Digital Design & Production Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

The Digital Design & Production Certificate of Achievement equips students with foundational skills in visual communication, preparing them for entry-level roles in creative industries. The program emphasizes digital content creation, empowering students to build an online portfolio and prepare for the Adobe Certification Associate exam. Successful completion provides a stepping stone for further education in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

The Digital Design & Production Certificate of Achievement aims to equip students with foundational skills in visual communication, preparing them for entry-level roles in various creative industries such as marketing, film, video, advertising, animation, digital media, gaming, web development, and graphic design. The certificate emphasizes digital content creation, empowering students to build an online portfolio showcasing their abilities. Moreover, the program prepares learners for the rigorous Adobe Certification Associate exam, which signals proficiency in industry-standard software applications and enhances employability. Successful completion of this certificate provides a stepping stone for further education, enabling graduates to pursue associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degrees in the field.

Outline:

The Digital Design & Production Certificate of Achievement comprises a thoughtfully crafted curriculum designed to deliver a comprehensive foundation in digital design and production. Through meticulously structured courses, students gain proficiency in essential skills, processes, and practices prevalent in creative professions:

Required Courses (18 units):

• DDP 101 Digital Imaging (3 units)
> Introduces the principles of digital imaging, covering topics like image acquisition, file formats, color management, and basic editing techniques.
• DDP 102 Digital Illustration (3 units)
> Empowers students with the skills of digital illustration using industry-standard software, enabling them to create vector-based graphics, illustrations, and designs for various applications.
• DDP 103 Publication Design & Production (3 units)
> Equips learners with the knowledge and techniques of print and digital publication design, encompassing layout principles, typography, color theory, and pre-press processes.
• DDP 120 Video Post Production (3 units)
> Provides a comprehensive overview of video post-production techniques, covering editing, motion graphics, color correction, sound design, and compositing.
• DDP 121 Motion Graphics (3 units)
> Focuses on the creation of compelling motion graphics, incorporating principles of animation, typography, and visual effects, enabling learners to design and produce engaging content for digital platforms.
• DDP 131 Digital Photography (3 units)
> Explores the fundamentals of digital photography, covering camera techniques, composition, lighting, and post-processing, empowering students to capture high-quality digital images.

Elective Courses (6 units):

Students can tailor their learning experience by selecting 6 elective units with the guidance of an academic advisor. Electives provide flexibility to delve into specialized areas of interest or enhance foundational knowledge. The elective options include:

• DDP 095A Digital Design & Production Work Experience (1-6 units)
> Offers practical, on-the-job training in digital design and production environments, allowing learners to apply their skills in real-world settings.
• DDP 100 Introduction to Digital Art & Media (3 units)
> Provides an introduction to the diverse landscape of digital art and media, exposing learners to a wide range of creative tools, techniques, and applications.
• DDP 110 Graphic Design (3 units)
> Equips learners with foundational principles and techniques of graphic design, encompassing visual communication, typography, branding, and design principles.
• DDP 111 Advertising Design (3 units)
> Focuses on the strategies and practices of advertising design, enabling students to create effective and visually impactful marketing materials.
• DDP 128 Portfolio Preparation (1.5 units)
> Guides students in the creation of a professional portfolio showcasing their digital design and production skills, preparing them for the job market and further education.
• DDP 132 Commercial Photography (3 units)
> Provides advanced training in commercial photography, covering techniques, equipment, lighting, and post-processing, preparing learners to specialize in product photography, fashion photography, or other commercial applications.
• DDP 144 3D Animation (3 units)
> Introduces learners to the fundamentals of 3D animation, including modeling, rigging, animation principles, and rendering, empowering them to create compelling 3D content.
• ART 001A Beginning Drawing & Composition (3 units)
> Focuses on fundamental drawing techniques and composition principles, providing students with a strong foundation in visual representation and artistic expression.
• ART 003A Basic Design & Color (3 units)
> Provides a foundational understanding of design principles and color theory, equipping students with a strong grasp of visual communication and aesthetics.
• ART 030A Beginning Black & White Photography (3 units)
> Introduces learners to the techniques and principles of black and white photography, covering camera operation, film development, and darkroom printing.
• CIS 010 Computer Literacy (4 units)
> Provides essential computer skills such as software navigation, file management, and basic programming concepts.
• CIS 082C Front End Web Development (3 units)
> Equips learners with the skills to create and manage websites, covering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, empowering them to design and build functional and engaging web pages.
• J 004B Intro to Newspaper & Internet Editing and Design (3 units)
> Introduces students to the principles and practices of print and online journalism, encompassing writing, editing, design, and ethical considerations.
• MUS 078A Electronic Music Production (3 units)

Careers:

The Digital Design & Production Certificate of Achievement opens doors to a diverse array of career paths in the creative industries, empowering graduates with skills highly sought in today's digital-driven economy. Some potential career opportunities include:

• Digital Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Motion Graphics Artist
• Video Editor
• Web Developer
• Social Media Specialist
• Art Director
• Animator
• Photographer