ATEP Campus
Digital Media Art 
Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement

Digital Media Arts StudentCourses in digital graphic design, typography, publication design, and web design are included in this program. Students focus on art theory as it relates to 2-D Design and Color Theory relevant to computer technology. Students can complete the certificate, or an associate's degree, or take courses in preparation for transfer to a college or university. 

Career Options
Job projections in the Graphic Arts field indicate a 60% growth just in Orange County. This program prepares students for entry level positions in web and graphic design.

 

CERTIFICATE COURSE GUIDE
Digital Media Art - Graphic Design (DMA):
Digital Media Art Certificate of Achievement

This program is occupational in nature.  While most of the courses are transferable to CSU and some to UC, students should consult with their counselors or the Transfer Center to determine the extent to which courses may apply to specific programs at four-year institutions.

 Complete the following courses:    Units
 DMA 51  Digital Photography  3
 DMA 55  Graphic Design I  3
 DMA 65  Typography  3
 DMA 140  2-D Design and Color Theory  3
 DMA 160  Graphic Design II  3
 DMA 175  Corporate Identity: Trademarks and Logos  3
   
 Complete a total of six units from the following courses: 
 DMA 150  History of Graphic Design  3
 DMA 170  Publication Design and Prepress  3
 DMA 180  Graphic Design for the Internet  3
 DMA 252  Intermediate Digital Imaging  3
   TOTAL UNITS:  24

Requirements:  Certificates of Achievement are granted for the completion of a specified program, or specified courses, whose total requirement is 18 units or more.  These state-approved certificates acknowledge workplace competencies and job readiness.

Students must complete all courses in the certificate program with a grade of "A," "B," "C," or "P."  A minimum of 12 units in the certificate program must be completed at Irvine Valley College.

Waiver of Certificate Requirements:  Students with previous educational or vocational experience who wish to waive a required course in a certificate program will be expected to verify equivalency by examination.  Petitions for course waivers or substitutions are available in the Counseling Center.

Application for Evaluation:  Certificates are not awarded automatically.  Students who expect to earn a certificate from the college must file an application for evaluation with the Office of Admission and Records.  Responsibility for filing this application rests with the student, and transcripts for all college work attempted must be on file for the application to be considered.  Filing deadlines for each semester are posted in the IVC catalog and class schedule.

 

 

PROGRAM GUIDE
Digital Media Art - Graphic Design (DMA):
 Digital Media Art Certificate of Achievement

Description:  The Digital Media Art Certificate of Achievement program prepares the student to begin a career in print, advertising, web design or commercial art.  Students majoring in graphic design at the lower-division level concentrate on learning the elements of design and the principles of composition and then applying these in integrated, completed projects for both print and electronic output.  Students focus on art theory as it relates to 2-D design and color theory and on color systems specific to computer-generated imagery.  Basics are taught sequentially so that students may best develop their potential as artists and technicians.  Students are encouraged to experiment with new ideas to create projects that relate to traditional styles and the postmodern design of the new millennium.  The digital media art major includes courses that may be applied to upper-division programs at transfer institutions. 

Prerequisites/Preparation:  It is recommended that students begin the graphic design program possessing basic computer and word processing skills, specifically using Macintosh systems.  Specifically, CIM 104.1 (DOS for Technical Support Professionals) is recommended (but not required) along with Art 4 (Introduction to Art Theory) and Art 40 (2-D Design and Color), Art 25/26 (Art History), and Photography 50 (Introduction to Photography). 

Preparation for Career Related Exams/Certification:  While the field of graphic design does not require a special license to become employed, employers rely heavily on an applicant's portfolio as demonstration of his/her skills and abilities.  The digital media art program aids the student in creating a portfolio that will enable him/her to become competitive in the field.

Associate of Arts Degree:  A student may earn an A.A. degree in Digital Media Art - Graphic Design from IVC if, in addition to certificate requirements, he/she also meets general education requirements posted in the IVC catalog, class schedule, or www.ivc.edu.  See a counselor for more information.

*Four Year Institutions Offering Degrees/Programs in This Field: 
California State University, Fullerton - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design concentration
California State University, Long Beach - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design option
San Diego State University - Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design emphasis
Chapman University - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
La Sierra University - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

*see counselor or transfer center for specific transfer requirements

Scholarships/Financial Aid:  Students may have opportunities to enter local competitions offered by local businesses that award cash prizes and use the student's digital graphic designs as part of their product.  These experiences can become a valuable part of the student's portfolio.  Students may contact the IVC Financial Aid office for more information and additional opportunities.

Work Experience/Internships:  Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) may be taken in addition to requirements for the certificate program.  CWE allows students to gain on-the-job experience while earning units toward the certificate.  A student may earn one unit of credit for every 75 hours of paid or 60 hours of volunteer employment.  Students are responsible for securing employment for CWE.  In addition, employers hiring graphic designers may recruit students from IVC through the Digital Media Art department and our Job Placement Office.

Career Options: 

 
Job Description:  Graphic designers use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet clients' commercial needs.  Using computer software, they develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications.  They may also produce promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive company logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems - called environmental graphics - for business and government.  An increasing number of graphic designers develop material to appear on Internet home pages.  Graphic designers also produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

Multimedia Artists work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising, and computer systems design services.  They draw by hand and use computers to create storyboards for television commercials, movies, and animated features.  Storyboards present television commercials in a series of scenes similar to a comic strip and allow an advertising agency to evaluate proposed commercials with the company doing the advertising.  Storyboards also serve as guides to placing actors and cameras on the television or motion picture set and to other details that need to be taken care of during the production of commercials.

Employment Opportunities:  The design industry has changed dramatically in the last decade from a focus on drawing and rendering skills to the use of the computer for creating artistic representations.  As technology has become less expensive and the business environment more technically sophisticated, the need for designers who are digitally adept and artistically trained has grown substantially.  Irvine Valley College developed its Digital Graphic Design program to respond to this growing need among businesses and industries in Southern California, specifically in Orange County.  Quest Software and Ford are two companies who have hired IVC students along with various design firms, independent companies, and large companies alike.  There are also opportunities for self-employment as a graphic designer.

Occupational Outlook for Orange County, CA:  Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 10 percent, about as fast as average for all occupations from 2006 to 2016, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Some of this increase is expected to stem from the expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Moreover, graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services. (Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/oco )

Salary Range/Median for Orange County, CA:

Graphic Designers

$24.53 hourly

$51,024 annually

Multimedia Artists & Animators

$28.82 hourly

$66,870 annually

(Source:  California Occupational Guides, www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides )

Job Related Skills Emphasized in Coursework:  Graphic design courses focus on design principles more so than an understanding of the software, which falls under the Computer Information Management department.  The curriculum includes courses in digital graphic design, typography, publication design, web design, and graphic design history, as well as a cooperative work experience course which allows students to intern in the field.  Studio courses teach students to expand both their basic design and digital design skills and develop a portfolio in preparation for working in the field or transferring to a four-year college or university.  All courses in the curriculum are intended to develop the student's understanding and appreciation of the artist's technical and aesthetic concerns; an awareness of the forces that continually reshape popular design; and familiarity with the job opportunities and work environments available to graphic designers.

Personal Traits Desired for This Field:

Professional Organizations/Websites/Publications in Field: 

-offers a student membership with an e-newsletter and the AIGA Journal of Design

-offers a student membership

IVC Contacts:

Digital Media Art Certificate - Program Questions:

Terry Chatkupt
Fine Arts                     
949/451-5529                                                       
tchatkupt@ivc.edu                                               

Certificates - General Questions:

Sharon M. Kennedy
Sr. Admin. Assistant & IVC Contact for WIB/One-Stop Centers
Career Technical Education & Workforce Development
949/451-5224
skennedy@ivc.edu

This IVC Career Technical Education Program Guide was made possible by funds from the Carl D. Perkins Career Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, awarded to Irvine Valley College by the Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges.

For more information, see the Digital Media Arts web page (School of Fine Arts).

Last Updated: 9/1/09