Digital Arts
Image is Everything: Creative Careers in the Digital Arts
From T-shirt brands to Times Square billboards, digital artists shape the look and feel of our everyday experiences. If you’re a passionate creative with a penchant for computers, a degree or certificate in Digital Arts might be for you.
Golden West College’s Digital Arts program prepares students for entry-level employment in the digital arts through hands-on, project-based learning that focuses on visual communication, graphic design, the role of technology, and the preparation of art for commercial reproduction used in print, web, and mobile campaigns.
Students leave with a deep understanding of visual imagery, illustration, typography, 3D graphics, and the qualities and characteristics of various forms of print, web, mobile, and interactive communications. Successful students graduate with a portfolio suitable for entering the job market and are prepared to transfer to more advanced degree programs.
In addition to providing foundational skills in graphic design, GWC’s hands-on practicum offers several 15-unit certificates that provide additional specialization in such areas as web design, design for the biotechnology industry, and advanced production, while preparing students for more advanced degrees in design and the digital arts.
As the arts continue to merge with new technologies, the demand for computer-savvy professionals who can work with both art and technology will continue to grow!
Program Details
Digital Arts Degrees & Certificates
Golden West College’s expert instructors in Digital Arts share their professional insights while preparing students for cutting-edge careers in the creative design field. Currently, GWC offers one Associate in Arts (AA) degree and five certificates:
Digital Arts — Associate in Arts (AA) degree:
Students learn how to generate artwork utilizing advanced principles of design and the latest technology, applicable to a multimedia environment, and are prepared for careers or advanced degrees in digital arts.
Digital Arts: Graphic Design and Production – Certificate of Achievement:
This 30-unit certificate program provides an introduction to graphic design and illustration with a focus on typography, applied design, digital imaging, and digital reproduction processes.
Digital Arts: Graphic Design Advanced Production – Certificate of Specialization:
This 15-unit certificate program provides an introduction to graphic design with a focus on typography, layout and production, pre-press processes, and file preparation for commercial printing.
Digital Arts: Website Design – Certificate of Specialization:
This 15-unit specialization prepares the student for a career in the field of web design, with a focus on designing the look, layout, functionality, and organization of websites.
Graphic Design Foundation – Certificate of Specialization:
This certificate will prepare students for a career in the field of graphic design and also prepare students for upper-division courses in Digital Arts. The curriculum focuses on foundational graphic design skills, industry standard software, typography, and visual communication.
For additional program details, see the Digital Arts Program Main Page or the Golden West College Catalog.
Why Golden West College?
In a recent workforce survey, 100% of GWC Digital Arts program grads reported finding employment related to their field of study.
Our knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that GWC Digital Arts students learn the latest in software, technology, and industry philosophy.
Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.
Golden Opportunities in Digital Arts
Golden West College Career Education graduates report a 35% average salary increase after completing training! Digital Arts graduates are in demand in these creative careers and more!
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Graphic Designer
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Multimedia Artist
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Illustrator
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Web Designer
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Content Creator
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Graphic Artist
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Production Artist
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Digital Media Specialist
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Creative Director
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Web Developer
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Art Director
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Production Assistant
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Desktop Publisher
Affording the Opportunity
Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future.
Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents.
Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at:
http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.
Future BUILT Support
Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!
Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.
Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!
Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.
Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.
Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.
Gainful Employment Information
For more information regarding the Digital Arts program costs and employment outcome averages, click here.
Program Learning Outcomes
Biotechnology Media Design Certificate of Specialization :
- Generate artwork by utilizing advanced principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment in the biotechnology field.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of advanced level digital art projects in the biotechnology field.
- Utilize software to generate advanced-level digital art projects in the biotechnology field.
Digital Arts Associate in Arts :
- Generate artwork by utilizing advanced principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of advanced level digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate advanced-level digital art projects.
Graphic Design Advanced Production Certificate of Specialization :
- Generate artwork by utilizing advanced principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of advanced level digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate advanced-level digital art projects.
Graphic Design Foundation Certificate of Specialization :
- Generate artwork by utilizing the principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate digital art projects.
Graphic Design Web Site Design Certificate of Specialization :
- Describe the web page design process.
- Design and build simple web pages.
- Design and build advanced web pages.
Graphic Design and Production Certificate of Achievement :
- Generate artwork by utilizing the principles of design and applying these to a multimedia environment.
- Interpret terminology for effective generation and discussion of digital art projects.
- Utilize software to generate digital art projects.
Average Salary in this Field
$37,904 –
$62,697
Careers in this Field
Graphic Designer
Production Artist
Creative Director
Ready to Get Started?
Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your bolder future!
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Have Questions or Want More Information? Contact Us
Golden West Career Education Benefits
67%
Find Employment Within Six Months Of Attending GWC
36%
Increase In Average Income After Graduating
91%
Satisfaction Rate Among GWC Career Education Students
