# Applied Art and Design—Graphic Design (Certificate of Achievement)

Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Applied Art and Design

Source: https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/applied-art-design/#graphic-certificate

The certificate in Graphic Design qualifies students for entry-level positions in graphic design, branding and logo design, publication design, and packaging design. The program stresses the design thinking process as well as the professional and production methods currently used in the industry.

The certificate is focused on providing a comprehensive skillset for emerging creative professionals; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

**Required Courses**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AAD 0052 | Publication Design I | 3 |
| AAD 0053 | Publication Design II | 3 |
| AAD 0054 | Typography | 3 |
| AAD 0061 | Graphic Design III: Branding and Production | 3 |
| AAD 0062 | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| AAD 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop (also PHOT 0075) | 3 |
| **Select 15 units from the following:** | | 15 |
| ↳ AAD 0012 | Visual Communication (also COMM 0012) |  |
| or ↳ AAD 0013 | History of Graphic Design |  |
| ↳ AAD 0028 | Independent Study |  |
| ↳ AAD 0044 | Sketching for Design |  |
| ↳ AAD 0060 | Graphic Design I: Principles and Process |  |
| ↳ AAD 0070 | Graphic Design II: Introduction to Digital Design |  |
| ↳ AAD 0085 | Introduction to Web Design |  |
| ↳ AAD 0095 | Internship in Applied Art and Design (up to 3 units) |  |
| ↳ AAD 0096 | Portfolio Design |  |
| ↳ AAD 0097 | Business Practices for Creative Professionals |  |
| ↳ BUS 0242 | Entrepreneurship - Small Business Management |  |
| ↳ BUS 0280 | Introduction to Marketing |  |
| ↳ PHOT 0060A | Beginning Photography |  |
| or ↳ PHOT 0080 | Color Photography |  |
| **Total Units** | | **33** |