Graphic Design

A smiling young man sits at his computer which displays his design

Use your creativity to communicate ideas that inform, inspire, and connect with others. Whether you're interested in print or digital media, you'll learn the principles and creative process behind the designs you see every day. Choose the Print Design or Digital Design pathway, or complete both to build a broad foundation in graphic design while developing skills in branding, logo design, typography, color, and visual communication.

Ryan Weis | 314.989.7442 | Send an Email

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Prerequisites

Subject	Sophomore Year		Junior Year
	After 1st Semester	After 2nd Semester	After 1st Semester
English	1.5	2	2.5
Math	1	1.5	2
Science	.5	1	1.5
Social Studies	.5	1	1.5
Minimum Core Needed Includes credits from ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, PLUS up to 1/2 credit Health, 1/2 credit Personal Finance, and 1 credit PE	5	6.5	8
Minimum Total Credits Needed	9	12	15

Linked Courses

Students can choose to take one or both of these year-long courses

Course	Session	Content
Print Design	Morning	Hands-on production of posters, print ads, mock-ups, signage
Digital Design	Afternoon	Digital production of advertising-related content, interactivity, user experience, screen-based design

Related Programs

Eligible juniors who wish to pursue an additional pathway during their senior year can choose from one of these related programs.

Course	Session	Content
Design, Business, & Rapid Prototyping	Morning	Design thinking, rapid model creation and testing, entrepreneurship fundamentals, business, management
Design & Pre-Manufacturing	Afternoon	Hands-on design and development, prototype production, design software, manufacturing tools and machinery

Your School Supplies

Tools & Equipment

Uniform Requirements

Academic Materials

Credits & Certifications

High School Credit

College Credit

Students may be eligible for college credit through the credit for prior learning process at STLCC

College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

Certifications

Adobe Illustrator Certification

College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment depends on student performance in both the course and external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies, and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

Core Essential Skills

Core Essential Skills

Core Essential Skills

Essential Processing Skills Needed for Success

Independently perform basic computer skills; for example manage passwords and access online platforms
Apply problem solving and troubleshooting skills
Ability to follow simple and multi-step verbal and/or written instructions
Demonstrate willingness to ask for help
Ability to manage one’s time; for example, to complete an assignment/project within a given time frame
Ability to accept constructive feedback and adjust work accordingly
Adhere to and follow all program safety rules and expectations and assume personal responsibility for safety
Ability to manage the demands and organizational needs of attending 2 different schools
Creativity and the ability to think outside the box to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems; Artistic; Attention to Details
Ability to read and navigate a postsecondary text
Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents; Independent note taking skills (technical reading)
Understand the implications of new information for current and future problem solving and decision making
Understand and use basic math computations, Algebra and Geometry; including percentages, fractions, decimals, rulers, standard units of measurement
Take initiative to start task(s) once instructions have been given
Ability to communicate information effectively with peers and instructor while using technical terminology
Ability to learn and apply key concepts of spatial awareness and abstract thinking
Ability to accept constructive feedback and adjust work accordingly
Ability to learn and safely operate/use cutting tools and other sharp objects independently

Essential Physical Skills Needed for Success

Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time
Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble
Ability to accept constructive feedback and adjust work accordingly
Keep hand and arm steady or held in one position for a long period of time
See details at close range (within a few inches)
Good hand-eye coordination
Ability to tolerate a studio environment, including overhead lighting, a variety of odors and chemical fumes, touching and working with a variety of textures and surfaces

How will my time be spent?

Program Year	Classroom Time	Lab Time
Print Design	25% - 50%	25% - 50%
Digital Design	25% - 50%	25% - 50%