Computer Graphic Design—Print Degree (CGD)

This program provides students with the visual design, communication, and computer graphic skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in this field or to continue their education at a four-year college or university. For those already employed, they can enroll in this career program to upgrade their skills for potential advancement. You will learn basic and advanced techniques for creating effective promotional and collateral pieces, publications, packaging design, corporate identity and digital artwork through the use of state-of-the-art computer technology and the latest graphic design software. In addition to learning page layout software, design theory and techniques, and preparing design work for print, you'll learn advanced computer skills such as digital imaging, electronic illustration, and web design. The most current graphic and web design software is used in the CGD program. This includes: the Adobe Creative Suite 4 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver and Flash), QuarkXPress 8.0, and the latest web browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Opera).

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day at the Gardner Campus.

Transfer options: Transfer agreements exist with Charter Oak State College, New England Institute of Art, and the University of Phoenix. Students are encouraged to continue their education in areas such as electronic media, marketing, or communications.

Visit MWCC’s transfer planning services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

3 Plus ONE eligible–go to: www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE

Special requirements: CGD students should either have a computer at home with Internet access and the Adobe Creative Suite, or be able to spend time outside of class in the Graphic Design computer labs where Internet access and the Creative Adobe Suite are provided. A grade of C or higher is recommended for students taking CGD courses. Students should follow suggested course sequence since most courses are not offered out of sequence. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: Graphic designers may be employed by advertising agencies, design firms, marketing departments, commercial art, reproduction firms, or printing and publishing companies. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many graphic designers are self-employed.

Earning potential: $40,451 to $52,207 per year.

*CGD Restrictive Electives for Print Majors:
CGD110 Introduction to Animation & Game Design
CGD112 Communication in Design and Technology
CGD205 Digital Photo Art
CGD241 Integrated Website Design
CGD242 Advanced Website Animation
CGD244 Designing for E-commerce

**CGD Professional Electives for Print Majors:
(CGD Professional electives also include the
Restrictive Electives listed above.)
ART*** Any higher level ART beyond ART263
BCT115 Digital Photography
BCT235 DVD Authoring
MGT110 Small Business Management
MKT142 Marketing
THE113 Speech
BUS125 Communication for Business and Industry

Elective courses by abbreviation

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Exhibit a solid understanding of the fundamentals of design, including the elements and principles of design and typography as they are applied to the development of effective communication pieces for both print and web design. Students will have an understanding of the concepts of copyrights and intellectual property.
2. Possess a working knowledge of the design process especially how it relates to: audience definition, research, analysis, and concept development; the production of thumbnail sketches, rough drafts and the preparation of final comprehensive print layouts and websites.
3. Exhibit measureable proficiency in the following industry standard graphic design software: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. As well as, demonstrate a solid working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Acrobat Professional.
4. Transform digital images into new pieces of art through the use of Adobe Photoshop with emphasis on the creation of high-quality graphics for print and the web.
5. Create complex electronic illustrations and single page layouts with a solid understanding of the complex functions of Adobe Illustrator.
6. Have a solid working knowledge of the fundamentals of building websites using HTML, XHTML, CSS and Dreamweaver with the ability to design structurally as well as aesthetically.
7. Exhibit the ability to work with advanced graphic design principles, grids, typography, and advanced layout techniques while utilizing QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign.
8. Possess a working knowledge of print capabilities, the printing process and understanding pre-press techniques.
9. Prepare for the job market with career planning, skill assessment, resume writing, interviewing, as well as compile a professional-quality portfolio for entering the job market or for transferring to a four-year program.
10. Manage and development client-based visual communication pieces with the use of effective design and layout while meeting strict deadlines.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Write at a college level as evidenced by completion of ENG100 or placement
   into ENG101.
5. Read and proof printed text from a computer screen, with or without corrective adaptive devices.
6. Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.
7. Perceive, interpret, and use graphic images in their entirety from a computer screen.
8. Perceive and use computer screen RGB colors.
9. Learn to operate a computer with sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, and graphics tablets.
10. Be physically capable to work at a computer for a minimum of several hours.