Media Arts: Graphic Design
Certificate of Achievement Graphics · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Award Type: Certificate of Achievement
The Media Arts: Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in the visual media industry. The curriculum is designed to help students build strong design foundations, develop visual literacy skills, and become proficient in the technical skills required of a visual designer. Coursework leads to entry-level employment in the region. 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 Certificate of Achievement 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 total of 36 units is required for the certificate. | ||
| 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 |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
| GRPH 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
| ART 110 | Design 1 | 3 |
| GRPH 117 | Typography | 3 |
| MMAC 101 | Introduction to Multimedia | 3 |
| PHTO 170 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| Plus a minimum of 9 units selected from any of the Areas of Concentration listed below: | 9 | |
| Option A - General Concentration | 34 | |
| ART 106 | Art of the 20th Century | 3 |
| ART 112 | Design Color Theory | 3 |
| ART 120 | 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 |
| 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 |
| MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 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 | 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 Concentration | 12 | |
| GRPH 118 | User Interface Design | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 3 |
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
| Total | 36 | |