Digital Media: Graphic Design Associate in Arts Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
Digital Media: Broadcast and Electronic Media	60 units
Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design	60 units
AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
Film, Television, and Electronic Media	60 units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Digital Media: Graphic Production	21 units
Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design	21 units
CS Certificate of Specialization
Digital Media	12 units
Digital Media: Applied Audio and Video Production	12 units
Digital Media: Broadcast and Electronic Media	12 units
Digital Media: Mobile App and Web Design	12 units

Career Opportunities

The skills that graphic designers possess transcend media boundaries. They may work in print or they may work in three-dimensional media such as environmental graphics, exhibit and display design, or signage. They may design for electronic media such as television, the web, or multimedia or they may create motion graphics and titling for film and video. They may work in information design and interface design or even type design. They may design packaging, books, magazines, and posters, all forms of advertising, corporate communications, corporate identity, environmental and retail design, web design, education design, or nonprofit design. Their creativity and skills are necessary wherever a message and an audience meet, regardless of the media.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Synthesize visual solutions to graphic problems by integrating information and ideas.
Design and produce original solutions to graphic problems using technology and software central to the graphics industry effectively.
Analyze, compare and contrast the effectiveness of their own original design work and the work of others.

Other Film Programs

For CSM's Film program, please see the AA degree for Film.

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for Digital Media for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60-70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

The Graphic Design associate's degree prepares students for entry-level work in the visual media industry; the degree also serves the needs of students planning to transfer to study Graphic Design at a four-year school. The curriculum includes basic visual literacy and visual communication skills, the complete software package necessary for employment or transfer, typography, graphic design theory and application, and several production classes that offer real-world hands-on learning experiences.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 27 units		Units
ART 200	Portfolio Preparation	3 units
ART 301	Two-Dimensional Design	3 units
	OR
DGME 103	Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design	3 units
DGME 164	User Interface/User Experience Design	3 units
DGME 211	Introduction to Graphic Design	3 units
DGME 215	History of Graphic Design	3 units
DGME 216	Intermediate Graphic Design	3 units
DGME 220	Typography	3 units
DGME 230	Production Design for Print and Screen	3 units
DGME 250	Internship	3 units

Total Required Major Units: 27

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.