Completion of math, writing and reading assessments are required for enrollment in any certificate or AA/AS degree program.  Please contact Counseling Services for more information:
(530) 938-5353.

Students must receive a "C" grade or better in all major or certificate coursework.

Certificate and Associate Degree Worksheets

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

College of the Siskiyous and its staff offer equal opportunities without regard to race, religion, disability, age, national origin, marital status, or gender in employment, services, and programs. Special accommodations are available for any phase of the application or enrollment process for individuals with disabilities.

The Graphic Design and Web Design Certificate Programs offer instruction in the rapidly expanding field  of computerized graphic design. Although state-of-the art  graphic and web design software is utilized in both programs, imagination and creativity are the cornerstones of the programs. It is expected that students will develop individual styles and techniques using both PC and  Macintosh-based platforms. Principles of design, composition, color and other art foundation concepts are stressed. Students are expected to emerge from either program with a viable portfolio of  original work to present to prospective clients and/or employers. Both day and evening classes are available.

Graphic Design

Career Preparation:
Two years of training beyond high school is preferred by employers.It takes a minimum of two to four years of training to be qualified as a commercial artist or graphic designer. Those who use computer software to create designs need an art/design background, along with a sense of innovation and creativity. It is not necessary to be a graduate of an art school to become a successful computer graphics specialist. Knowledge of graphic production, computer-generated imagery, and the principles of art and design are essential, as is the ability to express a client's ideas in graphic form, exhibiting your own style and technique. Evidence of experience with industry standard design software, such as Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign, along with a strong, professionally presented portfolio, is usually required by employers.

Web Design

Career Preparation:
Many job descriptions for Web designers require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, fine arts or similar fields. However, the Web is evolving so quickly that traditional university programs may still be too cumbersome for potential Web designers. If you are looking to get into the field as quickly as possible, then consider taking some specialized courses in the areas that are of interest to you in a specialized program such as the Web Design Certificate Program. At a minimum, Web designers need to be familiar with HTML, JavaScript, and understand the way Web graphics such as JPEGs and GIFs work. You should also be proficient with industry-standard graphic-design software such as Adobe PhotoShop Illustrator. Industry standard software includes Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe GoLive.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014 as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Employment of desktop publishers is expected to grow faster than average through 2014, as more page layout and design work is performed in-house using computers and sophisticated publishing software.