Graphic Design & Marketing AA Degree

Program Overview

The Graphic Design & Marketing program at College of the Desert is a two-year associate's degree program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the graphic design and marketing industry. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and internships to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field, including web design, graphic design, motion graphics, interactive multimedia, advertising, and marketing. Graduates of the program will be proficient in computer graphic design for print, web, and video, and have a strong understanding of marketing principles and practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Graphic Design & Marketing (GDM) is a field that leverages art and technology to communicate ideas through images and other communication media.
Graphic designers often collaborate closely with marketing professionals to develop and execute branding strategies, communications, market development, and presence, as well as numerous other related business activities. Graphic designers with a strong understanding of marketing from a marketing perspective are better equipped to comprehend the role of graphic design as a crucial component in the business world. Students pursuing an associate's degree in this program study computer graphic design for print, web, and video. This cross-disciplinary program is designed to prepare students for employment in the diverse fields of Web Design, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Interactive Multimedia. Graduates may also pursue careers in advertising, marketing, or freelance work. The discipline generally requires graduate-level degrees for careers such as college teacher, video editor, web developer, creative director, and art director. Graphic designers frequently collaborate with marketing departments to develop and implement branding strategies, communications, market development, and presence, as well as various other related business activities.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the graphic design and marketing industry.
Graduates will be proficient in computer graphic design for print, web, and video, and have a strong understanding of marketing principles and practices.
• Program Description: The Graphic Design & Marketing (GDM) program at College of the Desert is a two-year, associate's degree program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the graphic design and marketing industry.
The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field, including web design, graphic design, motion graphics, interactive multimedia, advertising, and marketing. The program consists of a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and internships. Students will learn the principles of graphic design, including typography, color theory, and layout. They will also learn how to use industry-standard software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. In addition, students will take courses in marketing, advertising, and business. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows students to apply their skills and knowledge to a real-world project.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Graphic design principles: typography, color theory, and layout
• Computer graphic design software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Marketing principles and practices
• Advertising and promotion
• Business fundamentals
• Structure: The program is a two-year, associate's degree program.
The program consists of a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and internships. Students will complete a total of 67-72 units to graduate.
• Course Schedule: The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students can complete the program in three or more years. Courses are offered during the day, evening, and online.
• Modules: The program is divided into modules, each of which covers a specific topic.
The modules include:
• Graphic design foundations
• Web design
• Motion graphics
• Interactive multimedia
• Marketing and advertising
• Business fundamentals

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Assessment Criteria: Students will be assessed on their knowledge and skills in the following areas:
• Graphic design principles
• Computer graphic design software
• Marketing principles and practices
• Advertising and promotion
• Business fundamentals

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on exercises
• Projects
• Internships
• Faculty: The program's faculty are experienced professionals in the graphic design and marketing industry.
They are dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field.
• Unique Approaches: The program offers a unique approach to learning that combines classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and internships.
This approach allows students to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of graphic design and marketing.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of careers in the graphic design and marketing industry, including:
• Web designer
• Graphic designer
• Motion graphics artist
• Interactive multimedia developer
• Advertising account executive
• Marketing manager
• Small business owner
• Opportunities: Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to work for a variety of organizations, including:
• Advertising agencies
• Marketing firms
• Web design and development firms
• Graphic design studios
• In-house marketing and design departments
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the graphic design and marketing industry.
They will be able to use their creativity and technical abilities to create effective marketing campaigns and visual designs.