The Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement is a two-year program designed to provide students with entry-level skills for business or industry in the field of graphic design and is structured to provide a practical, hands-on experience in graphic fundamentals. The program addresses basic design principles, layout techniques, professional typographic treatments, computer applications, digital illustration, computer production techniques, offset printing requirements, and business practices. It provides the most current information, technology and equipment possible. Most of the instructors are practicing professionals in the field of graphic design. Students spend much of their time creating practical design pieces from initial sketches all the way through to final digital output that ultimately becomes an integral part of a professional student portfolio.

A graphics professional is a person who loves problem-solving on a visual level. This individual enjoys collaborating with others to create effective communication pieces to address client marketing and advertising goals. The designer helps create identities, business systems, posters, flyers, brochures, book covers, advertisements, billboards, packages, magazines, newsletters, wine labels, websites, compact disk packaging, etc. etc. Graphic design tends to be a fast-paced, deadline-driven profession that demands creativity, quick thinking, good organization, excellent technical skills and well developed visual as well as verbal communication skills.

The program is designed to address graphic design skill sets. In partnership with the Computer Studies application offerings, the Graphic Design students master the Adobe graphics standard computer application programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign. The companion design, production and illustration classes operate in a workshop manner with lots of real-world projects, feedback and group work as part of the curriculum. Additional coursework in business practices and portfolio development helps to round out this very practical approach to instruction. Students will learn how to:

• develop strong, effective visual communication concepts
• communicate visually with hand-drawn sketches
• create simple graphic treatments using basic illustration techniques
• use the computer as a production and creativity tool
• create mock-ups of all types of graphic design using hand skills
• set-up computer files for off-set printing
• use typography effectively
• work with clients and printers
• set up a freelance studio and bid on graphic design projects
• create a professional portfolio

The graphic designer has many employment opportunities in this exciting field including production artist, in-house graphic designer, freelance designer, or computer illustrator. Many students in the program have jobs in the field before they graduate. We offer an intern program for qualified students to gain on-the-job experience with local businesses while acquiring new skills.

Students who complete the program work for a variety of businesses in the local community. Publishers hire them to do advertising design, production, PhotoShop work, layout, and design. Small businesses require data sheets, newsletters, websites, advertising and brochures. Graphic design studios need employees with strong computer backgrounds, good ideation techniques and precise mock-up skills. Many students graduate with the goal of owning their own free-lance businesses.

This certificate is the second step in a career ladder. Students who have already completed the Graphic Design Production Fundamentals Skills Certificate will have fulfilled a portion of the Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement. For students interested in an Associate degree, a Graphic Design major is available.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Develop professional-level communication visuals from initial concept all the way through printed materials using design principles, an understanding of graphic design history, typographic knowledge, hand mock-up and illustration skills, advanced computer skills using the Adobe Suite, and pre-press knowledge;
2. Set up and manage a one-person freelance studio complying with governmental regulations, estimating projects, writing up proposals, negotiating with clients, keeping records, billing clients, and managing finances; and
3. Create and present a professional portfolio of at least fifteen finished projects to potential employers and clients using professional level interviewing skills and well designed collateral materials.

This certificate is currently on hiatus. All classes may not be currently offered. Please consult a counselor or program coordinator for more information.

Geospatial Technology Program "Because everything is somewhere!"
The Geospatial Technology Certificate of Achievement program prepares students for a variety of technical positions in many different professions. Geospatial Technology incorporates new technology with traditional disciplines by mapping and analyzing features and events.

A career in Geospatial Technology
In general, people who are inquisitive, have a good work ethic and possess a passion and excitement for exploration are a perfect fit for the geospatial industry. The field attracts people from many different disciplines like agriculture, astronomy, civil engineering, computer science, geography, geology, forestry, history, natural resources, public safety and surveying backgrounds. Geospatial technology curriculum includes courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, computer-aided drafting (CAD), surveying, civil engineering, geography and computer science.

The student will be able to manipulate, analyze, map and display spatial data and information, combining layers of information about a place to give a better understanding of that place. What layers of information are combined depends on the purpose; of finding the best location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar crimes in a city to detect a pattern, and other related uses.

The program sequence is set up to allow the student to progress through four semesters and achieve a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate’s Degree in Geospatial Technology. We offer classes at least once per year and accommodate the number of students as best we can. This program also prepares students to transfer to a university to continue their studies.

What is Geospatial Technology?
The U.S. Geological Survey defines Geospatial Technology as, "a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced information." That is, data is identified according to location. It also includes the procedures, operating personnel, and spatial data that go into the system. The power of geospatial technology comes from the ability to relate different information in a spatial context and to reach a conclusion about this relationship.

Geospatial Technology is one of the fastest growing career fields in North America, with analysis and planning applications in numerous areas. Virtually any agency, business, or organization that utilizes land planning or analysis of business problems to model systems and alternatives before management decisions are implemented can benefit from utilizing geospatial technology to accurately capture and display a variety of geographically related information.

Career Options
Excellent employment opportunities exist in the geospatial fields. Geospatial technology is for men and women who are interested in data collection and management, mapping, and spatial analysis. Opportunities are available in both public service and private enterprise including local, state, and federal agencies, national parks, non-profit organizations, private consulting firms, and business. Geospatial Technology has applications in economics and market research analysis, emergency response, environmental protection and planning, land use planning, public health and safety, utility planning and management, transportation planning, delivery route planning, real estate, and crime prevention, among others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities in the geospatial field to grow steadily through 2014. The areas of urban planning, architecture, construction, and disaster and emergency planning will be particularly strong.

Geographic Information Systems Career Ladder

• GIS Principal (Private Industry Owner, experience and 4-year degree or advanced degree and generally specialize in a particular discipline
• GIS Manager (Supervisor, with experience and 4-year degree or advanced degree)
• GIS Analyst (Lead Person, experience and 4-year degree)
• GIS Technician I, II, and III (Certificate of Achievement from SRJC and experience)
• Mapping Technician (Certificate from SRJC and experience)

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Define and describe geospatial terminology, methods, procedures, standards and technology;
2. Create, edit and analyze geographic, spatial and remotely sensed data;
3. Communicate clearly and effectively in oral, written and graphic formats;
4. Prepare layouts, reports, charts and graphs to support different geospatial applications;
5. Produce finished quality maps representing a basic analysis, a basic survey or a basic scale-based, descriptive, diagrammatic summary;
6. Create a Geographic Information System (GIS) map following standard cartographic principles which can be utilized within a professional portfolio;
7. Demonstrate analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills in geographic information science and technology; and
8. Describe the influence/effect that geospatial science and technology has on the local, regional, national and global communities.

See General Education Option C worksheet for additional information

The General Education Option C: Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Certificate of Achievement is designed for students planning to transfer to either the California State University (CSU) or the University of California (UC) system. It offers students a program of study which meets IGETC general education transfer requirements. Although the certificate recognizes the completion of IGETC general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus within the CSU or UC system nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major. Some majors and colleges may require a different lower division preparation and/or a higher GPA than is necessary for this certificate. Students are strongly advised to meet with a counselor to discuss transfer requirements and lower division major preparation that is needed for their intended transfer school.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
2. Critically analyze and solve problems.
3. Organize and present information in a logical and understandable manner.

See General Education Option B worksheet for additional information

The General Education: CSU Breadth Requirements Certificate of Achievement is designed for students planning to transfer to the California State University (CSU) System. It offers students a program of study which meets the lower division CSU general education requirements. Although the certificate recognizes the completion of lower division CSU general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus within the CSU system nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major. Some majors and colleges may require a different lower division preparation and/or a higher GPA than is necessary for this certificate. Students are strongly advised to meet with a counselor to discuss transfer requirements and lower division major preparation that is needed for their intended transfer school.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
2. Critically analyze and solve problems.
3. Organize and present information in a logical and understandable manner.

See General Education Option A worksheet for additional information

The General Education Option A: Local Certificate of Achievement is designed for students wishing to complete local general education requirements without transferring to a four-year institution.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
2. Critically analyze and solve problems.
3. Organize and present information in person in a logical and understandable manner.

The Floral Design Certificate of Achievement prepares students for work in the floral design industry. Flower care and handling, basic design, use of seasonal, dry, silk, or exotic plant materials, floral decoration, and special occasion arrangement are some of the skills and topics covered in the program.

Individuals typically find employment in many areas of the floral industry, such as retail flower shops, large retailers, wholesale suppliers, wineries, growers, and event and party planners.

With the great number of floral-related businesses in Sonoma County, the job outlook is good. While the number of retail flower shops has remained constant, flowers are becoming available in many types of stores, such as supermarkets and mass merchandisers. In addition, the growth of the Sonoma County tourism industry is leading to more job opportunities. Flowers used for weddings, special events and conventions are increasing the demand for qualified floral designers.

This program of study is also available as an Associate degree major option.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Name and properly use the tools and mechanics in floral design;
2. Demonstrate proper standards of care and handling of fresh floral materials;
3. Create fresh floral arrangements and distinguish between the different types of design styles; and
4. Demonstrate an entry-level knowledge of retail flower shop operation.

The Fitness, Nutrition, and Health Certificate of Achievement at Santa Rosa Junior College is designed to provide an in-depth study and practical application of principles of nutrition, weight management, behavior modification, fitness testing, physical fitness training, exercise leadership and program design. This certificate/major is for students seeking careers and/or additional training in the fitness and health industry. Possible career opportunities may include personal trainer, group exercise instructor, health or wellness coach, weight management consultant, aerobic dance instructor, and fitness instructor. This program also prepares students to sit for nationally recognized certification exams such as American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

This certificate is unique in its design because in addition to learning principles of exercise science, it also encompasses comprehensive topics in the area of health, nutrition, and behavior change vital for fitness trainers to address broader client goals and to meet the need of a growing trend toward wellness type coaching. This certificate also has a strong emphasis on practical “hands-on” experience and teaching techniques.

This program of study is also available as an Associate degree major option.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Design safe and effective training programs based on client needs, goals, fitness level and health history;
2. Demonstrate proper individual and group exercise leadership skills for general and special populations;
3. Evaluate client food intake and educate clients on healthful eating habits for weight management and physical performance;
4. Integrate behavior modification techniques and concepts of health and wellness to formulate comprehensive training plans; and
5. Analyze emerging information in the field of nutrition, health, and fitness and differentiate between credible and non-credible sources and information.

The Firefighter I Academy Certificate of Achievement is intended for pre-Fire Service students and Fire Service professionals (volunteer and paid firefighters) to train in an accepted State curriculum, and as an Accredited Regional Training Program, the Academy is certified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. In addition to the Academy completion certificate, candidates will need to complete field experience (1-year volunteer or 6 months full-time) in order to obtain their Firefighter I certificate.

The academy includes over 585 hours of instruction and basic firefighting skills needed for the entry-level professional firefighter to perform his/her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 1001, Standards for Firefighter Professional Qualifications, the 2020 edition of NFPA 1051, Standards for Wildland Firefighter Professional Qualifications, and the s 2017 NFPA 1072: Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications (2017). The seven overarching themes of the California State Firefighter 1 and 2 curriculum are general knowledge germane to the profession, fire department communication, fire ground operations, rescue operations, preparedness and maintenance, wildland suppression activities, and hazardous materials/WMD.

In addition to the curriculum identified in these standards, students receive additional instruction in the areas of Auto extrication, the Incident Command System (ICS), Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations (LARRO), an expanded Wildland Firefighting component that meets the requirements necessary to obtain a Cal Fire Basic Firefighter Certificate, Confined Space Awareness and a rigorous physical training component.

Prior to enrolling in the academy, students must complete EMT (EMC 105) or First Responder (EMC 100).

For students interested in an Associate degree, a Fire Technology major is also available.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Describe fire department organization and the expectations of entry-level firefighters;
2. Differentiate types of fire behavior and its impact on structural and wildland situations;
3. Demonstrate and apply the use of fire department equipment through its selection for given firefighting tasks;
4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of strategies, tactics and incident command through the selection and implementation of firefighting methods and the application of the Incident Command System (ICS); and
5. Demonstrate safe practices by using minimum standard safety procedures.

This Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement prepares individuals for an entry-level career in the fire service by providing a foundation of core concepts, practices, vocabulary, culture, safety and requirements for the fire service. The program follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is a component of accreditation from the State Fire Marshal.

The Fire Technology program is accredited as a regional fire academy by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the State Board of Fire Services.

For students interested in an Associate degree, a Fire Technology major is also available.

Most job growth will occur as a result of the need to replace firefighters who promote, retire, stop working for other reasons, or transfer to other occupations. The fire academy reviews and administers a physical agility test. A valid Class C and/or B driver's license and possession of EMT certification may be required for employment.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Describe all elements of the fire service including fire service history, culture and diversity; minimum qualifications and entry-level skills; and all elements of the application, hiring and probationary process.
2. Analyze, appraise and evaluate fire and emergency incidents and identify components of emergency management and firefighter safety.
3. Identify and comprehend laws, regulations, codes and standards that influence fire department operations and identify regulatory and advisory organizations that create and mandate them, especially in the areas of fire prevention, building codes and ordinances and firefighter health and safety;
4. Analyze the causes of fire, determine extinguishing agents and methods; differentiate the stages of the fire and fire development, and compare methods of heat transfer;
5. Identify and describe the equipment and apparatus used in the fire service and the maintenance of said equipment and apparatus;
6. Identify and describe common types of building construction and conditions associated with structural collapse and firefighter safety; and
7. Differentiate between fire detection and alarm systems and identify common health and safety concerns of firefighters and first responders.

The Fire Science - Company Officer certificate of achievement is designed for students who have already obtained State Fire Training Firefighter II and provides the student with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be a successful first-line supervisor. The program includes California State recognized coursework that directly benefits students who may wish to advance within the fire service to a supervisory position.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills;
2. Apply necessary skills to be a successful Company Officer;
3. Understand and apply foundational knowledge as a Company Officer supervisor.