Design | 3 |
| GRPH 120 | Advanced Design for Publishing | 3 |
| GRPH 127 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 3 |
| GRPH 189 | Independent Projects in Graphics | 1 |
| MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| Option B - Illustration Concentration | 15 | |
| ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 |
| ART 120 | Drawing 1 | 3 |
| ART 121 | Drawing 2 | 3 |
| ART 122 | Life Drawing 1 | 3 |
| MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
| Option C - Design for Publishing Con | 8 | |
| GRPH 120 | Advanced Design for Publishing | 3 |
| GRPH 127 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRPH 189 | Independent Projects in Graphics | 1 |
| WEE 149 | Work Experience Education: Occupational | 1 |
| Option D - Media Design Concentration | 12 | |
| GRPH 118 | User Interface Design | 3 |
| MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 3 |
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| General Education | ||
| In addition to completing the program requirements, students are also required to complete general education courses. Students may follow the AHC GE or the Cal-GETC pathways to meet these requirements. Students intending to transfer to a four-year university should use the Cal-GETC GE pathway. To see what major courses and general education requirements you need to fulfill, visit your myHancock account and select the DegreeWorks button in the Academic Profile widget. For more information and guidance, and to receive a detailed education plan, make an appointment with an academic counselor. | ||
| Total | 36 | |