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Graphic Design Certificate (GDC)

Type: Career, Certificate (C1)

Open Admissions

Division: Career & Technical Education and Business


The Graphic Design Certificate provides accelerated, focused training for students seeking entry-level employment in various aspects of print-focused graphics, including print and electronic publishing. Students learn how to expand their creativity and style, while creating computer-generated graphic designs for both electronic and print products. Students also gain valuable experience utilizing several computer software programs to generate their designs. Development of oral, written, and presentation skills are key goals of the coursework. As part of the program, students produce a portfolio of their designs.
 
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

ART116Introduction to Digital Photography

3
GRA116Electronic Imaging

3
GRA101Introduction to Graphic Design

3
GRA118Digital Page Layout

3
GRA202Digital Illustration

3
Total Credit Hours:15

Spring

GRA208Designing for Web

3
GRA140Integrated Media Design Principles

3
GRA204Typography

3
GRA216Graphic Design Portfolio

3
PRO100Introduction to the Professional Portfolio

1
Total Credit Hours:13

Program Note

Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.

See guided pathway sheets for advising notes specific to your area of focus.

Total Credit Hours: 28


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

Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
Graphic Designers

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