Visual Communications, Certificate

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Visual Communications certificate is designed for individuals with no prior graphic design experience and a desire to gain a basic understanding of design and software skills used in the visual communication industry. The courses in this certificate are the basic building blocks needed to provide a solid foundation preparing a student to enter into the world of visual communications.

For more information about the Visual Communications certificate, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/graphicdesign/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Program Details

Location: Ankeny

Students start Fall semester

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Visual Communications certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point.

Semester 1

GRD 301 - Intro to Desktop Publishing Credits: 3
GRD 403 - Communication Design I Credits: 3
GRD 405 - Typography I Credits: 3

Semester 2

GRD 470 - Interactive Media I Credits: 3
GRD 463 - Photoshop Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 15

Some of these credits are applicable to the Visual Communications diploma and the AAS degree in Graphic Design .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$170.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Books (approximate)	75-85	60-70
Supplies/Equipment	15-20	15-20

Approximate total for certificate: $2,715-$2,745**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Develop the basic layout and production of business cards, letterhead, flyers, promotional materials, etc.
Create distinctive logos with type solutions for a variety of businesses and services.
Design basic web pages, interactive media and multimedia projects.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Artistic talent and creativity.
Ability to conceptualize and effectively use design elements and principles.
Accurately follow project specifications and instructions.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Present your ideas, designs and proposals to prospective clients and supervisors.
Teamwork, collaboration and the ability to take art direction from supervisors, clients and coworkers to improve your work.
Manage your time to meet established deadlines, work on multiple projects, and stay within a project budget.
Possess creative problem-solving skills in order to understand a client’s needs and develop a basic design strategy.

What Else Should I Consider about this Certificate program?

Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Must learn and use multiple software applications.
Must be able to sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Program Competencies

Evaluate how to use a Macintosh computer within a networked environment
Generate projects using Adobe page layout, image, and illustration software
Create a design by applying the principles and elements of design
Apply color theory to effective visual communication
Identify typographic characteristics, typeface categories and classifications
Apply the use of typography principles in projects
Modify images for use in print and digital media
Develop images by making adjustments to layers, selections, and color
Evaluate how to edit a website using HTML and CSS coding
Identify types of websites and the impact they have on planning

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu. Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₈₎