Design
23 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DSGN 44 Supervised Tutoring in Graphic Design
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 1 - 162 hours other
This course is designed to prepare the student to succeed in the corequisite and subsequent subject matter courses. This course may be taken four times with a different corequisite subject matter course.
DSGN 100 Introduction to Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course explores the fundamentals of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the principles and elements of design and their application to analog and digital media, including through the lens of diverse cultures. Topics include line, shape, color, texture, type, grid, pattern, graphic translation, and other foundational visual concepts. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in graphic design.
DSGN 102 Digital Media I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first in a series of digital media courses. Students explore the tools and principles used in the creation of digital media. Emphasis is placed on learning industry-standard software used in graphic design. Topics include vector imagery, raster imagery, layout tools, file formats, file management, typesetting, image manipulation, ethics, and other foundational digital media concepts. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in graphic design.
DSGN 104 Graphic Design History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course examines graphic design as an essential component of culture and history. Emphasis is placed on learning important design movements in the context of diverse cultural and historical perspectives. Topics include influential design figures and the impact of technology on design. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in graphic design history.
DSGN 106 Typography I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first in a series of courses about typography. Emphasis is placed on learning foundational type skills and applying them to solve typographic problems. Topics include type selection, styles, terminology, construction, classifications, typesetting, spacing, layout, hierarchy, accessibility, and history. Instruction incorporates both hand-rendering and computer tools. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in typography.
DSGN 120 Illustration
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to illustration concepts in the context of graphic design. Topics include illustration techniques, tools, media, and workflows. Emphasis is placed on developing illustrations with conceptual thinking, cultural voice, and visual storytelling. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in illustration.
DSGN 122 Production Studio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to production processes through a series of technical demonstrations and design projects. Emphasis is placed on surveying production methods, processes, and equipment. Students explore printing, book binding, packaging production, special finishings, and other topics, in the context of design projects. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, or anyone interested in learning about production.
DSGN 124 Page Layout
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to the principles and strategies for creating effective design layouts. Emphasis is placed on concepts such as hierarchy, unity, and balance in two-dimensional space. Topics include layout software, grids, accessibility, and typographic systems in the context of design projects. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in page layout.
DSGN 143 Interaction Design I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first in a series of interaction design courses. Students explore the fundamentals of interaction design processes and methodologies in the context of website design. Emphasis is placed on using research and strategy to create strong information architecture and responsive website layouts. Topics include current industry software, research and strategy processes, accessibility, and prototyping. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in interaction design.
DSGN 153 Interaction Design II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- DSGN 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second in a series of interaction design courses. Students explore the strategies and best practices that lead to successful mobile experiences. Emphasis is placed on creating design solutions that translate complex tasks and information into digital products that are user-friendly and elicit emotional responses. Topics include current user experience research and strategy, user interface design, prototyping, usability testing, and ethics. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in interaction design.
DSGN 202 Digital Media II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second in a series of digital media courses. Students survey software and other tools used in the creation of still and time-based digital media. Emphasis is placed on building specialized design and software skills. Topics include product photography, photo editing and manipulation, compositing, motion graphics, and user interface animations. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in digital media.
DSGN 203 Interaction Design III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 153 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the third in a series of interaction design courses. Students explore the design and development of websites through a series of design and technical workshops. Emphasis is placed on designing and developing responsive website layouts with engaging content. Topics include website planning and development, website frameworks, content management systems, accessibility, and website hosting. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in interaction design.
DSGN 206 Typography II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second in a series of courses about typography. Emphasis is placed on using techniques and conceptual strategies to solve complex typographic problems. Topics include historical and contemporary letterforms, letterform construction, cultural typography, and the expressive potential of typography. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in typography.
DSGN 210 Branding and Packaging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course covers the application of design principles to branding and packaging systems. Students design a variety of logos, brand touchpoints, and packaging elements through a series of projects. Emphasis is placed on applying research and strategy to create compelling brand identity systems that have clear competitive differentiation. Topics include brand strategy, logo creation, packaging development, and the politics of design. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in branding and packaging.
DSGN 213 Interaction Design IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 153 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the fourth in a series of interaction design courses. Emphasis is placed on discovering user needs through human-centered design processes. Topics include user experience research, user interface development, emerging and experimental media, inclusive design, and usability testing. Students identify valuable design opportunities and apply research and strategy techniques to document a range of potential solutions. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in interaction design.
DSGN 216A Design Studio I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and DSGN 106 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first in a series of courses that help design students build portfolio projects through professional experiences. Emphasis is placed on a strategic analysis of a specific target audience. Topics include custom typography, sustainable packaging systems, and design projects that follow real world constraints. This course is intended for graphic design and interaction design students.
DSGN 216B Design Studio II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 216A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second in a series of courses that help design students build portfolio projects through professional experiences. Emphasis is placed on applying design skills to a collaborative and professional design project. Topics include performing a needs analysis, working in a diverse team, and client relations. This course is intended for graphic design and interaction design students.
DSGN 216C Design Studio III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 216B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the third in a series of courses that help design students build portfolio projects through professional experiences. Emphasis is placed on the individual execution of a complete client project. Topics include client relationships, design proposals, inclusive persona development, and the execution of a client project. This course is intended for graphic design and interaction design students.
DSGN 218 Internship
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 153 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 206 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 210 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a practical study of professional practices for graphic and interaction designers. Students gain real-world experience by applying for and completing an industry internship off site. Emphasis is placed on developing career skills for the graphic design and interaction design fields. Topics include self-promotion, contracts, professional networking, and ethics. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in a design internship.
DSGN 248 Portfolio I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 124 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first in a series of portfolio courses. Emphasis is placed on developing a body of work with an authentic style and cultural voice. Topics include design career preparation, personal identity systems, resumes, and portfolio websites. This course is intended for graphic design and interaction design students.
DSGN 258 Portfolio II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DSGN 248 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second in a series of portfolio courses. Emphasis is placed on revising, expanding, and showcasing existing projects to create a strategic body of work. Topics include advanced portfolio strategies, project development, portfolio website deployment, self promotion, job seeking, and industry ethics. This course is intended for graphic design and interaction design students.
DSGN 270 Work Experience in Design
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
This course provides on-the-job learning experience for students employed in a design-related job or internship. Students develop workplace competencies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities through the creation, and achievement of job-related behavioral learning objectives. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is intended for graphic design students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in the design industry.
DSGN 290 Independent Study in Design
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48 - 162 hours other
This course is for students interested in individualized learning in the design field. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. Emphasis is placed on focused research, creating and completing projects, and/or exploring issues related to the design field. A written contract of specific activities and assignments to be completed are assessed and approved by the instructor. Regular meetings between the student and instructor are required to evaluate progress.