The Certificate of Proficiency in Visual Communication & Design, Graphic Design program provides students with a concentrated graphic design curriculum integrating the latest digital graphics applications and technologies with the principles of visual communication and design. Through hands-on instruction, project-based learning and using industry standard workflows and technologies in class, Graphic Design certificate students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be a proficient designer.
Credits can also apply to associate degrees in Visual Communication and Design.
This program is available to be completed 100% online.
Program contact: Learn more
This certificate will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the certificate, please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.
Learn more here, here, and here about how certificate credits apply to the related degrees.
Other Information
- Contact Program Coordinator, Program Manager, or Counselor for additional information.
- Non-degree students may enroll in individual courses with departmental approval.
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Communicate and connect verbally and in writing to clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
- Conduct yourself professionally and ethically according to professional standards.
- Develop team skills including taking and giving constructive criticism, leading and /or following directions.
- Apply basic production knowledge, including fundamental understanding of page layout, typography, photography, color, and use computer and design software skills to effectively execute all aspects of production – print and/or web.
- Apply the knowledge of basic business and design concepts, including design history and trends, photography and illustration, basic typography skills, appropriate mediums and business concepts including dealing with vendors, organizational hierarchy and workflow, written and verbal communication skills in order to translate ideas into final art that meets business need.
Suggested Semester Sequence
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| VC-1000 | Visual Communication Foundation | 3 |
| VC-1061 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| VC-1201 | Typography I | 3 |
| VC-1431 | Vector Graphics | 3 |
| VCPH-1450 | Digital Imaging I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| Honors College Composition I | ||
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| VC-2301 | Graphic Design and Illustration | 3 |
| VCGD-1500 | Advertising and Design | 3 |
| VCGD-2232 | Typography II | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| User Experience Design | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Portfolio Preparation | ||
| Brand Identity Design | ||
| Package Design | ||
| Information Graphic Design | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 33 | |
MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement. These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016. Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.