Students start Fall semester
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Visual Communications certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point. Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 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: $3,390-$3,420** **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
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of 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. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
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