Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Digital Media Arts - Production Artist

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Production Artist certificate reflects the rapidly changing industry skills for entry into the broad field of graphic design. Graduates of this program will find entry into the profession at various levels, with employment opportunities in the fields of advertising, graphic design, social media, printing industry, and e-commerce. Skills developed include options in digital print and media design.


Create unique professional graphics based on client requests and business outcomes.

Create unique professional layouts for a variety of media projects and formats.

Identify and develop creative briefs to support design proposals that address client needs.

Develop graphic packages for multiple platform launch.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
DM 195
Introduction to Digital Media Arts
Foundation-level course designed for graphic designers, artists, photographers, web designers, programmers, and animation artists working in the digital realm. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts, practices, and theories of digital art production. Course topics include integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools, including industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud for print, web and time-based media. (Same as ART 195)
    CHOICE: Design Coursework Course
    CHOICE: Media Coursework Course

    Second Semester

    9 units
    DM 121A
    Fundamentals of Typography
    Introduction to the use of type styles, appropriate type selection and their characteristics as a means toward understanding design and communication through type solutions. Projects will explore current graphics industry practices and standards, including the use of digital technology and traditional hand skills.
    • Prerequisite: DM 195
    • Prerequisite: ART 195
    • Prerequisite: Contact instructor for portfolio review. A portfolio exhibiting equivalent to above listed prerequisite skillset.
    DM 122
    Principles of Graphic Design
    Introduction to 2D and 3D graphic design principles in visual communication with an introduction to design process, methodology/theory, and problem-solving. Content includes color theory, typography, identity design, and visual perception. This graphic design concept-based course will explore divergent techniques, tools, and practices resulting in the production of effective visual communications reflecting the needs of the expanding media landscape. A perfect pairing with the course DM 113: Introduction to Digital Media Design Principles.
    • Recommended Preparation: DM 195
    DM 168
    Agency Graphic Design Production
    Make your creativity work for you! This course is a comprehensive branding, media, and design course serving as the capstone for all Digital Media Arts & Graphic Design programs. Students develop a career/transfer-ready digital portfolio through team-based branding and identity design development for multiple media applications. Focus is on the small business sector and creating a personal brand for preparation to enter the workforce or complete design portfolio requirements for transfer. Career goals, resumes, online portfolios, interviewing skills, and customer service needs are addressed. 6 units of digital media-oriented coursework are recommended.
    • Recommended Preparation: Recommended Preparation: Must have completed 6 units of design coursework or have portfolio of equivalent skillset.