Graphic Design
Certificate of Achievement Media Arts & Technologies · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This certificate provides students with the design and technical skills needed to gain employment in the graphic design field with organizations and small businesses that design and distribute publications in both print and digital media. Students who complete this certificate will also be prepared to work as freelancers or pursue a graphic design degree at a four-year university. Students learn principles and professional practices in graphic design and publishing using current computer software applications as well as concept development through project planning and management. Employment opportunities include graphic designer, graphic artist, imaging specialist, photographic assistant, layout artist, and graphic production assistant.
Program Student Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to plan, design, and produce professional-level graphic designs that apply design, layout, and typographic principles and demonstrate effective communication solutions.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation courses (15 units): | ||
| MAT 110 | Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop | 3 |
| MAT 120 | Media Design 1: Production | 3 |
| MAT 125 | Web Design 1: Fundamentals | 3 |
| MAT 135 | Graphic Design 1: Principles | 3 |
| MAT 155 | Graphic Design 2: Typography | 3 |
| Emphasis courses (select 12 units): | 12 | |
| At least 6 units must be at the 100-level and at least 3 units must be at the 200-level selected from the courses below. | ||
| MAT 145 | UI/UX Design | |
| MAT 170 | Digital Illustration 1: Adobe Illustrator | |
| MAT 180 | Digital Publishing: Adobe InDesign | |
| MAT 185 | Graphic Design 3: Design and Layout | |
| MAT 210 | Advanced Digital Imaging & Illustration | |
| MAT 230 | Advanced Publishing: Output for Print | |
| MAT 270 | Advanced Design Studio | |
| Elective courses: | ||
| Students may substitute 3 units from these elective courses below in lieu of 3 units from the emphasis courses listed above. | ||
| MAT 105 | History of Graphic Design | |
| MAT 150 | Animation and Interactivity | |
| MAT 292 | Internship Studies | |
| Required to graduate (3 units): | 3 | |
| MAT 290 | Portfolio Development | |
| Total Units | 30 | |
Note: MAT 292 may be substituted for courses within this certificate with approval of the MAT Department Chair.