Degrees, Certificates, and Transfer

Graphic Designers make meaning by shaping messages through content and form. Our role as designers, regardless of medium, is the same — to communicate in a clear, evocative and memorable way. 

The program begins with core courses providing a broad, multidisciplinary foundation. Throughout the program, we work to balance practical skills development with conceptual thinking and creativity. Elective courses allow students to customize the program. All students finish with the Design Studio Practicum, Emerge Studio, which provides a more real-world environment for exploration.

The AA in Graphic Design is for students beginning their studies, who have not completed a degree at another institution. Students who have already completed a degree should persue the Graphic Design Certificate.

The Print Production degree curriculum prepares students for employment in the offset and digital printing and publishing field. The program qualifies graduates to seek employment as offset press operators, on-demand publishing system operators, small business entrepreneurs and electronic prepress production technicians. Instruction is offered in all phases of technology with emphasis placed on the operations of offset presses, computer skills needed for the electronic prepress and technical skills required for on-demand system operators and the techniques required for employment.

Students study color systems, digital image manipulation and image production while learning industry-standard software such as Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and the Macintosh operating system. Print and graphic production students take courses in software and a series of classes covering the technical stages of print production on various types of equipment.

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Establishing a solid foundation of "computer fluency" is essential to succeed in the competative visual media industry. This certificate emphasizes digital skills for print in conjuction with design disciplines including typography, composition, and layout. It is a good choice for students who have completed a degree in a related area such as fine art, photography or film.

The Web Design and Graphics combines the production tools and techniques for interactive digital media with the study of the design process and problem solving. Students who complete this certificate will be prepared for entry-level positions in web design and production.

The fast-track Web Production program is a short-term certificate that focuses on website graphics and production tools. This course of study is designed for students already familiar with working on Macs and PCs and who already have experience with basic design. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in website production.

The Web Programming fast-track certificate combines website scripting and programming languages with design/animation tools that allow interactivity. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in
website programming.

Multimedia Programming includes instruction and practice in programming languages and authoring tools that are currently used in the local web industry. After completing these courses, students will be ready for entry-level positions in multimedia computer programming.

This short course of study allows students who have graphic design and other
production experience to focus on developing their knowledge of Dreamweaver,
an industry-standard web design and development tool.

The courses in the Rich Media Production certificate will show students the techniques and technology of audio and video production for interactive digital media. Students learn how to shoot video and edit with state of the art video-editing equipment and software. This course of study prepares students for entry-level positions involving image and sound production for distribution over the web.

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The Interactive Game Design and Production certificate combines the study of drawing, design and digital tools with game production using the problem-solving skills and techniques used in interactive game design and production. After completing the courses in this certificate, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in the interactive game design and production industry.

The Animation certificate is a multidisciplinary program that combines the study of animation, art, graphics and problem solving with the tools and techniques for interactive digital media. You will be prepared for entry-level positions in animation in local web industries.

This short course of study allows students who have graphic design and other multimedia production experience to focus on developing their knowledge specifically in Flash programming and animation.

Students in the Performance Arts certificate take a combination of classes in music, theater and digital tools for production in live performances. Students will be well versed in the creation of digital sound, music and computerized technologies for live theatrical performances.

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This program allows students to gain a thorough understanding of the production workflow for digital printing. Specialized imaging equipment typically found in the production and prepress areas of the printing industry is used. Emphasis is on technical skills using common software applications, scanners, and digital output systems as well as specifying paper and binding options, color modes, job estimating and industry practices. Course subjects include digital printing operations, job programming, contemporary and database publishing, variable-data printing and file management.

This 17-unit certificate will prepare the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for an entry-level position in the print production industry. This program of study introduces the student to the basic understanding of computer applications used, opportunities available in the graphics industry, and a thorough study of the print production process from creation to delivery of the printed product. Our well-equipped print labs provide the student hands on experience operating offset printing equipment, along with binding and finishing equipment.

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This program is a five-course learning community that provides basic graphic design and digital production skills to students seeking administrative and/or clerical employment. The curriculum consists of five courses covering Macintosh computer hardware and operating systems, graphic design and type fundamentals and an introductory overview to page layout, illustration and photo-editing software for use in print and web communications.

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We have articulation agreements with several schools in the Bay Area, including CCA and San Francisco State University. For more information about transfering, contact Lorraine Leber.

Also, visit Assist.org for more information about transferring.

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