Certificate of Technical Studies

The Certificate of Technical Studies in Graphic Arts prepares students for work in the field of visual communication. Students who earn the certificate will also have a foundation of completed coursework for continued study toward an associate or bachelor degree. To receive this Certificate of Technical Studies in Graphic Arts, the student must complete the following program of study.

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all credit hours to be used towards the degree.
  • Earn a “C” or better in all courses that are prerequisites for other courses.
  • Complete the coursework listed below.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate effective craftspersonship, creative problem solving, and critical thinking techniques by producing quality digital art projects.
  • Develop personal aesthetic and technical proficiency within the context of contemporary visual communication using professional-level design software.
  • Acquire practical and technical job skills necessary to secure entry-level employment in a graphic design field.
  • Develop professional application skills required to secure employment including a portfolio, curriculum vitae, and interviewing skills.

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
ARTS-Lecture Any ARTS lecture elective (see below) 3
ARTS 1113 Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design 3
ARTS 1153 Introduction to Digital Photography 3
ARTS 2003 Digital Art 3
ARTS or CSCI Any Certificate Elective (see below) 3
ARTS 2203 Beginning Drawing 3
ARTS 2313 Introduction to Graphic Design 3
ARTS or CSCI Any Certificate Elective (see below) 3
ARTS or CSCI Any Certificate Elective (see below) 3
ARTS or CSCI Any Certificate Elective (see below) 3

Total Program Credit Hours: 30

ARTS Lecture Electives

  • ARTS 1003 Non-Western Art
  • ARTS 1023 Introduction to Visual Arts
  • ARTS 2103 Art History I
  • ARTS 2113 Art History II

Certificate Electives

  • ARTS 1003 Non-Western Art
  • ARTS 1023 Introduction to Visual Arts
  • ARTS 1513 Introduction to Web Design*
  • ARTS 2103 Art History I
  • ARTS 2113 Art History II
  • ARTS 2023 Relief Printmaking
  • ARTS 2123 Silkscreen Printmaking
  • ARTS 2323 Intermediate Graphic Design
  • ARTS 2333 Typography
  • CSCI 1923 Introduction to Computers: Programming Logic and Design
  • CSCI 1933 Software Design and Programming Logic I
  • CSCI 1943 Software Design and Programming Logic II
  • CSCI 1953 Society and Ethics in Computing
  • CSCI 1973 Emerging Technology

* This course is one of three needed to complete the Web Design Career and Technical Certificate (CTC).