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Certificate of Achievement
Graphic Design - Advertising Design

Students are taught the foundational skills needed to create effective Advertising Design solutions. Print and digital advertising require the designer to be versed in the manipulation of visual imagery, the use of typography, as well as the principles and elements of design. Research and development of both the client and audience are also essential components in creating effective advertising solution concepts.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
GDSN 150 - TypographyM3.0
GDSN 150 - Typography (3.0 units)

Advisory:NART 285; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is intended for students interested in the history, theory and practice of typography as it applies to graphic design, advertising, and other areas of design and visual communication. Students learn and practice hand-rendered and mechanical aspects of typography, and how typography attracts, informs, educates, inspires, and creates retaining impressions—as well as how typography modifies human actions and behavior. Through discussions, exercises, and projects, students develop an understanding leading to clearer interpretations of typography and its role in human history, communication, design, and art. Activities include the history and principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of typesetting and introductory typographic layout.

GDSN 178 - Digital Imaging DesignM3.0
GDSN 178 - Digital Imaging Design (3.0 units)

Advisory: NART 285; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory graphic design course uses bitmap software as the principal digital tool. Topics include the principles and elements of design, typography, color, photo/raster/bitmapped-based scanning, vector graphic integration, time-based design, image formats, optimization, retouching, adjustments, compositing, blending, color, conceptual, narrative and time-based techniques, technical and creative methods and styles employed by graphic designers, introductory critical concepts, and professional practices. The course includes exercises, projects, and portfolio building, with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for students interested in obtaining a degree or certificate in graphic design or transfer, and those seeking to pursue a career in graphic design or related professions.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
2nd Semester
GDSN 164 - Digital Illustration DesignM3.0
GDSN 164 - Digital Illustration Design (3.0 units)

Advisory:NART 285; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This introductory course is an introduction to graphic design and uses vector software (like Adobe Illustrator) as the principal digital tool. Topics include the principles and elements of design, typography, color, shape stroke, illustration techniques, page layout design, as well as introductory critical concepts and professional practices employed by graphic designers. This course includes exercises, projects, and portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for students interested in a degree or certificate in graphic design as well as those interested in 2-dimensional (2D) design and layout applications employed as tools by graphic designers.

GDSN 179 - Advanced Digital Imaging DesignM3.0
GDSN 179 - Advanced Digital Imaging Design (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: GDSN 178
Advisory:
NART 285
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is for students interested in a degree in graphic design and/or those interested in advanced 2-dimensional (2D) design and layout applications employed as tools by graphic designers. This course is an advanced, project-driven exploration of graphic design, and uses 2D design and layout application software (like Adobe Photoshop) as the principal digital tool. Topics include photo montage, compositing, collage, advanced conceptual and narrative techniques, current technical and creative methods and styles employed by graphic designers, advanced critical concepts, and professional practices. The course includes portfolio building, with an emphasis on professional standards.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Graphic Design - Advertising Design COA program 12.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

When developing a graphic design advertising project, students will be able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic elements of typography (e.g., fonts, leading, kerning and tracking, etc.).


2

When assigned a graphic design advertising project, students will be able to research, conceptualize, render, and create a vector-based design solution.


3

When considering the context of a graphic design advertising solution, students will be able to use advanced tools within a raster- and bitmap-based design software program.


4

When evaluating graphic design, students will be able to demonstrate through critiques, discussions, and coursework the principles and elements of design.


5

When creating a portfolio of graphic design advertising work, students will apply professional awareness, and understand the physical preparation needed to enter the graphic design workspace.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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