Visual Communications, Certificate

Program Details

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……………………………………………………………………………………..$178.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total for certificate: $2,775-$2,805**

**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

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

Nondiscrimination Statement

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, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. 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, dso@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. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx.₍₂₀₂₁₎