Graphic Design
A.A. Digital Art and Design · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This degree provides entry-level graphic design skills and lower division major preparation courses for students preparing for transfer to a BA or BFA program in graphic design. Students pursuing this degree must work with a counselor and faculty advisor to develop an education or career plan that meets their educational or career goals.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyze and evaluate the aesthetic, cultural, and political development of art, architecture, and design in
historic and contemporary cultures. - Create and present finished images and graphics for professional applications based on principles of effective design and communication.
- Translate concepts and visual experiences into images, designs, or tactile forms.
- Evaluate and critique graphic design work and receive criticism from others independently and collaboratively.
- Express artistic and design concepts and intents in written and oral formats.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (12 units) | ||
| ARTS-101 | 2D Foundations | 3 |
| ARTS-110 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 |
| ARTH-110 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| DART-101 | Graphic Design Foundations | 3 |
| Restricted Electives: List A - Art History (3 Units) | ||
| Complete 1 of the following courses: | 3 | |
| ARTH-C1100 | Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era | |
| ARTH-C1200 | Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary | |
| ARTH-118 | Survey of Modern Art | |
| ARTH-130 | History of Asian Art | |
| ARTH-145 | Art of the Ancient Americas | |
| ARTH-180 | History of Photography | |
| Restricted Electives: List B - Foundations (6 units) | ||
| Complete 2 of the following courses: | 6 | |
| ARTS-102 | 3D Foundations | |
| DART-130 | Introduction to Digital Imaging | |
| DART-140 | Drawing & Typography | |
| DART-150 | Digital Layout and Publication | |
| Required Electives: List C - Digital (6 units) | ||
| Complete 1 of the following courses depending on Area of Specialization: | 3 | |
| DART-120 | Introduction to Digital Art | |
| DART-125 | Animation | |
| DART-160 | Introduction to Multimedia | |
| DART-170 | Digital Video Editing | |
| PHOT-150 | Beginning Digital Photography | |
| Required Electives: List D - Studio Arts and Other | ||
| (Complete 1 of the following courses depending on Area of Specialization) | 3 | |
| ARTS-105 | Color Theory | |
| ARTS-111 | Figure Drawing | |
| ARTS-112 | Creative Drawing | |
| ARTS-150 | Sculpture | |
| BUSI-144 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | |
| Total Units | 27 | |
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern and the Health, Wellness and Self Development graduation requirement to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.