Graphic Design

A.A. Degree Art · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Program Code: SAC.ARTGD.AA

Program Control Number: 10665

The associate degree curriculum in Graphic Design prepares students for entry into the broad field of visual communication, with an emphasis on the development of problem solving in the practical application of graphic design. These applications include design for the print media, advertising, architectural and environmental graphics, packaging, logos, corporate identity, the web and other electronic media, using both digital media tools as well as traditional hand skills. Completion of this associate degree provides for entry into a profession in a variety of areas: e.g., advertising agency, printing house, design studio, freelance work and related businesses.

This program plan is designed with transfer preparation to a 4-year university in mind.

Please consult www.assist.org and meet with a counselor for information about courses for specific universities.

Learning Outcome(s):

  1. Express through written research an understanding of the history of graphic design.
  2. Create for an audience unique conceptual graphics that carry messages and meaning through visual symbolism.
  3. Utilize professional software to design graphics with destination output in mind, addressing issues of file types, resolution, color profiles, and multiple media applications.
CourseTitleUnits
Foundation15
ART 195Introduction to Digital Media Arts3
DM 121AFundamentals of Typography3
ART 122Graphic Design I3
ART 130Introduction to Drawing3
ART 110Two-Dimensional Design3
History & Appreciation3-6
ART 100Introduction to Art Concepts3
orART 100HHonors Introduction to Art Concepts3
ARTH C1100Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era3
ARTH C1200Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary3
ART 103Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North America3
ART 104Mexican and Chicano Art History3
ART 105History of Modern Art3
DM 107History of Animation3
Electives3-7
DM 121BAdvanced Typography3
ART 193Motion Graphics with Adobe After Effects3
DM 164Web Design3
Digital Illustration I3
ART 162Digital Illustration I3
orDM 162Digital Illustration I3
Digital Illustration II: Advanced Topics3
ART 192ADigital Illustration II: Advanced Topics3
orDM 192ADigital Illustration II: Advanced Topics3
ART 191ALayout Design3
CMSD 123ANews Media Production4
CMSD 105Mass Media and Society3
orCMSD 105HHonors Mass Media and Society3
ART 131Beginning Life Drawing3
ART 140AWatercolor Painting2
ART 141Beginning Painting3
PHOT 180Beginning Photography3
ART 009Art Lab0.5
ART 111Three-Dimensional Design3
Capstone2
ART 168Graphic Design II: Branding & Identity2
Total23-30

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