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The campus will remain closed until 12 noon Thursday, 02/13/25. Students should log into Canvas for specific class information from their instructors. Please contact event organizers for information on specific activities. Normal operations will resume at 12pm on Thursday.

Graphic Media Arts

Certificate

Home » All Programs » Graphic Media Arts

» Program Overview

The Graphic Media Arts (GMA) program provides hands-on training in visual design, branding, and digital content creation. Designed for students looking to break into the creative industry without committing to a four-year degree, this program prepares graduates for entry-level positions at advertising agencies, design studios, corporate marketing departments, publishing, social media marketing, and more.

GMA students gain real-world experience in:

  • Design & Branding – Creating logos, layouts, and visual identities for businesses, products, and marketing campaigns
  • Adobe Creative Cloud – Editing photos in Photoshop, creating vector graphics in Illustrator, and designing professional layouts in InDesign
  • Web & Social Media Design – Building and maintaining websites using WordPress and crafting digital content for online marketing
  • Typography & Color Theory – Understanding how fonts, colors, and composition impact effective visual communication
  • Print Production – Formatting and designing press-ready materials for professional printing
  • Copyright & Digital Rights – Learning the legal side of design, including intellectual property and content usage rights

 

Upon completion, graduates will have the skills and portfolio needed to step into the industry as designers, marketers, and content creators. Whether working in print, digital media, or social branding, GMA graduates will be ready to bring ideas to life through design.

Hand Holding Notebook With Drew Brand Logo Creative Design Ideas

Is Graphic Media Arts (GMA) for YOU?

  • Do you find yourself doodling designs and drawing characters, or creating letters for your own font?
  • When you see a commercial or a billboard do you look at it critically, to determine if it “works?”
  • Do colors, shapes, and words come together in your head, in fantastic ways?
  • When you visit a website, do you think about the layout of the site and feel that you could design a better one?
Apply Today!
Download the PDF

» Curriculum

Semester 1

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Fundamentals of Graphic Design

This course introduces students to the core principles of graphic design, including composition, typography, and color theory. Students will explore visual communication techniques used in advertising, branding, and digital media. The course also covers industry expectations, professional skills, and how to communicate with clients, preparing students for entry-level careers in design.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply design principles to create effective visual communication
  • Develop conceptual ideas and translate them into visual compositions
  • Understand balance, hierarchy, rhythm, and unity in design
  • Learn how to use typography and color theory to enhance legibility and visual impact
  • Speak confidently about design projects to clients, employers, and fellow designers

GMA1015

5.5

Intro to Computer Graphics

This course provides hands-on experience with industry-standard graphic design software. Students will learn how to create vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator, edit and manipulate images in Adobe Photoshop, and design print layouts in Adobe InDesign.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Differentiate between vector and raster graphics and apply them effectively
  • Utilize Adobe Illustrator for logo design and vector artwork
  • Edit and enhance images using Adobe Photoshop
  • Create professional layouts using Adobe InDesign
  • Understand color modes, layers, and composition techniques in digital design

GMA1025

5.5

Semester 2

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Web Design Essentials

Students will learn web design fundamentals using WordPress, gaining skills in website creation, hosting, and content management. The course also covers HTML, CSS, image optimization, SEO, and social media integration. By the end of the course, students will build a complete website to showcase their coursework.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Navigate and build websites using WordPress
  • Acquire and set up a domain name and hosting service
  • Understand HTML, CSS, and website structure
  • Learn how to integrate themes, plugins, and widgets
  • Optimize images and graphics for fast-loading web pages
  • Create landing pages and online storefronts for digital marketing

GMA1035

5.5

Visual Branding and Identity

This course focuses on building a brand identity, from concept to final execution. Students will develop logos, marketing materials, and brand collateral while applying design strategies for businesses, products, and services. The course also covers the importance of brand positioning and audience research.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Create logos, brochures, and marketing materials for branding
  • Develop custom branding guidelines for businesses
  • Understand brand positioning and market research
  • Apply vector and raster graphics in brand design
  • Design 3D packaging and collateral materials

GMA1045

5.5

Semester 3

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Portfolio Development

This course helps students prepare for the job market by creating a professional design portfolio for both print and digital formats. Students will refine their best projects, build an online portfolio website, and develop essential career tools such as resumes and cover letters.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn what employers expect in a graphic design portfolio
  • Curate and organize design projects to showcase key skills
  • Create high-quality portfolio pieces for print and web
  • Write an artist statement and present design work effectively
  • Develop a professional resume, reference page, and cover letter

GMA1055

5.5

Advanced Projects

In this capstone course, students will work on real-world design projects that simulate professional industry challenges. Students will focus on refining their creativity, problem-solving, and time management while developing their design thinking process.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply advanced design and imaging techniques
  • Manage complex projects individually and in team settings
  • Strengthen time management and creative problem-solving skills
  • Develop a professional workflow from concept to final design
  • Expand their personal creative style and strengths

GMA1065

5.5

Total Credits:

33

Apply Today!

Select your term to start your application:

Summer 2025
Fall 2025

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.