Graphic Design-Print (GDD)
AN OPTION OF MARKETING
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education & Bus
The Graphic Design-Print Degree prepares students for a dynamic career in the graphic design or marketing communications fields. This specialized program expands traditional business and marketing offerings with the inclusion of a broad range of graphic design courses that serve to enhance a student's creativity and preparation for the job market. Course work prepares students for entry-level employment in various aspects of the marketing communications field including advertising or promotion, as well as for positions in print-focused graphic design or electronic publishing. As part of the program, students produce a portfolio of their designs and can gain valuable work experience with hands-on work experience through Cooperative Education and Internships which integrate classroom study with a supervised work experience.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have program advising related questions, please contact graphicdesign@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| ART114 | Visual Design Theory | 3 |
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| GRA101 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRA202 | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| ART110 | Basic Drawing 1 | 3 |
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| GRA116 | Electronic Imaging | 3 |
| GRA118 | Digital Page Layout | 3 |
| MKT101 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Year
Fall
| ART116 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 |
| PRO100 | Introduction to the Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| GRA208 | Designing for Web | 3 |
| GRA204 | Typography | 3 |
| GRA212 | Electronic Publishing Issues | 3 |
| SPE102 | Speech | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring
| ITR200 | Internship | 2 |
| GRA140 | Integrated Media Design Principles | 3 |
| GRA216 | Graphic Design Portfolio | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| MKT204 | Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Requirement Notes
CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts elective credits.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Develop research skills for effective design and marketing communications.
- Demonstrate organized, confident public speaking techniques.
- Apply principles of color psychology and good standards for page layout and design to the creation of artwork and publications.
- Acquire and practice proper freehand drawing/comping and computer-based skills for illustration, photo-manipulation, and page-layout software.
- Define and employ proper typographical attributes for specification of type, solving copy fitting needs and proofreading/critiquing.
- Recognize the many legal, social, cultural, political, ethical, ecological and economic contexts related to the diversity and creativity in design and marketing communications.
- Develop job proposal and billing techniques and the ability to select a printing company based on estimate costs and the type of product to be produced and services provided.
- Develop the ability to effectively gather and present communications to and from clients for the creation of graphic/print solutions for specific projects, processes and demographics.
Occupational Skills Required
- Computer and Internet awareness
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Project planning and execution
- Time management
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- PRO100 - Introduction to the Professional Portfolio
- ITR200 - Internship
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 0.8%
- Boston MSA – 0.8%
- Essex County – 0.8%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $40,400
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $50,400