Associate of Arts in Graphic Design

The Graphic and Web Design Program at GCC is designed for working professionals who need to upgrade their skill set, students preparing for transfer, and individuals seeking training towards a career in Graphic Design.

What is Graphic Design?

Because of the broad spectrum of design application within the field of Graphic Design, it can be challenging to define what Graphic Design is or what Graphic Designer duties are within a professional environment.

If you ask AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) They would define Graphic Design as:
Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form of the communication can be physical or virtual and may include images, words, or graphic forms. The experience can take place in an instant or over a long period of time. The work can happen at any scale, from the design of a single postage stamp to a national postal signage system, or from a company’s digital avatar to the sprawling and interlinked digital and physical content of an international newspaper. It can also be for any purpose, whether commercial, educational, cultural, or political.

The United States Department of Labor defines Graphic Design as:
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

The degree or certificate is focused on the develop core competencies in several areas including visual communication, critical thinking, foundational design principles, user experience design, user interface design, use of industry compliant hardware and software, and the role of personal responsibility within continual professional development. A strong emphasis is placed on the creation of a portfolio to demonstrate the same core competencies stressed throughout the curriculum. Students are prepared to seek employment in the advertising/graphic design industry as entry-level production designers or junior graphic designers. The Degree also prepares students to enter 4-year graphic design programs as earn 4-year degrees such as a BFA in Graphic Design, a BA in Graphic Design, and Communication Design. Students must complete all required courses for a minimum of 30 units.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to continually develop a curriculum incorporating the critical elements of Graphic Design; continually develop a curriculum incorporating the industry-standard technical elements of Graphic Design, and demonstrate articulation with surrounding 4-year institutions and with the local Graphic Design Community.

Academic Calendar

• Semester system (16 weeks).
• Fall Semester begins at the end of August.
• Spring Semester begins mid-February.
• Summer Session (mid-June to mid-August.); along with a short-term Winter Session of six weeks in early January.

New International students applying directly from overseas can only apply for the Fall or Spring Semesters. The short-term Sessions offer limited class scheduling for "new" students and are best designed for "continuing students."

Admission Requirements

High School transcripts and Diploma; minimum of 2.0 or "C" grade point average, if transferring directly from a U.S.-based College or University. TOEFL score minimum 45 on iBT, or IELTS 'band score' of 4.5 minimum – if English is not your first language of instruction. Also, Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement, and one-page personal essay. "Conditional Admission" is available for students without TOEFL or IELTS, and transferring-in from a Language School program.

Application Deadlines (for overseas Applicants)

• July 1 for Fall Semester;
• December 1 for Spring Semester;
• [May 15th for “Summer Session” -- Summer only for students "transferring" inside the U.S. with a current and valid Form I-20.]
• Deadlines may be flexible; please contact the International Student Office for details.

Tuition & Fees/Living Expenses

• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year 2020-21): $7,581 USD (full-time; two semesters).
• Estimated off-campus living expenses: $13,000 USD.
• Total costs for bank statement = $22,965 USD.
• Note: above costs are subject to periodic/annual changes. [Please plan your budget accordingly].
• Tuition/Fees are paid per Semester upon registration.
• "Tuition Advanced Deposit" is not required.
• The College offers a tuition payment plan each semester.