37 courses with the subject GRD, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
GRD 1100Graphic Design Principles3
Introduces foundational concepts of two-dimensional design and color theory. Students examine the elements and principles of design and their role in visual communication. Emphasis is placed on the graphic design process, concept development, and thumbnail sketching. Students also study influential designers and movements to understand how theory informs contemporary design practice.
Investigates the principles of visual design using Adobe Photoshop, emphasizing creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking to produce professional- grade visual assets.
Surveys the world of vector-based design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Students will explore the unique capabilities of vector graphics, enabling them to create original, scalable, and high-quality graphics for print and digital applications. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the tools and techniques specific to Illustrator and applying design principles effectively in vector-based projects.
Approaches two-dimensional theory through the freeform and experiential painterly process. Students recreate and build on elements of design in a painterly manner through their own work. Subject matters range from the traditional painting genre of still life, interiors, and the figure, to the abstract.
Traces the development of visual communication from early image making to contemporary graphic design practice. Emphasizes how cultural, social, and technological developments shape the use of images and typography.
Introduces the history, physical attributes, family classification, terminology, and structural aspects of type. Students explore typography as a medium that conveys aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual meaning. Students create effective marketing materials by incorporating type as an integrated and active element.
Focuses on spatial organization, transforming two-dimensional ideas into three- dimensional experiences. Students will explore balance, form, and volume while experimenting with various construction methods and materials. Hands-on projects enable students to create, represent, and respond to form in physical space. The course combines lectures, guided assignments, and critiques to offer a well-rounded understanding of three-dimensional design.
Traces the development of visual communication from the first cave paintings to present-day digital marketing. This course examines how cultural and technological developments have affected our viewpoints of the relationship, and use of images and typography.
Surveys the development and methodology of art from the late 19th through the 20th century within its historical, social, political, and technological contexts. This course emphasizes aesthetics, art appreciation, and the global perspectives that contributed to the Modernist movement.
Explores fundamental interactive design issues, focusing on psychological frameworks and design thinking methodologies. Students apply user experience (UX) principles and research strategies to develop empathy-driven design concepts.
Introduces 3D design as a key method for visual communication. Students explore form, space, scale, lighting, and materials by creating 3D objects and typographic elements. The course emphasizes transforming two-dimensional design concepts into three- dimensional outcomes for real-world graphic design applications, such as branding, packaging, environmental graphics, and static campaign visuals.
Introduces the basic concepts, terminology, and applications of digital photography. This course explores the creative transformation of images for effective visual communication. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills needed to use photography in their work as designers.
Introduces foundational web technologies and languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Learn to create responsive websites, optimize images and graphics for speed and aesthetics, and ensure accessibility across diverse platforms.
Explores the integration of type and images in digital page layouts and multiple-page projects. The emphasis will be on the application of industry standard software for both print and digital output.
Develops the skills acquired in Typography I. Projects incorporate type as a decorative element to produce creative marketable design results. Principles of selecting typeface, use of grids, and basic layout designs and formats are addressed.
Builds on foundational three-dimensional design skills with an emphasis on applied visual communication. Students develop refined 3D assets and scenes focusing on composition, narrative, and integration across media. The course emphasizes how 3D design supports graphic systems, storytelling, and contemporary design practice. Prerequisite GRD2220
Emphasizes a comprehensive exploration of design production techniques. Students will learn the intricacies of pre-press operations, mastering color separations, file formats, and color modes. Through rigorous study, they will gain proficiency in font management and develop a nuanced understanding of paper types, including crops and bleeds. Prerequisite GRD2240
Explores aspects of user interface design engineering. The preparation of concepts will utilize the principles of design, typography, color, and problem-solving skills. Concepts include wireframes, user testing, personas, scenarios and storyboards, applied to front-end and back-end web and app development.
Focuses on systems thinking and collaborative design-to-development processes used in professional teams. Students synthesize research into high-fidelity products using AI- assisted workflows and usability validation to create scalable digital solutions. Prerequisite GRD2216
Covers the practical and creative aspects of packaging from concept to completion. Students learn to design and construct packaging using industry-standard methods, including 3D modeling and physical prototype creation. An emphasis is placed on the critical integration of typography, color, and branding in developing functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions.
Acquaints students with the various aspects of branding and brand identity design. Students explore brand values, storytelling, tone, and other components of the brand development process. Through hands-on projects, they craft authentic brand identities for consistent representation across platforms.
Explores the foundation of animation, including the basic concepts of animation and what makes things move. This course covers X, Y, and Z planes; keyframes; animation paths; hierarchies; pivots and rotation; and the importance of timing.
Provides a foundational introduction to Adobe After Effects and the core principles of motion design. Students explore timing, spacing, and kinetic typography for digital platforms. The course emphasizes software proficiency and the aesthetic requirements for creating short-form brand assets through movement. Prerequisites GRD2290
Explores advanced motion workflows for multi-platform campaigns, focusing on the production standards required for digital out-of-home, broadcast, and streaming media. Students synthesize 2D and 3D assets into a comprehensive production pipeline, integrating media storytelling. Prerequisite GRD4405
Explores publication design procedures and techniques, from planning to production. Students research and analyze graphic design in multi-page publications and create their own multi-page publication designs. This course covers procedures and techniques for the successful printing of projects.
Explores how creative assistants like AI, interactive media, and smart systems are transforming the design world. Students will learn to use emerging tools to accelerate brainstorming, automate repetitive tasks, and create designs that interact with the physical world. Topics in copyright, ethics, and human-centered responsibility within contemporary graphic design practice contexts are also covered.
Introduces the theory and practice of game creation and design for interactive home entertainment, arcade games, education, and multiplayer online environments. Students study the history, genres, technology, organization, psychology, and story of games. Students will then gain mastery over the Unity 3D engine. 479
Introduces students to design applications and implementation of social media concepts from the lens of a User Interface and User Experience designer. The course will include Web/Mobile design tools, video, and or other light 2D graphics software for final project campaigns. MAJOR CONCENTRATION OPTION (12 credits) - Students choose one option Option 1 - Digital and Social Media (12 credits)
Investigates contemporary art and design issues and their application to professional creative practice. Students utilize research and writing methodologies to examine 129
Offers students an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choosing while concurrently devising a strategic plan for their upcoming Senior Showcase project. Successful completion involves the presentation and defense of the project proposal, affirming their expertise in their chosen area of concentration.
Engages students in the hands-on production of their creative endeavors. Successful completion marks the pinnacle of their academic journey, showcasing their design expertise in a public exhibition.
Explores diverse subjects in design. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts presented, culminating in the creation of polished, portfolio- ready projects. 39
Provides a studio and critique workshop. Students edit, create, add, highlight, and refine projects to meet industry standards and promote individual graphic design skills in their specialized area. This course is taken in a student's senior year.
Provides a field-based internship experience where students acquire career/ professional skills within the graphic design industry. This course is taken during a student's last semester of study. Graphic Design/Interior Design Electives – 9 Credits LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES*
