Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Continuing Education | Certificate Programs

Graphic Design Certficate Program

Course Descriptions

FOUNDATIONS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN (3 cr)
Introduction to basic principles and processes of communication design. Prerequisites: basic design course such as Elements of Design or Visual Issues, or very strong drawing skills demonstrable by portfolio. (NOTE: this course replaces Communication & Form and Drawing for Communication for students admitted to the GDC program 5/08 or later). Estimated out of-class commitment: 10-12 hours/week.
DE260 TYPOGRAPHY (3 cr)
Introduction to basic typographic principles and to the history of printing and the evolution of letterforms. GDC program students admitted 5/08 or later can take this at the same time as Foundations of Graphic Design. Prerequisites: GDC students admitted prior to 5/08: Communication and Form is a pre-requisite; all others: basic design course such as Elements of Design or Visual Issues, or very strong drawing skills demonstrable by portfolio; working knowledge of InDesign (or Quark XPress), Photoshop, Illustrator (Intro to Computer Design using Adobe Creative Suite recommended for students looking to gain these technical skills). Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15 hours/week.
GD224X GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 (3 cr)
Introduction to type/image integration, applied communication design projects, and graphic design history. Prerequisites: Foundations of Graphic Design (or Communication & Form plus Drawing for Communication), Typography, working knowledge of InDesign (or QuarkXpress), Photoshop, Illustrator (Intro to Computer Design using Adobe Creative Suite recommended for students looking to gain these technical skills) Estimated out-of-class commitment: 10-15 hours/week.
DE2X9 INTERMEDIATE TYPOGRAPHY (3 cr)
Application of typographic principles to applied communication design projects of moderate complexity. Can be taken at the same time as Graphic Design 1 or Graphic Design 2. Prerequisites: Foundations of Graphic Design (or Communication & Form plus Drawing for Communication), Typography, proficiency required in either Quark Xpress or InDesign, working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15 hours/week.
GD310 GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 (3 cr)
Application of design and typographic principles, type/image integration in communication design projects of moderate complexity. Can take at the same time as Intermediate Typography. Prerequisites: Typography, Graphic Design 1, proficiency in either Quark Xpress or InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15 hours/week.
INTERACTION DESIGN (3 cr)
This course is required for students admitted to the program 5/08 or later. Introduces core concepts of designing for dynamic media while providing the technical skills necessary to begin prototyping assignments in an on-screen, testable form. Prerequisites: Typography, Graphic Design 1; Intermediate Typography or Graphic Design 2; proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.
GD370X INTERMEDIATE PORTFOLIO (4 cr)
Synthesis of program learning thus far: application of design and typographic principals, type/image integration in communication design projects of moderate complexity in increased quantity to create a body of work for professional presentation; introduction to presentation and job search issues and techniques. Prerequisites: Typography, Graphic Design 1, Graphic Design 2, Intermediate Typography, (for students admitted 5/08 and later: Interaction Design is also a prerequisite.) NOTE: Not offered in summer. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 20-25 hours/week.
DE307X PRINT PRODUCTION (1.5 cr)
Introduction to printing methods and print production terminology, techniques, and requirements. Can take any time after completing Graphic Design 2. Prerequisites: basic Macintosh skills, proficiency in Quark XPress or Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop.
INTERACTIVE DEVELOPMENT (1.5 cr)
This course is required for students admitted to the program 5/08 or later. Overview of the terminology, tools, and processes employed in the design and development of interactive applications. Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Adobe Flash, working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
ELECTIVE IN ADVANCED DESIGN (3 cr)
Students choose from a limited selection of electives that provide application of design and typographic principles and type/image integration to communication design projects of advanced complexity, or advanced typographic communication design projects. In-depth exploration of the specific focus of the particular course. Only one or possibly two courses will be offered each term to fulfill this requirement, in rotation. Prerequisites: Intermediate Portfolio. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15-20 hours/week.
GD311 GRAPHIC DESIGN 3 (3 cr)
Application of design and typographic principles, type/image integration in communication design projects of advanced complexity. Can take anytime after Intermediate Portfolio. NOTE: Not offered in summer. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15-20 hours/week.
ADVANCED INTERACTIVE PROJECTS (3 cr)
Capstone Interactive course that engages students to design and prototype portfolio-quality, information-heavy interfaces of advanced complexity. Can take anytime after Intermediate Portfolio. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 15-20 hours/week. (note: students admitted to the program prior to 5/08 take Interactive Communication for Advanced Design Students instead of this course).
GD420 FINAL GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO (4 cr)
Synthesis of total program learning: application of design and typographic principles, type/image integration in communication design projects of advanced complexity in increased quantity into a body of work for professional presentation. Prerequisites: ALL DESIGN COURSES MUST BE COMPLETE! NOTE: Not offered in summer. Estimated out-of-class commitment: 20-25 hours/week.