District
Mt. San Antonio College
College
Mt. San Antonio College
CRLC Member
Jennifer Galbraith
Email
jgalbraith@mtsac.edu
Reason for approval request
New Program
Place of program in college's curriculum/similar program
This Level II Certificate complements three other new Level II Certificates simultaneously submitted. Each of those Level II Certificates are similar in that they require completion of the same Level I Certificate. They differ in their area of emphasis: Marketing, Generalist, and Motion Graphics.
Similar programs at other colleges in the Los Angeles and Orange County Region
It is important to evaluate this certificate request within the context of all the Level 2 certificates. Because of the ever-expanding requirements of entry-level, graphic designer opportunities, we propose a certificate strategy that allows students to complete the basic, core courses (Level 1 certificate) then choose a Level 2 certificate according to their desired area of emphasis. It is probable that after completing the Level 1 certificate, a student will have a strong understanding of the industry and its opportunities. This will allow them to intelligently choose an area of emphasis (generalist, web, motion graphics, marketing).
In addition, since each area of emphasis falls under the broader category of graphic design, there are common course among the Level 2 certificates. This provides more meaningful education to the students and information to prospective employers. Also, should a student (or the student’s employer) desire skill in another area of emphasis, he/she can simply take two more classes to gain that skill and the additional certificate.
Following is a review of service area colleges for potentially similar programs.
Citrus College
Citrus College offers two related certificates: Digital and Web Design (30 units), and Website Development (23.5 units).
Digital and Web Design Description (from website)
“The Digital and Web Design certificate is designed to introduce and develop the basic skills necessary for success as an entry level graphic, digital or web designer. Fundamental to the core of a strong design sensibility, the computer is an essential tool for design success and a complement to composition, design principles, layout, and typography.”
Citrus’ Digital and Web Design certificate is similar to this proposal in that it focuses on the aesthetic aspect of web design, often called “front-end” design. It is different in two ways. First, it does not deal with programming or server technology often called “back-end” development. Second, it does not teach user interface and user experience design for mobile and smart devices—an important skill.
Website Development Description (from website)
“The Website Development Certificate of Achievement is one of several certificate options available in the Information Technology and Information Systems (IT IS) program. The core competencies for this certificate include foundational skills in Information technology (ITIS 104-Information Technology, ITIS 107-Network Technology, and ITIS 115-Computer Information Systems) as well as foundational skills in computer programming (ITIS 141-Programming Fundamentals). These four foundational courses are also required in the other IT IS certificates. Students will advance from the core competencies to develop skills necessary in the field of web creation and design. This includes building dynamic and responsive web sites that can be delivered in a variety of formats such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.”
Citrus’ Website Development certificate is similar to this proposal in that it focuses on the back-end development. It does not provide the necessary aesthetic design, user interface, and user experience skills.
Essentially, this proposed Level 2 - Web Design certificate will provide students with both front-end and back-end skills necessary for successfully entering the field.
Rio Hondo
Rio Hondo has taken a similar approach to offering certificates. As of this year (2018) they are offering six certificate of achievements. They are:
• Graphic Design (generalist) (18 units)
• Graphic Design: Web Design (12 units)
• Graphic Design: Packaging Design (12 units)
• Graphic Design: Publication Design (12 units)
• Graphic Design: Advertising Design (12 units)
• Graphic Design: Branding and Identity Design (12 units)
This is a new program so there is very little information available on these certificates. Following is from Rio Hondo’s website (http://www.riohondo.edu/arts/front-page/programs-offered/graphic-design/commercial-art-degree/):
“Start taking the courses below and they will count towards earning the certificates. These ‘bite-sized’ certificates share courses and are easy to earn. They are a good way to show employers your expertise & experience. The certificates also build toward the Graphic Design AS Degree.”
These certificates are similar in that they offer various similar classes such as Typography, Branding & Identity, and Web Design. But Mt. SAC’s Graphic Design Program offers these courses as well in the current Graphic Design Level 1, Graphic Design Level 2, and Web Design certificates.
The goal of this proposal is to delete the old Web Design Certificate, replace it with a Graphic Design Level 2 – Web Design Certificate and organize three other certificates (Graphic Design Level 2 – Generalist, Graphic Design Level 2 – Web Design, Graphic Design Level 2 – Marketing) into a synergistic, efficient, four-option Level 2 program previously described.
The difference between this proposal and Rio Hondo’s offering is the addition of a server-side programming.
Annual Enrollment projects (non-duplicative)
8
Priority Sector
Graphic Design