Graphic Design Technology - A.A.S. Degree - Dakota County Technical College | DCTC - a 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs to the Twin Cities, MN

Graphic Design Technology - A.A.S. Degree

This is a sample course sequence for a full-time student. Most courses are not offered both semesters. Please contact your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

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2024-2025 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
GRDT 1001 Technical Foundations GRDT - 1001: Technical Foundations Description GRDT 1001 This is an introductory course that prepares all students for entry into the graphic design or web and multimedia design fields. General overviews will be given of the visual arts, photography, and graphic design fields. Students will learn basic computer operations, how to use the local campus network for servers and printers, ad an introduction to the online classroom resources. Additionally, students will learn to prepare, mount, display, and present design work. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1001 — PDF	2
GRDT 1016 Typography and Layout I GRDT - 1016: Typography and Layout I Description GRDT 1016 This course covers the basics of typography and development of page layout in graphic design processes. It provides an overview of the graphic design profession and a historical framework for modem typography and layout practices. Typography classification and identification are covered. Design elements and principles are used as a foundation of any design work. Both screen and print formats are explored. Students work with type and visuals to create layouts and solve design assignments. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1016 — PDF	3
GRDT 1030 Graphic Design Fundamentals ** GRDT - 1030: Graphic Design Fundamentals Description GRDT 1030 In this course, the principles and elements of design will be studied and applied to various design projects. Methods of solving creative problems will be explored and developing creativity and overcoming creative blocks will be emphasized. Those methods will include the application of the creative process and metaphorical thinking. Additional emphasis is placed on evaluating solutions and effective presentation of those solutions. Professionalism and professional attitude will be practiced. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GRDT1030 — PDF	3
GRDT 1410 Adobe Illustrator I ** GRDT - 1410: Adobe Illustrator I Description GRDT 1410 This course is a comprehensive look into the drawing tools of Adobe Illustrator, a computer illustration application. Students will develop skills using the basic drawing tools. Use of the transformation tools, templates, layers, spot and process color, and file output will be emphasized. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GRDT1410 — PDF	3
WEBD 1650 Web Content I WEBD - 1650: Web Content I Description WEBD 1650 This course addresses the creating, editing. optimizing and formatting of photo/raster images, vector/drawing images and 3D content at an introductory level for use in web pages and social media. It also address use of raster, vector and web page software for the development of wireframing and screen designs. Software explored includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Dreamweaver. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: WEBD1650 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	14

First Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
GRDT 1010 Adobe Photoshop I GRDT - 1010: Adobe Photoshop I Description GRDT 1010 This is an introduction to the basic tools used for image manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. Image modification and compositing, use of the scanner, and mastery of Photoshop tools are stressed. Image adjustment, enhancement and layer masks are also included. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1010 — PDF	3
GRDT 1053 Design Drawing ** GRDT - 1053: Design Drawing Description GRDT 1053 This is a beginning drawing course geared toward developing or improving good drawing habits. Linear perspective is emphasized. Drawing freehand is practiced for sketchbook and various classroom exercises. Drawing in perspective will also be emphasized, including one, two and three point perspective. The course will explore composition, drawing and rendering techniques. A key emphasis for this course is to instill more confidence in visual expression, through learned techniques and to become a better visual communicator. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1053 — PDF	3
GRDT 1430 Adobe InDesign I ** GRDT - 1430: Adobe InDesign I Description GRDT 1430 Students will become familiar with Adobe InDesign as an electronic publishing/page layout program. Emphasis will be placed on software operation. Use of text, graphics, tabs, style sheets, and master pages will be incorporated into projects. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1430 — PDF	3
GRDT 2420 Adobe Illustrator II ** GRDT - 2420: Adobe Illustrator II Description GRDT 2420 This is a project driven course. Specific Adobe lllustrator skill areas covered are blending tools, gradient mesh, graphs and charts, use of path options and brushes. Students will design symbols, ads, packages and campaigns, using these skills. They will create a variety of portfolio quality drawings that reflect their ability to design and use the Illustrator software. Prerequisites: GRDT1410 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: GRDT 1410 Adobe Illustrator I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT2420 — PDF	3
WEBD 2685 Web Page Construction I WEBD - 2685: Web Page Construction I Description WEBD 2685 Students will become familiar with the concepts of web page design, construction, and software programs. Emphasis will be on good design process for graphic element creation, logical web page information flow, and site creation. Adobe Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and Photoshop will be used at the primary software tools. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: WEBD2685 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	15

First Year - Summer Session

Course Title	Credits
ENGL 1150 Composition I ENGL - 1150: Composition I Description ENGL 1150 This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning. Meets MnTC Goal 1. Prerequisite: placement into writing college level. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 MNTC Goals: 1 Course Outline: ENGL1150 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡ GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	6

Second Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
GRDT 2016 Typography and Layout II ** GRDT - 2016: Typography and Layout II Description GRDT 2016 This course covers advanced typography and page layout skills. Students develop greater understanding of type as a key element of design. The course concentrates on designing with type, understanding the relationship between type families and type styles, selecting type for emotional impact, and using color and texture in type. Additional topics include font and image copyright requirements, and use of type and images for web and motion graphics. Students work toward creating effective marketing and advertising pieces through the practical application of typography and composition. The use of visual concepts is explored. Development and completion of a variety of assignments place emphasis on methods using page layout software. Prerequisites: GRDT1016 & GRDT1430 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: GRDT 1016 Typography and Layout I GRDT 1430 Adobe InDesign I Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GRDT2016 — PDF	3
GRDT 2400 Adobe Photoshop II ** GRDT - 2400: Adobe Photoshop II Description GRDT 2400 This course builds on the tools and techniques learned in Adobe Photoshop I. The student will use and become more proficient with all the tools, especially the adjustment layers, layer styles and layer masks. The actions panel will be used to facilitate work with many photographs. Students will composite photos using various techniques. Prerequisites: GRDT1010 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: GRDT 1010 Adobe Photoshop I Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GRDT2400 — PDF	3
PHOT 1100 Introduction to Photography PHOT - 1100: Introduction to Photography Description PHOT 1100 This hands-on introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the industry standard Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. Coursework will cover operation of manually-adjustable DSLR camera functions such as controlling motion, depth of field, ISO, white balance through various indoor, outdoor, and natural lighting conditions. Gaining an understanding of the controls and adjustments will be the key to this course; but students will also be exposed to additional skills such as management and output of images as part of the digital workflow procedures, photographic composition, use of on-camera flash, presentation of finished images, and uses of images in the industry. This course covers the same materials as PHOT1050. Do not take this course if you've completed PHOT1050. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: PHOT1100 — PDF	3
WEBD 1750 Web Content II WEBD - 1750: Web Content II Description WEBD 1750 This course addresses the creating, editing, optimizing and formatting of audio, video, 2D and 3D animated content at an introductory level for use in web pages and social media. Software explored includes Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Animate. Prerequisite: WEBD 1650. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: WEBD 1650 Web Content I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: WEBD1750 — PDF	3
WEBD 2681 Multimedia ** WEBD - 2681: Multimedia Description WEBD 2681 Students will be introduced to Adobe's Animate software. an object-based 2D animation program. Animate is used to create animated segments for use in web pages or multimedia. Basic animating. symbol creating, timing, storyboarding, designing and using software tools will be emphasized. Other tools that are introduced in this course include masks, bones and buttons. JavaScript language code is introduced. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: WEBD2681 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	15

Second Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
GRDT 1096 Illustration Fundamentals GRDT - 1096: Illustration Fundamentals Description GRDT 1096 This course covers the basic concepts in the illustration sector of visual communication. The history and genres of illustration as well as illustration styles and mediums are examined. Projects are assigned to develop illustration skills and uses of various media. Using professional business practices are part of the focus. Visual concept development and communication through illustration are explored through research and application. Prerequisites: GRDT1030 and GRDT1053 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1096 — PDF OR WEBD 2711 CMS Websites WEBD - 2711: CMS Websites Description WEBD 2711 Introduces web content management software and use of templates and plugins to create websites. Emphasis is on tools for creating feature rich websites without ground up programming. Other topics include using template web marketing, shopping cart/e-commerce options and HTML 5 and CSS3. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: WEBD2711 — PDF	2
GRDT 1423 Print Processes and Production GRDT - 1423: Print Processes and Production Description GRDT 1423 This graphic design course is designed to give the student a hands-on overview of various printing processes. Theory, terminology, paper use and production, as well as press and bindery processes will be emphasized. Students will make paper, print on paper and virtually use a press simulator. Students will work with vinyl and learn more about this growing field. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT1423 — PDF OR WEBD 2690 Web Page Construction II WEBD - 2690: Web Page Construction II Description WEBD 2690 In this class students will become familiar with advanced web page design techniques. The emphasis will be on good design of both graphic elements and logical web page information flow. This advanced course will introduce students to a variety of web page construction software packages and tools. Additionally, issues dealing with file transmission (audio, multimedia interaction) will be discussed. Prerequisite: WEBD2685. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: WEBD 2685 Web Page Construction I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: WEBD2690 — PDF	3
GRDT 2415 Adobe InDesign II GRDT - 2415: Adobe InDesign II Description GRDT 2415 Students will design and produce advanced page layouts using Adobe In Design to further develop skills combining type and images together. Emphasis will be placed on advanced publishing techniques to create complex quality projects for print, interactive publishing and portfolio presentation. Prerequisite:GRDT1430 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: GRDT 1430 Adobe InDesign I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT2415 — PDF OR WEBD 2695 UX/UI Design WEBD - 2695: UX/UI Design Description WEBD 2695 Students will use type and layout skills and interaction design principles to create portfolio quality working interface prototypes for multimedia products. Emphasis will be placed on user interface and experience design, logical information flow, screen design, quality graphic design, and interactivity. This course is project intensive. Prerequisite: GRDT1016 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: GRDT 1016 Typography and Layout I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: WEBD2695 — PDF	3
GRDT 2721 Graphic Design Career and Portfolio ** GRDT - 2721: Graphic Design Career and Portfolio Description GRDT 2721 This capstone experience concentrates on preparing students to enter the graphic design job market. Coursework includes career research and development of a professional portfolio, web representation, cover letter, resume and self-promotional materials. Students conduct informational interviews and develop networking skills. These skills will enable the students to better market, manage and promote themselves for positions in-house for a company or starting their own freelance business. Students will use skills learned in software and design coursework to refine or create new projects to include in a portfolio. Students should expect a substantial level of out-of-class time preparation. Prerequisites: Must be taken in final semester with the majority of degree coursework complete. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Course Outline: GRDT2721 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) ‡ MNTC - 3: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) Description MNTC 3 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC3 — PDF OR General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) ‡ MNTC - 4: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) Description MNTC 4 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC4 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	14

Second Year - Summer Session

Course Title	Credits
COMS 1020 Interpersonal Communication COMS - 1020: Interpersonal Communication Description COMS 1020 This course is intended to increase student's awareness of the processes, models, and theories of interpersonal communication relative to relationships that impact people's personal and professional lives. Through self-analysis and reflection, case studies, practical application, and critical thinking, students will examine the influence of communicative behaviors on themselves, their personal relationships, groups, and society. Concepts include self-esteem, self-fulfilling prophecies, perception, ethics, emotion, conflict, cultural awareness, language, nonverbal communication, social media, and listening. Meets Goal 7. Meets MNTC Goal 1 Fall 2016 and after. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 MNTC Goals: 1,7 Course Outline: COMS1020 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡ GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	6

Total Credits:	70

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

** Course only offered once a year. Please see faculty advisor for schedule.