Introduction to Graphic Design
Certificate of Achievement (C) Graphic Art & Design · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Graphic Design & Photography Department offers a Certificate of Completion in Graphic Design. The Certificate of Completion provides students with a solid foundation to understanding of the design process from concept to printed piece. Students gain knowledge of both the creative process and industry-standard computer tools and software used in Graphic Design.
Requirements
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the major requirements through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| GDP 110 | Media Design | 3 |
| GDP 111 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDP 113 | Typography | 3 |
| GDP 114 | Intermediate Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDP 116 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDP 118 | Creative Thinking | 3 |
| Total Units | 18.00 | |
Strongly Recommended
Learning Outcomes
- Apply design principles to both print and screen layouts.
- Demonstrate proficiency using industry-standard software to produce graphic design layouts that are print-ready digital files.
- Define professional terminology for the graphic design and print industry.
- Demonstrate a sense of aesthetics for design and typography in the visual communication field.
- Identify and apply their creative abilities to communicate ideas with confidence.
- Demonstrate effective evaluation techniques, such as critiquing, to test and revise ideas and designs.
- Develop professional quality design concepts and layouts.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.