Students start
their PCC design education by
learning to bring creative ideas to life through hand-rendered
exploration and finely tuned foundation skills. They practice
design vocabulary to communicate their ideas in a professional
manner. Typographic history is introduced to better understand
and appreciate letter designs formed long before computers. They
experiment with a multitude of ways that words, pictures and
elements can interact on a page. Theory and ideas are developed
first and it is only in the second term of the program, that
students start to use digital software in their design process.
During the second term students soon find themselves plunging
headlong into professional level graphic design software
applications. They learn which programs to use for each task
and how to work professionally and efficiently. Students are not
required to own computers for the program and there is open
lab time available for school work. By the end of the first year
students have gained usable design and technical skills which
qualify them for internships in the Portland market.
Graphic Design classes at PCC model professional procedures
and practices employers expect in the field. Students often face
tight project deadlines and must balance multiple class projects
throughout the coursework.
The second year of the program focuses on building a professional
level portfolio. Career preparation courses introduce students to
business practices in the field of graphic design. Students work
on community projects to practice their skills. And finally, their
work is revised over and over until it is ready to meet the scrutiny
of art directors and creative employers in the Portland area.
For some students, the end of the PCC program is just the
midpoint of their education. Our students can choose to undergo
a rigorous portfolio review in order to become accepted into the
Junior-year graphic design classes at Portland State University,
continuing their education to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
ABOUT GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC
General Education competencies to be met prior to graduation:
MTH 65 Introductory Algebra 4 CR (or MTH 58 Math Literacy 1 & CG 58)
WR 121 English Composition 4 CR (must be completed prior to entrance into second year)
General Education requirements, totaling 16 credits minimum, to be taken prior to graduation:
Social Science 4 CR
Physical Science 4 CR
Arts and Letters 8 CR (ART 214 and COMM 111 can be used to fulfill this requirement)
Program requirements that must be completed with a B grade or higher to gain permission to enter Winter Term of the Graphic Design program:
*GD 120 Graphic Design 1 3 CR
*GD 101 Macintosh Fundamentals 1 CR *GD 114 Introductory Typography 3 CR
Fall Term
GD 260 Digital Imaging 2 3 CR
GD 244 Preparing Files for Print 3 CR
GD 221 Graphic Design 4 3 CR
GD 249 Graphic Design Studio 3 CR
(or GD internship)
GD 239 Illustration for Graphic Designers 3 CR
Total Fall 15 CR
Winter Term
GD 222 Graphic Design 5 3 CR
ART 270A Printmaking 1 3 CR
GD 242 Combined Graphic Programs 3 CR
CAS 106 Introduction to HTML 1 CR
GD 228 Professional Graphic Design Practices 3 CR
Total Winter 13 CR
Spring Term
GD 229 Portfolio Preparation 3 CR
BA 239 Advertising 3 CR
or BA 223 Principles of Marketing (4 CR) One Art Elective from the following:
ART 140 Digital Photography ART 271A Printmaking II
ART 204, 205, 206 History of World Art 3 CR
Total Spring 9 CR
Total: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design - 92 Credits
The Graphic Design program “proper” begins Winter term
Winter Term *Passing GD 101, GD 114 and GD 120 with a B grade or higher is required for entry into Winter term Graphic Design courses.
GD 122 Graphic Design 2 3 CR
GD 140 Digital Page Design 1 3 CR
GD 116 Intermediate Typography 3 CR GD 150 Digital Illustration 1 3 CR Total Winter 12 CR Spring Term GD 124 Graphic Design 3 3 CR GD 151 Digital Illustration 2 3 CR
GD 141 Digital Page Design 2 3 CR
GD 160 Digital Imaging 1 3 CR
Total Spring 12 CR
Note: All first year non-GD requirements must be completed prior to admission to second year, and of these, all GD and ART classes must be passed with a B grade or higher. These classes can be taken at any time prior to second year:
ART 131 Drawing 3 CR
WR 121 English Composition 4 CR
COMM 111 Public Speaking 4 CR
ART 214 History of Graphic Design 4 CR
YEAR ONE
GENERAL EDUCA
TION
GRAPHIC DESIGN
YEAR TWO
GD COURSES AT PCC | 2015-16
All candidates for the Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design must complete 16 credits from courses listed under General Education in the PCC catalog. The 16 credits must include at least one (1) course and no more than eight (8) credits from each of the following three categories: 1. Arts and Humanities 2. Social Science 3. Mathematics, Natural and Physical Science and Computer Studies.
No more than eight (8) credits may come from any one subject
No more than two (2) courses may come from courses required by specific programs
General Education requirements may be waived for students with a previous A.A., A.A.S., B.S., B.A. or B.F.A. degree from an accredited United States institution.
Students will also be required to complete competency requirements in Math and Writing
Pass WR 121 or a lower division writing course with a prerequisite of WR 121 with a grade of C or higher
Pass MTH 58 & CG 58, or pass MTH 65 or higher or pass the PCC MTH 65 Competency Exam
PCC General Education Requirements
Arts and Humanities
ART 214 - History of Graphic Design (required by program)
4 credits
COMM 111- Public Speaking (required by program)
4 credits
Social Science
+
4
credits
+
Mathematics, Natural and Physical Science & Computer Studies
4 credits
=
Total General Education requirements*
16
credits
*in addition to any general education competency requirements.
PRE-GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSES AT PCC
GRAPHIC DESIGN CLASSES FULL?
YOU CAN STILL TAKE COURSES THAT WILL APPLY TOWARDS THE GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE.
This list of required courses is provided to give students the option of completing non-GD classes first. It may also be helpful for students who are unable to get into the three required graphic design courses in fall term, or students who are starting mid-year and are not able to enter the graphic design sequence.
Students CAN complete any non-graphic design classes prior to starting the (GD) graphic design sequence of classes. The graphic design program proper begins Winter term. To qualify to register for Winter term graphic design classes students must complete the three required prerequisite classes with a “B” grade or better. In addition, students must have placed into or completed WR 121 or higher. Students must also have placed into Math 60, or have completed Math 20 or higher.
Required classes for the AAS Graphic Design degree that are offered all year and in various sequences: Foundation Courses
• WR 121 English Composition (4 credits) • ART 131 Intro. to Drawing (3 credits) • ART 214 History of Graphic Design (4 credits) • COMM 111 Intro. to Public Speaking (4 credits) • ART 270 Printmaking (3 credits)
General Education Courses
• Required Art Elective – choose one of the following: ART 140, ART 271, or ART 204, 205, 206 (3) • Social Science Requirement – one 3 - 4 credit class from General Education List
• Science, Math, Computer Science requirement – one 3 - 4 credit class from General Education List • Additional general education any category – one 3- 4 credit class from General Education List • MTH 58 & CG 58 Math Literacy 1 or MTH 65 Intro. to Algebra (4 credits) or Higher
Graphic Design Prerequisite Courses *These courses have limited offerings throughout the year.
• GD 120 Graphic Design 1 (3 credits) • GD 114 Introduction to Typography ( 3 credits) • GD 101 Macintosh Fundamentals (1 credits) Total Credits: 47 – 54+ credits
At least half of the required courses can be taken prior to starting the graphic design sequence courses.
(Total credits can vary per person based on any additional courses that may be required. For example Math 60 is a prerequisite for Math 65 and WR 115 may be required prior to taking WR 121 based on your placement test scores)
STEPS TO ENROLL AT PCC
How do I apply to the Graphic Design Program for starting in 2015?
After being admitted to PCC, there are steps specific to the Graphic Design Program, you will need to take.
3a
If you are NOT
transferring
coursework in from
another school, you
will need to take the
COMPASS placement
test in reading, writing
and math.
You will not be able
register into the Graphic
Design prerequisite
classes until you place
into, or complete WR
121 and Math 60.
You can find more
information about the
placement tests at:
<http://www.pcc.edu/
resources/testing/
placement/>
3b
If you are planning
to transfer
coursework, you must
send PCC an OFFICIAL
copy of your transcript at
least 6 weeks prior to the
term you wish to register.
Once PCC receives your
transcript, you should
receive an email stating
such. Then you can log
into MyPCC and click
on the link: Transfer
Credit Evaluation on the
MyPCC Home tab. Once
this is done, PCC will
evaluate your transcripts
for equivalencies and
provided you meet
the writing and math
prerequisites, you will
be able to register in
prerequisite classes.
PCC will also evaluate any
other general education
requirements you meet at
this time.
Please note: we do NOT
transfer Graphic Design
coursework from other
schools into the program.
2
Admit to PCC using
the online admission
form. Once PCC receives
and processes your
admission, you will
receive an ID number (G
number), a user name,
and a password that will
enable you to log on to
MyPCC.
MyPCC is where you will
register for classes and
conduct most of your
transactions with PCC.
4
You can register for
GD 120, 101 and
114. These classes may
be taken at different
times, but all must be
passed with a B grade
or higher in order to
be given permission to
register for the 2015
Winter term Graphic
Design program classes.
Some of these classes
are offered once per year
and fill quickly. Priority
registration will be given
to students as per PCC
policy. Please see the
following link for more
information:
<http://www.pcc.edu/
enroll/registration/
academic-calendar.
html>
If you would like help
registering, you may
visit one of PCC’s
Orientation Centers:
<http://www.pcc.edu/
resources/orientation-centers.html>
5
Pay at least 1/3 of
the term’s tuition or
accept your financial
aid award. If you do
not do this at least two
weeks prior to the start
of the term to avoid
being deleted from your
classes.
Make sure you attend
the first day of each
class. There are usually
several other people
who will be on the wait
list for the class. The
instructor will give your
seat in the class to a
wait listed student if you
are not present on the
first day.
Remember, you must
achieve a B or higher in
the three prerequisite
classes in order to move
forward into the program
for Winter term.
1
Attend one of the
Graphic Design
information sessions
that are offered on a
regular basis at PCC
Sylvania campus. No
RSVP is required, just
show up at the session
time that works for you.
You can find a list of
session dates and
times at:
http://www.pcc.edu/gd
Click on the information
sessions link.
MORE QUESTIONS?
I have a job.
Can I complete
the program as a
part-time student?
Students may take three
years to complete the
program once they have
met the prerequisites.
The first year can be
completed in two years,
however due to the
rapidly changing nature
of the industry and
the software, we ask
that students complete
the second year of the
program in one year.
We offer a few of the
prerequisite classes
in the evening but the
majority of classes are
scheduled during the
day. Students will need
to have a flexible enough
schedule that they can
take daytime classes.
How much does the
program cost?
Tuition is $92.00 per
credit. In addition you
will be responsible for
various fees. Please see
the estimated cost sheet
for more information.
Is there a formal
application process
to the program?
There is no formal
application process
for the program,
but students must
complete the program
prerequisites (GD 120,
GD 114 and GD 101)
with a B grade or higher,
in order to qualify to
continue in further
program courses.
At which campus is
the Graphic Design
Program held?
The program is housed
at PCC Sylvania campus
although one of the
prerequisite classes,
GD 120 is offered and
can be taken at other
campuses.
I already know the
computer programs.
Can I get these
courses waived?
The Graphic Design
courses at PCC cover
more than just the
software. They introduce
professional standards
and techniques expected
by employers, of which
non-professional users
may not be aware.
A majority of the
program’s design
education takes place
while learning the
software. The computer
is merely one tool used
in creating the design.
Students are building
portfolio pieces in these
classes and would miss
this opportunity without
these courses. We do
not allow students to
challenge or substitute
these courses.
I’ve taken courses
at other schools.
Can these be
used to fulfill PCC
requirements?
Some Art, Marketing,
Speech, Web and
General Education
courses from other
schools may be accepted
to fulfill program
requirements.
Our Graphic Design
(GD) courses are the
foundation of our
program and we do not
substitute previous
Graphic Design
coursework for our
courses.
It is important to
submit transfer credits
for evaluation to PCC
Student Records
department. Read more
about transferring
credits by clicking on
this link:
<http://www.pcc.edu/
resources/student-records/transfer.html>
How long will it take
me to complete the
program?
Full-time day students
can complete the
program in six terms if
they have completed all
their general education
requirements prior to
beginning the program.
However, many students
elect to take a part-time
course load and take
longer than six terms to
complete the program.
Can I complete the
program in a shorter
amount of time than
two years?
No. The Graphic Design
courses are a series of
sequential steps with
each course building
on the previously
taught course. Courses
cannot be taken out of
sequence, and it is not
possible to go through
the program courses in
less than two years.
If I don’t have a
Macintosh computer
should I buy one
before starting the
program?
We advise students
to wait until passing
the three prerequisite
classes before they
make this financial
investment. These
classes do not require
the use of a computer
for outside coursework.
First-term classroom
computer assignments
and exercises are
designed to be
completed in the
classroom labs and
during class time so
that students may
benefit from instructor
availability.
Additionally, there are
educational discounts
offered through
Apple® and Adobe®
corporations that are
available to students
once they are enrolled
at PCC.
Tuition
92 credits @ $92 per credit . . . $ 8,464
Books
6 terms @ $100 per term . . . $ 600
Graphic Design design tools and materials
First term initial tools and materials . . . $ 250
6 terms @ $200 per term . . . $ 1,200
Digital Media Fees
18 Graphic Design courses @$15 per course . . . $ 270
Production of Program Portfolio
Materials and printing to produce a professional-level portfolio (minimum cost) $
300
Miscellaneous fees (may include PCC fees, software, etc.)
6 terms @ $120 per term . . . $ 720
Parking
Annual parking permit $150 per year for 2 years . . . $ 300
Total Estimated Graphic Design program costs
$ 12,104
Early advising will play a key role in preparing the student for the transfer
process. Students intending to Block Transfer should make their intent
known to their PCC Graphic Design Advisor during their first term in
the program. The following is a basic explanation of the Block Transfer
information for local Portland four-year schools:
Portland State Block Transfer Process
Students first complete the two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Graphic Design at Portland Community College. PCC students will
go through the same sophomore Portfolio review at PSU required of all
PSU Graphic Design students. (PCC Graphic Design courses will prepare
students for this review.) PSU will require students to meet additional
general education requirements and students should meet with the PCC
Graphic Design Advisor to learn more about these. Upon completion at
PSU students will receive either a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in
Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design.
Art Institute of Portland
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Eligibility for transfer requires that students first complete the
two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design at Portland
Community College. Pathways to both schools are highly individualized
and we recommend that students interested in these schools work closely
with advisors from both. The PCC Graphic Design Advisors can help
students arrange this.
Students in the Graphic Design program at
Portland Community College are eligible to apply
the completed PCC Graphic Design Associates
degree toward a Bachelor's degree at Portland
State University, Pacific Northwest College of
Art or Art Institute of Portland entering those
programs in the junior year. The program is a
“Block Transfer” meaning the student
must
complete the entire PCC Associate of Applied
Science Graphic Design Degree in order for
their credits to be directly accepted toward a
Bachelor's Degree.
Will the PCC
Graphic Design
Associate’s
Degree
transfer to
a 4-year
school?
Yes, it can.
Entry Level Title: Junior Designer
A junior designer typically assists the graphic artist or designer by carrying out the designer’s creations. They produce production work such as digital layout and design with strong guidance and direction from the designer.
Job Title: Graphic Designer
The graphic designer’s job is to create design using a variety of mediums that meets the client’s needs and the function for which the design is intended. A graphic designer organizes ideas visually to convey a desired impact and message. A designer has input at the beginning of a project brainstorming and presenting ideas. A variety of mediums are used in graphic design including print, web, digital, video, mobile and film.
Other titles:
Designer, Graphic Artist,
Graphic Design Specialist Education, Experience and 2013 salaries*
An Associate’s Degree is the minimum amount of education for a career in graphic design. Movement from junior designer to graphic designer usually requires two to four years of work experience.
Salary: Junior Designer, primarily print Salary: Freelance Designer (working through staffing agency)
Entry: $32,000 Entry: $47,900
Mid-Point: $38,000 Mid-Point: $62,200
High: $45,000 High: $83,000
*Source: AIGA Survey of Design Salaries 2013
Industries of Employment
Design Studios Printing Companies Advertising/Marketing Firms Multimedia and Software Companies
In-House Corporate (Health Care, Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Technology, Manufacturing, Retail, etc.) Nonprofit and Government
Publication/Book Publishing
Skills
• Experience with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop • Knowledge of press and pre-press printing process • Knowledge of 3-D software may be helpful
• Strong layout and design skills including color theory, composition and typography
• Classic design skills; understanding of the fundamentals of visual communication and design
• Strong sketching ability which is helpful both in production and communication of ideas • Understanding of the production process
Operation&SoftSkills
• Teamwork
• Written and oral communication skills • Creative problem solving
• Organization
• Adaptability and reliability • Project and time management skills
StarQualities
• Attention to detail
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills • Excellent ability to communicate visually and verbally • Ability to think on one’s own, execute design solutions • Ability to generate and present ideas
• Ability to think like the client
Base Skills Required for Graphic and Web Design
The computer is just one tool, it shouldn’t be the only medium in which you can work.
Companies are looking for people with:
Raw artistic talent and solid design techniques. Strong design is more than just learning a software tool; trainees must have artistic ability first and foremost. A solid foundation in the techniques (color, typography, layout) and theories is critical. While software tools change, design principles tend to remain constant.
A knowledge of the entire development and production process, not just an individual job. Firms need graphic, web and user interface designers, producers and production artists to understand both print and interactive processes. Web/interactive jobs need to understand the functionality of both “front-end” and “back-end” interfaces, and graphic designers need to understand the press process, its constraints and capabilities in order to accurately prepare the product for the next step in the production process.
Strong communication and teamwork skills in an environment where the success of a project is dependent on many people. Both verbal and visual communication skills are key to all of the occupations in web and design. Each team member must be able to communicate messages through design and technology to an outside audience.
An understanding of the business strategy behind the design. Knowing how designs fitinto a business solution is important for any creative job. Those people who see the big picture and understand the client’s business position tend to do well.
Ability to problem-solve and think on their own. Employers want to see individuals with problem solving ability—creative thinkers who are able to see the big picture and keep the end goal in mind when creating, designing and producing. Employers want workers who have the ability to conceptualize and can move from design/concept to product.
The enthusiasm to continually learn. Technology tools are constantly changing.Employees who base their careers on one tool will find themselves phased out of jobs as new standards are introduced. Therefore, companies recommend that students learn the theory behind tools as well as just the tools themselves.
CAREER INFORMATION
*
Graphic Design students have
access to on-campus resources
providing students with multiple
options for design projects.
Computer access
Open lab hours are available
to encourage collaborative,
on-campus work time
for students.
In-class Color Printing
Gives students the ability to create
digital color proofs during class
work sessions.
In-class digital diecutting
Students can create precise
cutouts of packaging
and layout projects.
Embossing presses
Students enrolled in required
printmaking courses have access
to embossing presses.
PCC MakerSpace
This newly opened, on-campus
workspace provides students
access to CNC routers,
3-D printers and digital
laser cutters.
First year student work
| building skills in layout & design
YEAR ONE
GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC
find out where it starts at http://www.pcc.edu/about/commitments/sustainability.html
f i n d o u t w h e r e i t s t a r t s a t PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Portland Community Collegeprides itself on being an accessible, affordable, higher education institution. Located in Portland—which has been voted as the “greenest city in America” by Popular Science magazine—it seams only natural to offer sustainable educational options that support the workforce needs of renewable energy providers located within Portland. Through promoting and providing partnerships with local businesses and organizations, PCC is able to provide educational opportunities and training to prospective employees of local businesses.
Portland Community College is working to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and an educational experience for all students. PCC is committed to expanding research, developing community outreach and promoting opportunities that encourage involvement in its sustainable practices at the school and in the community.
Resources Provide educational resources to support community members’ efforts to incorporate s u s t a i n a b l i t y into t h e i r l i v e s . Collaboration
Organize various college d e p a r t m e n t s a n d offices to collaborate on ways to educate the public on sustainability. Publicity The PCC Marketing d e p a r t m e n t h a s developed a plan to publicize PCC’s sustainability efforts. Improve Access To Jobs
Work with the community to ensure access to quality green jobs and promote green job training program as a pathway to a skilled w o r k f o r c e i n a green economy.
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it starts withSpark
SPARK
SUSTAINABILITY
PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE prides itself on being an accessible, affordable, higher education institution. Being located in Portland — which has been voted as the ‘greenest city in America’ by Popular Science magazine — it only seems natural to offer sustainable educational options that support the workforce needs of renewable energy providers located in the City of Portland. Through promoting and providing partnerships with local businesses and organizations, PCC is able to provide educational opportunities training to potential employees of local businesses. PCC is working to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and/or other educational experience for all students. PCC is committed to expanding research, developing community outreach and promoting opportunities which encourage involvement in its sustainable practices at the school and in the community.
RESOURCES Provide educational resources to support community members’ efforts to incorporate sustainability into their lives. COLLABORATION Organize various college departments and offices to collaborate on ways to educate the public on sustainability. PUBLICIZE The PCC Marketing department has developed a plan to publicize PCC’s sustainability efforts. IMPROVE ACCESS TO JOBS Work with community to ensure access to quality green jobs and promote green job training program as a pathway to a skilled workforce in a green economy.
