Graphic Design
The future belongs to those who can solve problems with courageous creativity. The Graphic Design curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be the next creative leaders in our community. The program graduates are prepared for employment in creative industries, including graphic and web design firms, advertising agencies, marketing communications, and in-house creative groups.
Students learn the development of concepts and design for a broad range of visual communication materials, including ads, brand identity programs, print collateral websites, and UX/UI applications.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in advertising and graphic design employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Graphic Design (A30100)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design Degree is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Take placement tests to determine enrollment in English (ENG) and mathematics (MAT) courses.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Graphic Design program is in the Skilled Trades Division at the Harper Campus. For more information, contact the program office at 704.330.4485.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3.0 |
| or COM 231 | Public Speaking | |
| ART 115 | Art History Survey II | 3.0 |
| or ART 111 | Art Appreciation | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| GRD 110 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| GRD 280 | Portfolio Design | 4.0 |
| GRD 121 | Drawing Fundamentals I | 2.0 |
| GRD 131 | Illustration I | 3.0 |
| GRD 141 | Graphic Design I | 4.0 |
| GRD 142 | Graphic Design II | 4.0 |
| GRD 241 | Graphic Design III | 4.0 |
| GRD 242 | Graphic Design IV | 4.0 |
| GRD 151 | Computer Design Basics | 3.0 |
| GRD 152 | Computer Design Technology | 3.0 |
| GRD 111 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GRD 113 | History of Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRD 188 | Graphic Design for Web I | 3.0 |
| GRD 265 | Digital Print Production | 3.0 |
| GRD 240 | User Interface and User Experience | 3.0 |
| GRD 282 | Advertising Copywriting | 2.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| GRD 288 | Graphic Design for Web II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 71 | |
Graphic Design Certificates (C30100)
- Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Introduction to Graphic Design (C30100-C6)
- Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Introduction to Experience and Web Design (C30100-C9)
- Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Intermediate Graphic Design (C30100-10)
Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Introduction to Graphic Design (C30100-C6)
This certificate also is available to high school students through Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| GRD 141 | Graphic Design I | 4.0 |
| GRD 151 | Computer Design Basics | 3.0 |
| GRD 113 | History of Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRD 121 | Drawing Fundamentals I | 2.0 |
| GRD 110 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Introduction to Experience and Web Design (C30100-C9)
| Major Requirements | ||
| GRD 151 | Computer Design Basics | 3.0 |
| GRD 141 | Graphic Design I | 4.0 |
| GRD 188 | Graphic Design for Web I | 3.0 |
| GRD 240 | User Interface and User Experience | 3.0 |
| GRD 288 | Graphic Design for Web II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Graphic Design Certificate Specialization in Intermediate Graphic Design (C30100-10)
| Major Requirements | ||
| GRD 142 | Graphic Design II | 4.0 |
| GRD 152 | Computer Design Technology | 3.0 |
| GRD 188 | Graphic Design for Web I | 3.0 |
| GRD 111 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GRD 131 | Illustration I | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Graphic Design Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| GRD 141 | Graphic Design I | 4.0 |
| GRD 151 | Computer Design Basics | 3.0 |
| GRD 121 | Drawing Fundamentals I | 2.0 |
| GRD 113 | History of Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term II | ||
| GRD 142 | Graphic Design II | 4.0 |
| GRD 152 | Computer Design Technology | 3.0 |
| GRD 110 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| GRD 188 | Graphic Design for Web I | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C30100-C6. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term III | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy or Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| GRD 241 | Graphic Design III | 4.0 |
| GRD 265 | Digital Print Production | 3.0 |
| GRD 111 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GRD 240 | User Interface and User Experience | 3.0 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term V | ||
| GRD 242 | Graphic Design IV | 4.0 |
| GRD 282 | Advertising Copywriting | 2.0 |
| GRD 131 | Illustration I | 2.0 |
| GRD 288 | Graphic Design for Web II | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term VI | ||
| PSY 150 or SOC 210 | General Psychology or Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
| ART 115 or ART 111 | Art History Survey II or Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
| COM 231 or COM 110 | Public Speaking or Introduction to Communication | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Term VII | ||
| GRD 280 | Portfolio Design | 4.0 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 70 | |