Graphic Design Courses at CDI College
Program Name:
Computer Graphic Design
| Drawing I |
| Course Number |
CM10B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course is an introductory level drawing course designed to have the students apply the fundamental concepts of drawing. Students will experiment with the use of basic shapes and techniques in drawing simple objects comprised of lines, shapes, forms and shading patterns. This course will also continue the coverage of the notions of perspective, scale, and proportions and their role in the production of realistic looking drawings. Students will also gain an understanding of light source placement and shadow casting and how these translate into a final drawing. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by developing drawings in a progressive manner. |
| Photoshop I |
| Course Number |
CM10C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course introduces the students to the popular image-editing software Adobe Photoshop. The main objective of this course is to teach the student graphical image production using Adobe Photoshop. Through this ‘hands-on’ course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features and tips, to prepare images for the Web and for print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create and enhance sophisticated images using Adobe Photoshop’s tools and features. They will learn how to correct and modify print as well as Web images using various techniques and organizational tools. They will also learn how to apply special effects to original and composite images. |
| Illustrator |
| Course Number |
CM10E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students to produce professional quality illustrations such as technical illustrations, mapping, and illustrating from photographic reference using Illustrator. Students learn how to create illustrations that will meet the exacting demands and standards of art directors and advertising agencies. They will also learn to express their creativity through distortion, blends, fills, masks and effects tools offered by the software. |
| Typography I |
| Course Number |
GD20A |
In this course students learn the basic principles of typography its role in graphic design. Students learn about the evolution for typography from basic symbols and forms to sophisticated fonts and letterforms. Students work with type to discover the building blocks of type, classical and modern fonts, and typographic measurement units. The course teaches students to integrate type in both manual and computerized contexts. |
| Digital Photography |
| Course Number |
GD20B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
In this course, students are introduced to digital photography, including camera set up and common program modes. Students learn the principles of lighting, composition and exposure, as well as focal lengths and lenses. Students learn to download and organize photos and how to fine-tune and edit photos using Photoshop Elements. |
| Conceptualization |
| Course Number |
GD20C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course introduces students to creating solutions to design challenges.Emphasis is placed on the tools and techniques used in the design process. Students use critical thinking techniques creativity to develop original solutions to design challenges. Various case studies will be presented in order to highlight design challenges and the processes that were used to arrive at a solution. |
| Photoshop II |
| Course Number |
GD20D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the to produce graphics and textures using the advanced functions of digital imaging software. Students work with slices, layers, rollovers and other features to produce high quality images for print production or web display. |
| Electronic Design I |
| Course Number |
GD30B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students about the processes of layout and page design. Students learn to apply design concepts in order to the develop creative page layout designs. Students will learn to import and prepare various components and incorporate them into the final page layout. The tools and features of composition and layout software packages are also explored. |
| Typography II |
| Course Number |
GD30A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This advanced course in typography will build on the foundations laid in Typography I. Students learn to use specialty software to produce digital typography solutions. Students also gain insight into using type as a design element. |
| Publication Design |
| Course Number |
GD20E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students lay out a publication in various formats. Students learn about designing single and multi-page publications that combine graphics, type, textures and colors while addressing some of the common printing and publication challenges. |
| Electronic Design II |
| Course Number |
GD30C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students digital page composition in modern print production. The course such advanced topics as electronic pre-press, color management and color scales, digital and variable data printing, dynamic publishing, and direct to plate and convention separations. Students also learn about post press and finishing processes. Students will learn to create multiple page digital pre-press documents. |
| Package Design |
| Course Number |
GD30D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the fundamentals of package design. Students learn about package materials, design processes, and production of a package. They also learn about the types of packages in use today, as well as current trends and concerns surrounding packaging. Students combine creative design concepts and choice of materials to develop creative packaging solutions. The course will explore some of the most notable packaging successes. |
| Corporate Design |
| Course Number |
GD30E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the unique factors role of graphic design in developing branding or corporate identity systems. Students learn the components of a corporate identity system and the impact of corporate logos, colour selection, symbols, type, branding elements, stationary and other collateral elements. Students examine case studies and learn how graphic design influenced their corporate identity systems. |
| Portfolio Production I |
| Course Number |
GD40A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course prepares students for job interviews by helping them compile and defend a first draft of their portfolio. Students will build a portfolio demonstrating their skills in conceptualization, design, and more. Students identify a preferred skill set and to select distinguishing portfolio pieces that showcase their work. This will then provide them with a focus for polishing their technique and developing a unique style. Students will receive feedback from instructors, peers, and industry professionals. |
| Advertising Design I |
| Course Number |
GD40B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course explores the role of the graphic designer in advertising. Students learn about modern promotion and marketing,consumerism, visual stimuli, target markets, product placement and advertising theories and strategies. Students explore some of the issues and challenges that must be considered when design advertising collateral. |
| Illustrator II |
| Course Number |
GD40D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course builds on Illustrator I to teach students the importance of digital page composition in modern print production. Advanced topics in print production are covered including electronic pre-press, colour management, dynamic publishing, digital and variable data printing, colour scales, and direct to plate and convention separations. |
| Web Design I |
| Course Number |
GD40E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This Course Teaches Students The Foundations Of Web Site Development. Students Learn About The Components Of An Html / Xhtml Based Web Site. Students Design And Create A Fully Functional Web Site Using The Tags And Features Of The Markup Languages And Learn To Create Text, Tables, Images Forms And Hyperlinks To Populate Their Site. |
| Portfolio Production II |
| Course Number |
GD50A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course prepares students to put the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral. |
| Advertising Design II - Marketing |
| Course Number |
GD50B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students how promotion, price, distribution, target markets and a product itself relate the design component of advertising. Students will learn to produce designs that are relevant to particular target market and how corporate marketing strategy, budgets and a company's vision will influence the design of advertising collateral. |
| Web Design II |
| Course Number |
GD50D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students to author a dynamic Web site using a dedicated Web-authoring tool and server technology. Students build upon their Web design skills and learn to integrate all design, technology, and graphic design and presentation skills into producing a final interactive web site. Students will be asked to work with the full line of software packages and technologies including DreamWeaver, Flash, Photoshop, and Illustrator. |
| Life Drawing I |
| Course Number |
CM10A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
In this course, students learn to draw anatomically correct structures of the human body while observing live models. Correct anatomical proportions and accurate musculature are emphasized. Students are also introduced to shading and lighting techniques and views and perspective. |
| Color & Design |
| Course Number |
CM10D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental principles of design and color theory. Students will be introduced to the principle concepts of design such as layout, composition and balance, as well as the theories of color and how to use color creatively. These concepts will be presented in theory as well as reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into good design. |
Program description: CDI College's graphic design program provides students with the solid technical and creative foundation they need to thrive in the graphic design industry.
Students learn drawing, colour theory, and typography while working on industry-standard software. Over the course of the program, students will build a strong portfolio of designs for publications, websites, packaging, advertising, and branding.
Graduates of will be prepared for entry level graphic design jobs at newspaper, magazines, web development firms, printers, and more.
Program Name:
Graphic Design
| Typography II |
| Course Number |
GD30A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This advanced course in typography will build on the foundations laid in Typography I. Students learn to use specialty software to produce digital typography solutions. Students also gain insight into using type as a design element |
| Advertising Design I |
| Course Number |
GD40B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course explores the role of the graphic designer in advertising. Students learn about modern promotion and marketing,consumerism, visual stimuli, target markets, product placement and advertising theories and strategies. Students explore some of the issues and challenges that must be considered when design advertising collateral |
| Portfolio Production II |
| Course Number |
GD50A |
| Credits |
96.0 |
This course prepares students to put the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral |
| Advertising Design II - Marketing |
| Course Number |
GD50B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students how promotion, price, distribution, target markets and a product itself relate the design component of advertising. Students will learn to produce designs that are relevant to particular target market and how corporate marketing strategy, budgets and a company's vision will influence the design of advertising collateral |
| Life Drawing I |
| Course Number |
CM10A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
In this course, students learn to draw anatomically correct structures of the human body while observing live models. Correct anatomical proportions and accurate musculature are emphasized. Students are also introduced to shading and lighting techniques and views and perspective. |
| Drawing I |
| Course Number |
CM10B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course is an introductory level drawing course designed to have the students apply the fundamental concepts of drawing. Students will experiment with the use of basic shapes and techniques in drawing simple objects comprised of lines, shapes, forms and shading patterns. This course will also continue the coverage of the notions of perspective, scale, and proportions and their role in the production of realistic looking drawings. Students will also gain an understanding of light source placement and shadow casting and how these translate into a final drawing. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by developing drawings in a progressive manner. |
| Photoshop I |
| Course Number |
CM10C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course introduces the students to the popular image-editing software Adobe Photoshop. The main objective of this course is to teach the student graphical image production using Adobe Photoshop. Through this ‘hands-on’ course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features and tips, to prepare images for the Web and for print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create and enhance sophisticated images using Adobe Photoshop’s tools and features. They will learn how to correct and modify print as well as Web images using various techniques and organizational tools. They will also learn how to apply special effects to original and composite images. |
| Color & Design |
| Course Number |
CM10D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental principles of design and color theory. Students will be introduced to the principle concepts of design such as layout, composition and balance, as well as the theories of color and how to use color creatively. These concepts will be presented in theory as well as reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into good design. |
| Illustrator |
| Course Number |
CM10E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students to produce professional quality illustrations such as technical illustrations, mapping, and illustrating from photographic reference using Illustrator. Students learn how to create illustrations that will meet the exacting demands and standards of art directors and advertising agencies. They will also learn to express their creativity through distortion, blends, fills, masks and effects tools offered by the software. |
| Typography I |
| Course Number |
GD20A |
In this course students learn the basic principles of typography its role in graphic design. Students learn about the evolution for typography from basic symbols and forms to sophisticated fonts and letterforms. Students work with type to discover the building blocks of type, classical and modern fonts, and typographic measurement units. The course teaches students to integrate type in both manual and computerized contexts. |
| Digital Photography |
| Course Number |
GD20B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
In this course, students are introduced to digital photography, including camera set up and common program modes. Students learn the principles of lighting, composition and exposure, as well as focal lengths and lenses. Students learn to download and organize photos and how to fine-tune and edit photos using Photoshop Elements. |
| Conceptualization |
| Course Number |
GD20C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course introduces students to creating solutions to design challenges.Emphasis is placed on the tools and techniques used in the design process. Students use critical thinking techniques creativity to develop original solutions to design challenges. Various case studies will be presented in order to highlight design challenges and the processes that were used to arrive at a solution. |
| Photoshop II |
| Course Number |
GD20D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the to produce graphics and textures using the advanced functions of digital imaging software. Students work with slices, layers, rollovers and other features to produce high quality images for print production or web display. |
| Electronic Design I |
| Course Number |
GD30B |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students about the processes of layout and page design. Students learn to apply design concepts in order to the develop creative page layout designs. Students will learn to import and prepare various components and incorporate them into the final page layout. The tools and features of composition and layout software packages are also explored. |
| Publication Design |
| Course Number |
GD20E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students lay out a publication in various formats. Students learn about designing single and multi-page publications that combine graphics, type, textures and colors while addressing some of the common printing and publication challenges. |
| Electronic Design II |
| Course Number |
GD30C |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students digital page composition in modern print production. The course such advanced topics as electronic pre-press, color management and color scales, digital and variable data printing, dynamic publishing, and direct to plate and convention separations. Students also learn about post press and finishing processes. Students will learn to create multiple page digital pre-press documents. |
| Package Design |
| Course Number |
GD30D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the fundamentals of package design. Students learn about package materials, design processes, and production of a package. They also learn about the types of packages in use today, as well as current trends and concerns surrounding packaging. Students combine creative design concepts and choice of materials to develop creative packaging solutions. The course will explore some of the most notable packaging successes. |
| Corporate Design |
| Course Number |
GD30E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students the unique factors role of graphic design in developing branding or corporate identity systems. Students learn the components of a corporate identity system and the impact of corporate logos, colour selection, symbols, type, branding elements, stationary and other collateral elements. Students examine case studies and learn how graphic design influenced their corporate identity systems. |
| Portfolio Production I |
| Course Number |
GD40A |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course prepares students for job interviews by helping them compile and defend a first draft of their portfolio. Students will build a portfolio demonstrating their skills in conceptualization, design, and more. Students identify a preferred skill set and to select distinguishing portfolio pieces that showcase their work. This will then provide them with a focus for polishing their technique and developing a unique style. Students will receive feedback from instructors, peers, and industry professionals. |
| Illustrator II |
| Course Number |
GD40D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course builds on Illustrator I to teach students the importance of digital page composition in modern print production. Advanced topics in print production are covered including electronic pre-press, colour management, dynamic publishing, digital and variable data printing, colour scales, and direct to plate and convention separations. |
| Web Design I |
| Course Number |
GD40E |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This Course Teaches Students The Foundations Of Web Site Development. Students Learn About The Components Of An Html / Xhtml Based Web Site. Students Design And Create A Fully Functional Web Site Using The Tags And Features Of The Markup Languages And Learn To Create Text, Tables, Images Forms And Hyperlinks To Populate Their Site. |
| Web Design II |
| Course Number |
GD50D |
| Credits |
48.0 |
This course teaches students to author a dynamic Web site using a dedicated Web-authoring tool and server technology. Students build upon their Web design skills and learn to integrate all design, technology, and graphic design and presentation skills into producing a final interactive web site. Students will be asked to work with the full line of software packages and technologies including DreamWeaver, Flash, Photoshop, and Illustrator. |
Program description: CDI College's graphic design program provides students with the solid technical and creative foundation they need to thrive in the graphic design industry.
Students learn drawing, colour theory, and typography while working on industry-standard software. Over the course of the program, students will build a strong portfolio of designs for publications, websites, packaging, advertising, and branding.
Graduates of will be prepared for entry level graphic design jobs at newspaper, magazines, web development firms, printers, and more.