Parkland College > Fine & Applied Arts > Graphic Design > About the Program > Curriculum

Parkland Graphic Design Curriculum

Parkland's Graphic Design Program is a projects-driven curriculum. Through portfolio-building assignments, students learn how to solve real-world visual communication problems. Students graduate from Parkland College with a portfolio that is creative, professional, and demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship. Students also gain real-world experience through our internship program.

In all of our classes, instructors make a concerted effort to introduce students to a wide variety of award-winning work by influential designers providing a context for development and growth. Students are introduced to the world of photography, illustration, typography, motion, color, print production, and creative copywriting. Students learn that inspiration comes from many sources and that the creative process is a methodology that works.

Parkland offers five tracks in the graphic design program:

• AFA in Graphic Design (Transfer Degree)
  This transfer degree is designed for students who wish to earn a Bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. Course work includes 32 hours in general education courses, 22 hours in art studio courses, 9 hours of graphic design courses (see Parkland's Art & Design catalog pages ).
  
  
• AAS in Graphic Design (Design Concentration)
  The Design concentration is recommended for students interested in producing creative visual communication for print and web. Course work includes 45 hours of graphic design, web design and related courses plus 18 hours of general education courses.
  
  
• AAS in Graphic Design (Illustration Concentration)
  The Illustration concentration is recommended for students interested in creating pictorial art for marketing communication. A commitment to drawing and digital media is required. Course work includes 45 hours of art, drawing, illustration and design courses plus 18 hours of general education courses.
  
  
• Digital Illustration Certificate
  This certificate program is ideal for students who enjoy drawing and art creation using traditional media, but would like to add digital tools to their skill set. Students will learn the practical side of creating original art using digital tools while building a portfolio of editorial illustrations, concept art, technical illustrations, and animation. The certificate program stresses digital media software proficiency, a thorough understanding of design principles, and visual problem solving. Graduates are employed in in-house corporate art departments, illustration studios, and as freelancers.
  
  
• Print Production Certificate
  The Print Production certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions that require in-depth knowledge of graphic arts software. Students will learn the practical side of preparing digital press-ready files for efficient output while gaining practical experience creating posters, brochures, newsletters, and other printed materials. The certificate stresses Macintosh computer proficiency and a thorough understanding of various commercial printing processes. Graduates are employed in printing facilities and in-house corporate art departments as pre-press operators, print production specialists, or production assistants.

For a complete list of graphic design courses, course descriptions and course sequences, please download Parkland Graphic Design Program's catalog pages.

 

 

BACK TO TOP

Last updated: 5/14/13 • Webmaster: Paul Young