Visual Communication—Graphic Design Certificate
Total Program Credits: 30
Explore the exciting world of Visual Communication at Triton College. In this creative program, you will work with practicing artist-educators to explore the artistic and technical components of Graphic Design. Master the tools of Adobe CC including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop with our hands-on approach to learning. Create professional marketing materials as well as works of art. The program teaches you how to develop your eye by exploring the principals of design. For the capstone project you will create a portfolio of your images to be used for self-promotion. Upon successful completion of this program, students may have the technical skills to gain entry level employment in the field of Graphic Design.
Stackable Degree:
Visual CommunicationGraphic Design Associate in Applied ScienceDigital Photography, Associate in Applied Science
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Graphic Design Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:
- Design digital and print layouts that are based on foundational design principles.
- Create digital and print layouts that are based on proficiencies in typography.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency using Industry Standard Graphic Arts software.
- Demonstrate ability to critique work using design language.
- Produce a professional-level portfolio that gives evidence of meeting industry standard.
(Reviewed Fall 2023)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
VIC 100 ◊ Graphic Design | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 104 ◊ Computer Art I | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 121 ◊ Introduction to Adobe InDesign | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 142 ◊ Introduction to Illustrator | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 161 ◊ Introduction to Photoshop | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
VIC 172 ◊ # Web Page Design | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 202 ◊ # Advanced InDesign and Typography | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 242 ◊ # Advanced Illustrator | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 261 ◊ # Advanced Photoshop | Core Course | 3 |
VIC 282 ◊ # Portfolio for Graphic Design | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
See VIC course descriptions.
Chairperson: Jill LoBianco-Bartalis, Ext. 3528, email: jilllobianco-bartali@triton.edu
KEY (AAS/CERT) |
General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
# symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |