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Home Academics Programs and Majors Design and Digital Media

Design and Digital Media

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.S. in Design and Digital Media

Design and Digital Media develops coursework in conjunction with Northern California industry leaders. Our courses offer students both current technology and theory in graphic design, digital imaging, digital illustration, and page layout skills for print, web, and other screen-based media, computer animation, 3D modeling, and video game design.

The Design and Digital Media Department partners with industry leaders to develop coursework that blends solid theoretical training with the latest technical tools. Faculty members ensure student engagement with principles of typography, color theory, layout, form, visual message-making, interaction, motion, animation, and game design while preparing students for real-world employment or transfer to a four-year institution. Design and Digital Media has been inspiring creative emergence and developing professional marketability for four decades.

Recommended High School Preparation: Students should complete courses in one or more of the following: art, design, computer skills, photography, journalism, and creative writing.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 30 units from the following: 30
ANIM 301 Animation I (3)
ANIM 302 Animation II (3)
ANIM 303 Animation III (3)
ANIM 307 Motion Graphics I (3)
ANIM 495 Independent Studies in Animation (1 - 3)
DDSN 301 Graphic Design I (3)
DDSN 302 Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 303 Typography I (3)
DDSN 305 History of Graphic Design (3)
DDSN 306 Human-Centered Design (3)
DDSN 311 Digital Layout I (3)
DDSN 312 Digital Layout II (3)
DDSN 331 Digital Imaging I (3)
DDSN 332 Digital Imaging II (3)
DDSN 333 Digital Imaging III (3)
DDSN 335 Digital Imaging - Special Techniques (1.5)
DDSN 341 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design I (3)
DDSN 342 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 360 User Interface Design (3)
DDSN 361 Web Design I (3)
DDSN 362 Web Design II (3)
DDSN 370 Visual Content For Social Media (3)
DDSN 390 Professional Practice and Portfolio (3)
DDSN 391 Design Studio I (3)
DDSN 392 Design Studio II (3)
DDSN 393 Design Studio III (3)
DDSN 495 Independent Studies in Digital Design (1 - 3)
GAME 301 Video Game Design (3)
GAME 303 Video Game Level Design (3)
GAME 495 Independent Studies in Game Design (1 - 3)
MODL 301 3D Modeling I (3)
MODL 302 3D Modeling II (3)
MODL 495 Independent Studies in 3D Modeling (1 - 3)
Total Units: 30

The Design and Digital Media Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of design theory and processes for creating original work.
  • evaluate design opportunities, explore visual responses, and introduce and explain final results of the discovery process to an audience.
  • determine the appropriate tool to solve a visual communication need.
  • apply appropriate type, color, form, and imagery to a visual project.
  • plan and produce a multifaceted project in one or more of these mediums: print, Web, interactive, 3D, animation, or video game.
  • communicate with current and appropriate design and digital media industry vocabulary.
  • utilize design and digital media as a tool of engagement in issues of sustainability, social responsibility, economic equality, and cultural understanding.

Career Information

Career Opportunities may be found in graphic design studios, publications, animation studios, video game design studios, in-house agencies, and self-employment or freelance work.

Certificates of Achievement

3D Animation and Modeling Certificate

This program introduces students to the 3D animation and computer modeling industry. Through lectures and hands-on assignments, students will master real-world production techniques in both animation and 3D modeling. Digital sculpting, texture painting, character rigging, rendering, and compositing are also covered.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ANIM 301 Animation I 3
ANIM 302 Animation II 3
ANIM 303 Animation III 3
ANIM 307 Motion Graphics I 3
MODL 301 3D Modeling I 3
MODL 302 3D Modeling II 3
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the animation production process.
  • recognize and articulate the principles of animation.
  • create effective storyboards for use in the animation process.
  • design and create hard-surface and organic character models.
  • create a character rig.
  • create UVs and custom texture maps.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the 3D rendering process.

Career Information

Upon completion of this program, students will have mastered the necessary skills to complete short animated films and commercial projects for the television, film, biomedical, architectural visualization, legal visualization, product design, and video game industries.


Design and Digital Media Certificate

Design and Digital Media develops coursework in conjunction with Northern California industry leaders. Our courses offer students both current technology and theory in graphic design, digital imaging, digital illustration, and page layout skills for print, web, and other screen-based media, computer animation, 3D modeling, and video game design.

The Design and Digital Media Department partners with industry leaders to develop coursework that blends solid theoretical training with the latest technical tools. Faculty members ensure student engagement with principles of typography, color theory, layout, form, visual message-making, interaction, motion, animation, and game design while preparing students for real-world employment or transfer to a four-year institution. Design and Digital Media has been inspiring creative emergence and developing professional marketability for over four decades.

Recommended High School Preparation: Students should complete courses in one or more of the following: art, design, computer skills, photography, journalism, and creative writing.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 30 units from the following: 30
ANIM 301 Animation I (3)
ANIM 302 Animation II (3)
ANIM 303 Animation III (3)
ANIM 307 Motion Graphics I (3)
ANIM 495 Independent Studies in Animation (1 - 3)
DDSN 301 Graphic Design I (3)
DDSN 302 Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 303 Typography I (3)
DDSN 305 History of Graphic Design (3)
DDSN 306 Human-Centered Design (3)
DDSN 311 Digital Layout I (3)
DDSN 312 Digital Layout II (3)
DDSN 331 Digital Imaging I (3)
DDSN 332 Digital Imaging II (3)
DDSN 333 Digital Imaging III (3)
DDSN 335 Digital Imaging - Special Techniques (1.5)
DDSN 341 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design I (3)
DDSN 342 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 360 User Interface Design (3)
DDSN 361 Web Design I (3)
DDSN 362 Web Design II (3)
DDSN 370 Visual Content For Social Media (3)
DDSN 390 Professional Practice and Portfolio (3)
DDSN 391 Design Studio I (3)
DDSN 392 Design Studio II (3)
DDSN 393 Design Studio III (3)
DDSN 495 Independent Studies in Digital Design (1 - 3)
GAME 301 Video Game Design (3)
GAME 303 Video Game Level Design (3)
GAME 495 Independent Studies in Game Design (1 - 3)
MODL 301 3D Modeling I (3)
MODL 302 3D Modeling II (3)
MODL 495 Independent Studies in 3D Modeling (1 - 3)
Total Units: 30

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of design theory and processes for creating original work.
  • evaluate design opportunities, explore visual responses, and introduce and explain final results of the discovery process to an audience.
  • determine the appropriate tool to solve a visual communication need.
  • apply appropriate type, color, form, and imagery to a visual project.
  • plan and produce a multifaceted project in one or more of these mediums: print, Web, interactive, 3D, animation, or video game.
  • communicate with current and appropriate design and digital media industry vocabulary.
  • utilize design and digital media as a tool of engagement in issues of sustainability, social responsibility, economic equality, and cultural understanding.

Career Information

Career Opportunities may be found in graphic design studios, publications, animation studios, video game design studios, in-house agencies, and self-employment or freelance work.


Game Design Certificate

In this program, students will study the art, technology, science, and design principles for the creation and development of video games. This program covers video game history, game theory, design of computer-based games, delivery systems, development cycles, case studies, ethical and social issues, emerging technologies, industry trends, and the development of 3D art assets. This program emphasizes the understanding and the interdisciplinary nature of video game design, production, and delivery. This program does not include computer programming topics.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ANIM 301 Animation I 3
ANIM 302 Animation II 3
DDSN 331 Digital Imaging I 3
GAME 301 Video Game Design 3
GAME 303 Video Game Level Design 3
MODL 301 3D Modeling I 3
MODL 302 3D Modeling II 3
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • exhibit an understanding of the game design process.
  • communicate an understanding of game structure and elements.
  • identify the various roles in a professional game development environment.
  • build a working game prototype.
  • create 3D art assets for video games.
  • optimize 3D art assets to run correctly in a real-time game engine.

Career Information

Students who successfully complete this program and continue their education in four year programs will be prepared for entry level positions in the video game industry.


Graphic Design Certificate

This program offers students a comprehensive study of graphic design for print and/or digital media using current technologies. The curriculum encompasses the full spectrum of design theory, process, tools, and techniques that students will need to be successful in the graphic design industry. Students will also experience working with clients and preparing final project files and materials for printing or distribution. Students who complete this certificate will be able to produce a variety of print and/or digital media projects and possess a professional portfolio of their work.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DDSN 301 Graphic Design I 3
DDSN 311 Digital Layout I 3
DDSN 331 Digital Imaging I 3
DDSN 341 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design I 3
DDSN 360 User Interface Design 3
DDSN 390 Professional Practice and Portfolio 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ANIM 307 Motion Graphics I (3)
DDSN 302 Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 303 Typography I (3)
DDSN 305 History of Graphic Design (3)
DDSN 306 Human-Centered Design (3)
DDSN 312 Digital Layout II (3)
DDSN 332 Digital Imaging II (3)
DDSN 333 Digital Imaging III (3)
DDSN 342 Digital Illustration for Graphic Design II (3)
DDSN 391 Design Studio I (3)
DDSN 392 Design Studio II (3)
DDSN 393 Design Studio III (3)
Total Units: 24

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of design theory and processes for creating original print and digital media projects.
  • evaluate design opportunities, explore visual responses, and introduce and explain final results to an audience.
  • determine the appropriate tool to solve a visual communication need.
  • apply appropriate type, color, form, and imagery to a visual project.
  • plan, design, and produce a multi-paged, multifaceted project for print and/or digital media.
  • communicate with the current and appropriate design industry vocabulary.
  • utilize design as a tool of engagement in issues of sustainability, social responsibility, economic equality, and cultural understanding.

Career Information

Career Opportunities may be found in graphic design studios, publications, in-house agencies, and self-employment or freelance work. This certificate will also prepare students for studies that may lead to transfer to four-year institutions, such as the design program at CSU, Sacramento, where a mastery of technology skills is required for entry.


User Interface and Web Design Certificate

This program provides a foundation of Web, user interface, and user experience design, and development skills for students interested in careers as user interface designers for human-centered Web and screen-based applications. The students completing this program will acquire tangible skills needed for planning, creating, developing, and maintaining websites and user interfaces for small to medium businesses. Students will be presented with various Web technologies, processes, and techniques, which will provide well-rounded skills for increasing their employment and freelancing potential.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CISW 306 Introduction to Web Page Creation and Web Accessibility 2
CISW 327 Introduction to Web Development coding HTML and CSS 4
DDSN 301 Graphic Design I (3) 3
   or DDSN 311 Digital Layout I (3)
DDSN 331 Digital Imaging I 3
DDSN 360 User Interface Design 3
DDSN 361 Web Design I 3
DDSN 362 Web Design II (3) 3
   or DDSN 306 Human-Centered Design (3)
   or DDSN 391 Design Studio I (3)
DDSN 390 Professional Practice and Portfolio 3
Total Units: 24

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • employ the processes, applications, and languages necessary for publishing interactive, standards compliant, accessible websites and user interfaces.
  • understand and utilize human-centered graphic design principles and how to apply them to meet the needs of a user interface or website project.
  • design and develop UI prototypes and websites individually and as a member of a team, demonstrating effective processes for project planning, user research, information architecture and navigation, content creation, and user interface and user experience design.
  • manage a design project and utilize the communication skills necessary to function productively in interdisciplinary teams and organizational structures.
  • use of an industry-standard content management system to develop and maintain a user-centered, responsive website.
  • communicate the ethical and legal issues associated with creating websites.
  • create a web-based portfolio of work and apply professional strategies to develop a successful career in user interface design, gain freelance clients, and manage projects.

Career Information

Career Opportunities include employment at Web design studios, graphic design studios, in-house design teams, or self-employment.