BS Graphic Communication

Catalog Home

Program Learning Objectives

  1. Integrate effective design and functionality into graphic communication products, optimizing user experience and adoption.
  2. Produce professional graphic media, demonstrating competence using current tools and methods.
  3. Articulate and defend graphic communication strategies using effective oral, written, visual and/or demonstration means.
  4. Apply appropriate production and workflow methods for various media.
  5. Evaluate business principles related to starting and/or developing a graphic communication business.
  6. Analyze current and future trends, market drivers, and continuous learning opportunities in graphic communication.
  7. Evaluate diversity in the graphic communication profession and identify attitudes and behaviors that affect workforce and product development.
  8. Demonstrate the use of sustainability practices in various print and screen-based applications.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy requirements outlined in more detail in the Minimum Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog, including:

  • 60 units of upper-division courses
  • 2.0 GPA
  • Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
  • U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP)

Note: No Major, Support or Concentration courses may be selected as credit/no credit.

MAJOR COURSES
GRC 101Introduction to Graphic Communication3
GRC 102Orientation to Graphic Communication2
GRC 201Digital Publishing Systems3
GRC 203Digital File Preparation and Workflow4
GRC 204Introduction to Contemporary Print Management and Manufacturing4
GRC 211Materials for Graphic Communication Applications4
GRC 301Digital Photography and Motion Graphics4
GRC 316Flexographic Printing Technology3
GRC 318Digital Typography4
GRC 320Managing Quality in Graphic Communication4
GRC 328Digital and Offset Printing Methods4
GRC 331Color Management4
GRC 337Consumer Packaging4
GRC 338Web Development and Content Management4
GRC 361Marketing and Sales Management for Print and Digital Media4
GRC 372Applied Graphic Communication Practices2
GRC 402Digital Printing and Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication3
GRC 404Data Management, Estimating and Visualization in Graphic Communication4
GRC 411Strategic Trends and Profitability Issues in Print and Digital Media4
GRC 422Human Resource Management Issues for Print and Digital Media4
Senior Project
Select from the following:3
Senior Project - Independent Study
Senior Project
Senior Project - Applied Practices
Concentration Courses29
SUPPORT COURSES
CHEM 110World of Chemistry (B1 & B3) 14
MATH 118Precalculus Algebra (B4) 1, 24
PHYS 104Introductory Physics (GE Electives) 14
or PHYS 121 College Physics I
STAT 217Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods4
GENERAL EDUCATION (GE)
(See GE program requirements below.)60
FREE ELECTIVES
Free Electives0
Total units180

Concentrations

Individualized Course of Study

This concentration consists of 29 units; a minimum of 18 units must be upper-division and a minimum of 8 units must be Graphic Communication. The student selects the courses in consultation with the concentration coordinator and department head, and provide written justification for the courses and the way they constitute a cohesive, integrated program of study. The list of courses serves as a contract between the student and the Graphic Communication Department.

General Education (GE) Requirements

  • 72 units required, 12 of which are specified in Major and/or Support.
  • If any of the remaining 60 units is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.
  • See the complete GE course listing.
  • A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: A1 (Oral Communication), A2 (Written Communication), A3 (Critical Thinking), and B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning). 
Area AEnglish Language Communication and Critical Thinking
A1Oral Communication4
A2Written Communication4
A3Critical Thinking4
Area BScientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
B1Physical Science (4 units in Support) 10
B2Life Science4
B3One lab taken with either a B1 or B2 course
B4Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (4 units in Support) 10
Upper-Division B4
Area CArts and Humanities 2
Lower-division courses in Area C must come from three different subject prefixes.
C1Arts: Arts, Cinema, Dance, Music, Theater4
C2Humanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English4
Lower-Division C Elective - Select a course from either C1 or C24
Upper-Division C4
Area DSocial Sciences - Select courses in Area D from at least two different prefixes
D1American Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement)4
D2Lower-Division D4
Upper-Division D4
Area ELifelong Learning and Self-Development
Lower-Division E4
Area F Ethnic Studies
F Ethnic Studies4
GE Electives in Areas B, C, and D
Select courses from two different areas; may be lower-division or upper-division courses.
GE Electives (4 units in Support plus 4 units in GE) 14
Total units60