Design Degrees Online

The A.A. program in graphic design prepares students who are interested in the fine arts to understand and apply learning in the field to practical situations. By becoming familiar with the use of art media within various forms of communication, students grow in their ability to give visual form to original ideas. Students develop skills in color and design, interior living environments, drawing, painting, photography, and particularly computer applications used for page layout, graphic, and photographic design. Experimentation with various media helps students determine the best layout for their creations.General Education Requirements
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
Communication elective 3
Computer proficiency elective 3
Humanities/fine arts elective 3
Mathematics elective 3
Natural/soc sci electives 6
Total general education 24

Core and Related Requirements
ART 101 Art Appreciation 3
ART 108 Art Education 3
ART 200 Interior Design I 3
ART 201 Introduction to Drawing 3
ART 204 Painting I 3
ART 206 Color and Design 3
ART 210 Three-Dimensional Design 3
ART 220 Art Therapy 3
ART 221 Computer Graphic Design 3
ART 222 Computer Adobe Photoshop 3
ART 225 Art Photography 3
ART 270 Art Across the Ages 3
Total core and related 36
Degree total 60

The objective of the College of Graphic Design Technology (CGDT) curriculum is to develop students’ critical and creative thinking processes and proficiency with the tools, media and techniques of the graphics field, from traditional approaches to the use of computer-generated art and its role in the interface of the World Wide Web.

Associate of Science Degree

This program offers the student the technical skills to establish a career in the field of computer graphic design. Students will also develop important human relations and communication skills that enhance a career in the design field.

Bachelor of Science Degree

Courses in their major will expose them to graphic design history, principles of design, professional practices, and the opportunity to refine their design skills. The B.S. will help them to grow and develop their portfolio and further their career in the design industry.

Graphic Design minor (21 hours)
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)
ART 255 Graphic Design I: Desktop Publishing (3)
ART 265 Graphic Design II: Photo Editing (3)
ART 270 Graphic Design III: Illustrating (3)

Two of the following:
ART 345 Typography (3)
ART 350 Internet Design (3)
ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
ART 430 Advanced Studies in Computer Graphic Design (3)

Courses
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
Concentration on the theories and use of color, analysis of historical compositions and devices and assigned problems that strengthen the student’s ability to compose.

ART 204 Drawing (3)
A series of problems designed to develop confidence in drawing while examining a number of ways of implying space in a two-dimensional surface. Theory is supported by work in the studio and extended through traditional and contemporary visual references. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach through the use of a sketchbook.

ART 205 Figure Drawing (3)
Drawing from the human figure in both conventional and imaginative ways using various media, manners of treatment and modes of modeling forms. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expands perspectives and through studio assignments, students develop a personal approach.

ART 207 Design 2 (3)
Theory and practice of the fundamental principles of design as applied to three-dimensional art and crafts. Introduction to and practical experience in a variety of traditional three-dimensional media including clay, wood, metal, fabric and glass. Projects may include clay relief sculpture, functional wood objects, centrifugal casting, stained glass and batik. The understanding and practical experience gained here is intended to prepare the student for more complex three-dimensional art experiences. ART 202 recommended but not required.

ART 213 Painting (3)
An introduction to the material and subject possibilities of painting. The emphasis is on construction, composition, paint handling and color. Individual and group criticism, combined with field trips and discussion of painting ideology, expands the students’ perspectives of themselves within historical and professional contexts. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204.

ART 214 Watercolor (3)
Specific compositional problems exploring the possibilities of design and expression in watercolor technique. Use of the figure, still-life and landscape as initial references. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. Offered alternate years.

ART 217 Ceramics 1 (3)
Introduction to work in clay including hand building techniques, use of the potter’s wheel, decorating and glazing methods, kilns and firing processes. Practical experience through participation in all phases of ceramic production. Survey of traditional and contemporary approaches to clay focused on promoting individual student response to the medium.

ART 223 Sculpture 1 (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of addition and subtraction. Construction in wood using basic carpentry skills, lamination and joinery. Involves instruction in cutting, welding and brazing metals. Covers stone and wood carving and mixed media assemblage. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to additive and subtractive approaches to media. Prerequisite: ART 207 recommended but not required. ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order. Offered alternate years.

ART 225 Printmaking 1 (relief) (3)
An introduction to relief printmaking employing basic relief techniques including linoleum cuts and woodcuts. The initial emphasis is on black and white images executed through studio assignments. Introduction to color reduction block printing. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expand perspectives and the student is encouraged to develop a personal approach. ART 225, 226, 227 and 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 226 Printmaking 2 (intaglio) (3)
Introduction to the medium of intaglio through demonstration. Various methods of making plates, hard and soft ground, drypoint, mezzotint, aquatint and embossment, are explained and demonstrated. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, 226, 227 and 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 227 Printmaking 3 (silkscreen) (3)
Basic techniques in screen printing including direct and indirect stencils. Building and stretching screens as well as darkroom work with enlarger and Kodalith film are demonstrated. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, 226, 227 and 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 228 Printmaking 4 (lithography) (3)
An introduction to the techniques of direct lithography from stones and metal plates. Various traditions of printmaking and historical contexts are examined. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, 226, 227 and 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 233 Sculpture 2 (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of manipulation and substitution. Includes modeling of clay, plaster, wax and Styrofoam with replacement in metal using the lost wax process and other foundry procedures. Mold-making techniques are introduced with further casting in a variety of materials. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to modeling and casting techniques. ART 207 recommended but not required. ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order. Offered every third year.

ART 240 Film Photography (3)
An introduction to photography including camera handling, film exposure and processing, composition, black and white print production and presentation of photographs. Exploration of specialized equipment and techniques. Brief history of photography. Offered alternate years.

ART 242 Digital Photography (3)
This class will serve as an introduction to basic camera and digital darkroom procedures. Discussion of digital camera functions, lens and digital media selection and usage will lead the student into an understanding of camera usage in a wide variety of shooting circumstances. With a progressively expanding understanding of basic photography the student will have the opportunity to explore the use of Photoshop on the computer to render and print final images. High quality printing as well as placing images as appropriately sized e-mail attachments and on Internet sites will be examined. Field assignments require that the student find creative photographic solutions to problems in form and content.

ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)This course provides a thorough investigation of the computer as a primary tool for the graphic designer. Conceptual emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design as they apply to the digital platform. Course content follows the evolution of desktop publishing into its practical application in advertising, public relations and other creative communications. The student is introduced to the most current iteration of the Adobe Creative Suite which includes InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

ART 255 Graphic Design I: Desktop Publishing (3)
This course is designed to further develop the graphic designer’s proficiency in desktop publishing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the integration capabilities of the Adobe Creative Suite. Photoshop and Illustrator materials are brought together with text in InDesign to create custom flyers, trade ads, newsletters, brochures and other communication materials. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor. ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order.

ART 265 Graphic Design II: Photo Editing (3)
This course provides an introduction to digital capturing methods which include digital photography and image scanning. The primary focus for the graphic designer is on photo editing processes centered in the use of Adobe Photoshop. Techniques covered in the course include special photographic effects and custom typographic treatments. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor. ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order.

ART 270 Graphic Design III: Illustrating (3)
This course is designed to help the graphic designer achieve professional studio results through the use of Adobe Illustrator. Computer drawing techniques are covered in the course along with the use of custom typographic treatments. Topics covered in the class include: editing anchor points and paths, working with layers, painting, using gradient fills, special type effects, importing and masking photographs and using filters. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor. ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order.

ART 317 Ceramics 2 (3)
Advanced ceramic forming and decorating methods are introduced. Students are challenged to refine selected techniques in pursuit of a personal aesthetic in the medium. Clay bodies, glaze chemistry and kiln design are considered with emphasis on their integral role in the creative process. Prerequisite: ART 217 or permission of the instructor.

ART 320 Foundations for Teaching Visual Arts (3)
Provides lecture, studio and fieldbased experiences for teaching art in public schools using methods and materials in the public school art program. Involves laboratory experiences in art resources and program planning. Includes a review of studio art development and art education knowledge to identify the student’s proficiency for performance as an art teacher. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

ART 327 Art History 1 (3)
Survey of art history from the prehistoric through medieval periods. Offered every third year.

ART 328 Art History 2 (3)
Survey of art history from the Renaissance through the 18th century. Offered every third year.

ART 329 Art History 3 (3)
Survey of 19th- and 20th-century art. Offered every third year.

ART 345 Typography (3)
The focus of this course includes the basic principles, practices and history of typography and typographic design. Attention is given to the importance of type as both a functional and expressive element in visual communication. Students are given practical assignments in order to apply learned typographic fundamentals to visual communication problems. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 350 Internet Design (3)
Studio course in the design of electronic communications for the Internet and, specifically, the World Wide Web. This course emphasizes current technology for information delivery, with significant consideration being given to visual and design issues. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
This course includes desktop publishing projects with the full understanding of the role of the corporate “logo keeper.” Covers designing of logos and corporate ID campaigns for for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 380 Studies in Art (3)
Studio or art history course dealing with specialized medium or topic. With an appropriate theme, this course may be taken as part of the Women’s Studies minor.

ART 385 Internship (10 hours maximum)
By arrangement.

ART 390 Independent Study in Art (1-3)
Supervised individual problems in selected studio areas, art education, or art history research for students who show proficiency and marked degree of independence in other course work. May be repeated. Prerequisite: must have prior work in the course area.

ART 400 Art Now Seminar (1)
A survey of contemporary trends in the visual arts through on-site study of the art resources of a major urban area. Visits to museums, galleries, works of public art and architectural landmarks included. Current criticism examined in preparation for the tour with follow-up focusing on individual observations and insights.

ART 405 Portfolio Organization and Review (.5)
Development of a professional portfolio through selection and refinement of previous studio work with emphasis on organization and presentation.

ART 410 Senior Exhibition (.5)
Graduating art majors are required to present an exhibit of their work in their senior year. Students put together a retrospective selection of their best work.

ART 430 Advanced Studies in Computer Graphic Design (3)
Involves advanced studies of computer graphic design programs. Projects include the integration of reproduction quality Photoshop/Illustrator files. Prerequisite: ART 245 and two of the following: ART 255, ART 265 or ART 270.

Graphic Design (GRD)
GRD1033 Graphic Communication [3]. An introduction to the theory and practice of visual communication design.
GRD2003 Computer Graphic Design I [3]. An introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool, and basic instruction in
software appropriate to the field including QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Creating and developing effective
visual form in response to communication problems is also addressed. Prerequisite: GRD1033.
GRD2093 Digital Photography [3]. A basic course in which the student learns what a good photograph is, how to use a digital
camera to campus good photographs, and how to use Photoshop to improve photographs. Students take photographs, critique
orally their own and others’ work, and manipulate photographs with Photoshop while developing a body of work.
GRD3003 Computer Graphic Design II [3]. An intermediate course that investigates the use of digital technology in graphic
design. Emphasis is given to basic digital photography, color use and output, basic typography and electronic transmission of
files. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
GRD3013 Computer Graphic Design III [3]. An advanced course using digital technology to solve graphic communication
problems. Special emphasis is given to individual and team projects, and verbal and visual presentation skills. Prerequisites:
GRD1033, GRD2003 and GRD3003.
GRD3023 History of Graphic Design [3]. A survey of the graphic design from prehistory to the present age. Topics include
the origins of European typography and design for printing; the impact of the Industrial Revolution on visual communication;
graphic design in the first half of the twentieth century, and graphic design in the information age. Prerequisite: ART1002G is
strongly recommended.
GRD3033 Illustration [3]. An exploration of media used for advertising, editorial, institutional or book illustration. Special
emphasis is given to solving visual problems, and responding positively to critiques. The course may be repeated for a total of
six (6) semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: GRD1033 or ART1023. ART1053 and ART2063 are strongly recommended.
GRD3043 Web Design for Designers [3]. A study of and practical experience in conceptualizing, designing, making functional,
and maintaining a web site using contemporary computer programs. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
Graphic Design
85
GRD4073 Senior Graphic Design Project [3]. An advanced graphic design study project during which the student develops a
strong body of work for a professional portfolio, and participates in the portfolio show. Students must enroll for two consecutive
semesters and earn a total of six (6) hours credit. Prerequisite: open only to senior graphic design majors.
GRD5029 Graphic Design Internship [1-6]. A supervised experience performed in a professional environment representing a
student’s major discipline. Prerequisite: Senior standing, departmental application and approval.
GRD5091 Graphic Design Honors Research Project [1-2]. A capstone research project within the major for honor students. It
is supervised by a faculty mentor and evaluated by a committee of three faculty. The course is repeatable for up to four (4) hours
of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of the application of Intent for Honors Research Project by the Honors Program Director.

Graphic Design (GRD)
GRD1033 Graphic Communication [3]. An introduction to the theory and practice of visual communication design.
GRD2003 Computer Graphic Design I [3]. An introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool, and basic instruction in
software appropriate to the field including QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Creating and developing effective
visual form in response to communication problems is also addressed. Prerequisite: GRD1033.
GRD2093 Digital Photography [3]. A basic course in which the student learns what a good photograph is, how to use a digital
camera to campus good photographs, and how to use Photoshop to improve photographs. Students take photographs, critique
orally their own and others’ work, and manipulate photographs with Photoshop while developing a body of work.
GRD3003 Computer Graphic Design II [3]. An intermediate course that investigates the use of digital technology in graphic
design. Emphasis is given to basic digital photography, color use and output, basic typography and electronic transmission of
files. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
GRD3013 Computer Graphic Design III [3]. An advanced course using digital technology to solve graphic communication
problems. Special emphasis is given to individual and team projects, and verbal and visual presentation skills. Prerequisites:
GRD1033, GRD2003 and GRD3003.
GRD3023 History of Graphic Design [3]. A survey of the graphic design from prehistory to the present age. Topics include
the origins of European typography and design for printing; the impact of the Industrial Revolution on visual communication;
graphic design in the first half of the twentieth century, and graphic design in the information age. Prerequisite: ART1002G is
strongly recommended.
GRD3033 Illustration [3]. An exploration of media used for advertising, editorial, institutional or book illustration. Special
emphasis is given to solving visual problems, and responding positively to critiques. The course may be repeated for a total of
six (6) semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: GRD1033 or ART1023. ART1053 and ART2063 are strongly recommended.
GRD3043 Web Design for Designers [3]. A study of and practical experience in conceptualizing, designing, making functional,
and maintaining a web site using contemporary computer programs. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
Graphic Design
85
GRD4073 Senior Graphic Design Project [3]. An advanced graphic design study project during which the student develops a
strong body of work for a professional portfolio, and participates in the portfolio show. Students must enroll for two consecutive
semesters and earn a total of six (6) hours credit. Prerequisite: open only to senior graphic design majors.
GRD5029 Graphic Design Internship [1-6]. A supervised experience performed in a professional environment representing a
student’s major discipline. Prerequisite: Senior standing, departmental application and approval.
GRD5091 Graphic Design Honors Research Project [1-2]. A capstone research project within the major for honor students. It
is supervised by a faculty mentor and evaluated by a committee of three faculty. The course is repeatable for up to four (4) hours
of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of the application of Intent for Honors Research Project by the Honors Program Director.

Graphic Design (GRD)
GRD1033 Graphic Communication [3]. An introduction to the theory and practice of visual communication design.
GRD2003 Computer Graphic Design I [3]. An introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool, and basic instruction in
software appropriate to the field including QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Creating and developing effective
visual form in response to communication problems is also addressed. Prerequisite: GRD1033.
GRD2093 Digital Photography [3]. A basic course in which the student learns what a good photograph is, how to use a digital
camera to campus good photographs, and how to use Photoshop to improve photographs. Students take photographs, critique
orally their own and others’ work, and manipulate photographs with Photoshop while developing a body of work.
GRD3003 Computer Graphic Design II [3]. An intermediate course that investigates the use of digital technology in graphic
design. Emphasis is given to basic digital photography, color use and output, basic typography and electronic transmission of
files. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
GRD3013 Computer Graphic Design III [3]. An advanced course using digital technology to solve graphic communication
problems. Special emphasis is given to individual and team projects, and verbal and visual presentation skills. Prerequisites:
GRD1033, GRD2003 and GRD3003.
GRD3023 History of Graphic Design [3]. A survey of the graphic design from prehistory to the present age. Topics include
the origins of European typography and design for printing; the impact of the Industrial Revolution on visual communication;
graphic design in the first half of the twentieth century, and graphic design in the information age. Prerequisite: ART1002G is
strongly recommended.
GRD3033 Illustration [3]. An exploration of media used for advertising, editorial, institutional or book illustration. Special
emphasis is given to solving visual problems, and responding positively to critiques. The course may be repeated for a total of
six (6) semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: GRD1033 or ART1023. ART1053 and ART2063 are strongly recommended.
GRD3043 Web Design for Designers [3]. A study of and practical experience in conceptualizing, designing, making functional,
and maintaining a web site using contemporary computer programs. Prerequisites: GRD1033 and GRD2003.
Graphic Design
85
GRD4073 Senior Graphic Design Project [3]. An advanced graphic design study project during which the student develops a
strong body of work for a professional portfolio, and participates in the portfolio show. Students must enroll for two consecutive
semesters and earn a total of six (6) hours credit. Prerequisite: open only to senior graphic design majors.
GRD5029 Graphic Design Internship [1-6]. A supervised experience performed in a professional environment representing a
student’s major discipline. Prerequisite: Senior standing, departmental application and approval.
GRD5091 Graphic Design Honors Research Project [1-2]. A capstone research project within the major for honor students. It
is supervised by a faculty mentor and evaluated by a committee of three faculty. The course is repeatable for up to four (4) hours
of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of the application of Intent for Honors Research Project by the Honors Program Director.

Graphic Design

This concentration provides a learning environment that fosters creative thinking and personal artistic development. The curriculum is highly instrumental in maintaining a healthy balance between design and production, allowing students to focus their attention on specialized aspects of the field in a series of courses. These courses include Computer Graphic Design, Typography, Illustration, Motion Graphic Design, Interface Design and Publication Design. The Macintosh lab facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that gives students a competitive edge when they enter the field.

Digital design and production (DDP) is the study of computer graphic design for print and the web. Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in DDP commonly include graphic design, web design, animation and video production. Careers in the discipline that generally require graduate-level degrees include college teacher, creative director and art director. Even students who choose not to major in DDP find that coursework in the field can improve their ability to think critically, solve complex problems, improve their skills on the computer, research and analysis for design projects.

College of the Desert’s DDP curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as specific courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, basic animation and basic web content.

The College offers a Certificate of Achievement in DDP, an Associate of Arts degree, as well as courses leading to transfer. The certificate of achievement is designed to provide students with skills necessary for employment or advancement as graphic designers. Students earning the certificate may also choose to continue their study toward an associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in the field. Past recipients of the COD Certificate of Achievement in DDP have obtained positions as graphic designers, art directors, and creative directors. Students earning an associate’s degree in DDP may pursue (entry-level) positions as graphic designers or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree. COD has transfer agreements with California State Universities in this discipline/program. However, transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities vary from institution to institution; students should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.

Graphic Design-Print (BA)
College of Arts and Sciences
Graphic Design is a multidisciplinary program in which students gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of design and develop creative visualization, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Using industry standard software and hardware, students build diverse portfolios with a wide range of print and Web projects. The global, social, and ethical issues of graphic design are explored at each stage of the program.

Major Requirements:
Computer Graphic Design–Print (BA) (127 credit hours)
Graphic Design Major Requirements (45 credit hours)
AR 111 Introduction to Drawing
AR 112 Design Fundamentals
ARCT 101 Vector Software Applications
ARCT 102 Bitmap Software Applications
ARCT 103 Page Layout Software Applications
ARCT 104 HTML Web Development Software Applications
ARCT 250 Typography
ARCT 265 Print Design I
AR 210 Beginning Photography
AR 332 History of Graphic Design
AR 340 Digital Enhancement Photography
ARCT 360 Digital Illustration
ARCT 365 Print Design II
ARCT 465 Print Design III
ARCT 495 Portfolio Development

Total Credit Hours: 128
Major Credit Hours: 48

A painting major is given not only the opportunity to develop his or her technical skill, but also the ability to better understand individual creative ability and reach expressive potential. The painting major is required to understand and execute basic painting fundamentals, which are utilized for more self-expressive creativity. This course prepares students for graduate study.

I. Core Courses(30)
01-100 Drawing (3)
01-101 Art Elements (3)
01-110 Painting (3)
01-130 2-D Design Fundamentals (3)
01-133 3-D Design (3)
01-140 Printmaking (3)
01-231 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)
01-391 Art History I (3)
01-392 Art History II (3)
01-401 Senior Project/Seminar (3)

II. Painting Courses (18)
01-201 Life Drawing (3)
01-300 Advanced Drawing (3)
01-310 Advanced Painting (3)
(3 classes) (9)
01-340 Advanced Printmaking (3)

III. All department majors must maintain a grade point average of 2.00. A grade of C or above is required in all art courses. The student who fails to maintain these standards will be asked to withdraw from the department.

IV. The advanced writing requirement of the General Education curriculum is satisfied by successful completion of Art History I and Art History II.