Each course in the pathway is a nine week course. Associates must take the courses in order, as each course builds upon the one before it to help the associates learn and grow as designers.
INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
The goal of this course is to provide all students with an introduction to the principles of graphic communications and design, while connecting them to real world application and use of design. In this course students will learn to use computers and Adobe design software effectively. This course will provide students with the foundation for successfully integrating their own interests and careers with the resources of a technological society.
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION
As the second course in the Graphic Design Pathway, students will gain more levels of experience to understand and complete both design work and also the output processes of various projects. Students learn to work more independently, applying the skills they have learned thus far to their work. Students will also begin learning the production side of design. They will learn about the different printing equipment and how to use them.
ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN
In the Graphic Design & Production course, students will gain more advanced levels of experience to complete the output processes of various projects in an increasingly independent manner. Students also learn to manage the output and completion process as a whole including customer relations management, printing, finishing, and binding. Students will continue to accumulate work samples that will constitute their personal portfolio. Upon successful completion of the course, students are prepared to move into employment or a post-secondary educational environment where self-motivation and a high level of skill are expected.
PRINT LAB TECHNICIAN
The goal of this course is to provide students with a chance to work with live clients who are requesting design and printing services. This course gives students the opportunity to begin and design job and follow it through all the way to completion. These are designs that students can add to their portfolios to use for college or to help them when seeking a position in the design field. This is the final course for the Graphic Design pathway.