This degree program provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of graphic design and digital art. Students develop creativity and ideation skills, learn the theories of communication design and apply this to a wide range of design situations. The program is hands-on, integrating conceptual design studies with traditional and digital tools and production methods. The program goal is to provide the skills necessary to enter this growing, professional field.

Some examples where students might find employment using their design and illustration skills might include website design and development, design and illustration of electronic magazines and books, design of interactive marketing presentations, interactive learning products, scientific visualizations, etc. Advanced students have the opportunity to complete professional career preparation courses that deal with specific business issues relevant for designers, illustrators, and digital artists.

DVC graphic design students who intend to transfer must consult with a program advisor to select appropriate courses and are advised to select either General Education Option 2 (IGETC) or Option 3 (CSU GE). General Education Option 1 (DVC General Education) is appropriate for students who do not intend to transfer.

To earn an associate in arts degree with a major in graphic design, students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher. Degree requirements can be completed by attending classes in the day, evening, online or a combination of those. Some courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.

Program Learning Outcomes

- combine appropriate aesthetic form and content to create evocative and engaging work.

- create appropriate typographic solutions for a variety of design situations.

- demonstrate proficiency with computers, software and production processes.

- select appropriate tools, materials and processes for a range of media products.

- work collaboratively within a creative team.

- critically evaluate and discuss the merits of various creative ideas.

- develop a professional portfolio of work.

The certificate of achievement in printmaking includes fundamental courses within the field of printmaking. The program will introduce both techniques and concepts of printmaking in an academic context. The program requirements are designed for those interested in printmaking as professional practice and may provide preparation for transfer. The printmaking major is available at UC and CSU systems, the San Francisco Art Institute, the California College of Arts, and at other colleges of art and schools of design. Students who wish to transfer must consult with program faculty and college counselors to ensure that the requirements for transfer to appropriate institutions are met.

Students whose educational goal is the associate in arts in fine arts may choose to supplement the degree with a certificate of achievement in printmaking. The fine arts curriculum develops a student’s critical thinking skills, hones problem-solving skills, and establishes visual literacy in print media. Career opportunities that may be enhanced by the printmaking certificate include: printmaking exhibiting artist, print dealer, printmaking educator, graphic designer, illustrator, internships and paid apprenticeships in print publishers, and work in print shops including those specializing in etching, woodblock, letterpress, monotype, and silkscreen processes.

To earn the certificate, students must complete each course with “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the certificate.

Program Learning Outcomes

- create a portfolio demonstrating ideas in a broad range of printmaking techniques.

- create and produce edition art prints from various print media.

- employ critical thinking to analyze art prints in terms of historical content and cultural values.

- demonstrate ability to create prints independently and to present professionally.

- create images suitable for printing.

- critique their own artwork and the artwork of others.

The certificate of achievement in painting and drawing offers a variety of fundamental courses within the field of two-dimensional art. The program will introduce both techniques and concepts of painting and drawing in an academic context. The program requirements are designed for those interested in painting and drawing as a professional practice and may provide preparation for transfer. The requirements for the certificate of achievement in painting and drawing also apply to the associate in arts degree in fine arts. The fine art major in painting and drawing is available at the UC and CSU systems, the San Francisco Art Institute, the California College of the Arts and at other colleges of art and schools of design. Students who wish to transfer must consult with program faculty and college counselors to ensure that the requirements for transfer to appropriate institutions are met.

The fine art curriculum develops a student’s critical thinking abilities, hones problem solving skills and establishes visual literacy in the visual arts. Career opportunities that may be enhanced by the certificate of achievement in painting and drawing include: exhibiting artist, muralist, illustrator, graphic designer, art dealer, art critic and other professions in creative endeavors.

To earn the certificate, students must complete each course with “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

- create a portfolio demonstrating ideas in a broad range of painting and drawing techniques.

- identify the elements that define two-dimensional art.

- employ critical thinking to analyze two-dimensional art works in terms of historical context and cultural values.

- demonstrate basic drawing skills, color manipulation, and application of design principles.

- apply the processes necessary to create drawings in various media and/or paintings in oil, acrylic, and alternative media.

A certificate of achievement in ceramics offers a variety of beginning courses within the field of three-dimensional art. The program will introduce both techniques and concepts of ceramics in an academic context. The program requirements are designed for those interested in ceramics as professional practice and provide exposure to the discipline that may help students decide to continue their studies at a four year institution. The ceramics major is available at UC and CSU systems, the San Francisco Art Institute, the California College of Arts, and at other colleges of art and schools of design.

Students seeking to complete an associate in arts degree in fine arts may choose to supplement that award with a certificate of achievement in ceramics. The fine art curriculum develops students’ critical thinking skills, hones problemsolving skills, and establishes visual literacy in the ceramic medium. The ceramics certificate offers technical training related to the commercial ceramic industry and can lead to career opportunities that include: art educator, exhibiting artist, hand-made production potter, ceramic art studio assistant, art therapy intern, creative tile designer, tile producer, mosaic muralist, portrait sculptor, industrial ceramics product designer, industrial ceramics shop manager, ceramic engineering intern, museum or gallery assistant, art dealer, art critic and other professions in creative, hands-on endeavors.

The certificate of achievement has three components. The first component is a core of two required foundations: one introductory drawing/design class and an art history class. The second component is five classes of ceramics (three required, two elective). The third component is one studio art course outside ceramics.

To earn a certificate, students must complete each course with a “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the certificate.

Program Learning Outcomes

- identify and apply the formal design elements of art.

- create original works of ceramic art.

- create a portfolio demonstrating ideas in a broad range of ceramic techniques.

- formally compare the attributes of ceramics and other art forms.

- employ critical thinking to analyze ceramic art works in terms of historical context and cultural values.

The certificate of achievement in photography is designed to acquaint students with a variety of skills as practiced by photography professionals. The photography curriculum develops a student’s critical thinking skills, hones problem solving skills, and establishes a well-rounded photographic skillset.

The program primarily aims to provide an individual with the knowledge to maximize his or her own proficiency in the photographic arts. While not designed to provide preparation for a career in photography, individuals may apply the skills in a variety of jobs and career fields. Certain required courses provide prerequisite preparation for advanced professional programs should students decide to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.

To earn a certificate of achievement, students must complete each course used to meet a certificate requirement with a “C” grade or higher.

Program Learning Outcomes

- execute technical proficiency using photographic equipment and software appropriate to creative and commercial photographic industries.

- demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts of analog and digital photography in selected areas of emphasis.

- articulate, analyze, and evaluate the meaning in photographs, including social contexts and ethical choices.

- employ critical thinking skills regarding their artwork and the artwork of others.

- work collaboratively within a creative team.

- develop a professional portfolio of work.

This certificate is designed for students interested in developing a contemporary practice as a digital photographer or assistant, or filling a photographic role in visual communication in an organization or industry.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Critically evaluate and understand the aesthetic, cultural, and political development of Photography in historical and contemporary cultures.

- Translate concepts and experiences through images.

- Present finished portfolio for peer, professional or academic review.

- Evaluate and critique photographic work and receive criticism from others.

- Express artistic intents, concepts, and practices in writing.

This is an extensive two year program in all phases of welding: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, OAC, PAC,and CAC-a. The program offers the student classes that must be taken in sequence. A certificate will be granted upon completion of courses listed below.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Work efficiently and safely in a variety of welding environments.

- Exhibit good work habits while working independently and/or part of a team.

- Identify, understand and apply appropriate welding processes and technologies to a planned end result.

- Develop the knowledge base to accomplish the above outcome.

The Combination Welding Technician Certificate of Achievement prepares the student for more advanced placement in an entry level position in the welding industry of their choice.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- The student will be able to work safely and follow safety procedure in a welding environment.

- The student will be able to utilize SMAW, GMAW, FCAW,GTAW, OAC, PAC, and CAC-A in all positions on structural and pipe welding applications.

- The student will be able to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, assembly details and American Welding Society welding symbols.

- The student will be able to work and contribute to a team and work with minimal supervision.

The ASL program provides a foundation of interpreting skills for students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution in order to become an interpreter. The coursework presents American Sign Language in a cross-cultural context, addressing the ethics and standards expected of a professional interpreter.

The Certificate of Achievement can be obtained by completing all courses within the 27 unit major with a minimum grade of C or a P if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

🗸 Demonstrate an understanding of Deaf culture, and the ethics and standards of professional ASL environment.

🗸 Sign effectively, using appropriate skills, in working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Welding Technician Basic Certificate of Achievement prepares the student for pre-apprentice positions in the welding industry. The required courses are applicable to the Welding AS degree.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- The student will be able to set up and operate manual and semi-automatic welding and cutting equipment commonly used in the welding industry.

- The student will be able to perform basic layout and fabrication to construct welded metal parts common to the welding industry.

- The student will be able to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, basic welding codes and American Welding Society Weld Symbols.

- The student will be able to work as part of a team and perform skills in a professional, ethical manner.

- The student will be able to perform welding and cutting operations in the flat, horizontal, vertical up and down, and in the overhead fabrication positions using GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, OAC, and PAC.

- The student will be able to develop the skills needed to qualify as a certified welder under the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code.