Graphic Design (GRD)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Graphic Design (GRD)

Students in the Graphic Design program begin their studies with emphasis on two-dimensional art and design, both traditional and computer-based, using industry-standard software products. After successful completion of a required portfolio review process, students focus on advanced skills such as brand design and implementation, and motion design.

Currently many courses required for the degree are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some of the required courses also are offered in the evening or on weekends.

Students entering the Graphic Design program are expected to own a laptop computer and a subscription to cloud-based software used in classes. Additional information is available on the Graphic Design page of the College website or from the program chair.

Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Job titles for graduates include graphic designer, motion designer, production artist, or web graphics/interface designer.

For more information, please contact the Engineering and Information Technologies Division at (513) 569-1743.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Graphic Design (GRD)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
ART 125Design Principles ( B) 233
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
MID 120Drawing Fundamentals for Multimedia Information Design ( B) 233
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
MKT 115Marketing Research for Multimedia Professionals ( B) 303
Semester 2  
ART 120Design History ( G) 303
GRD 120Beginning 2D Graphics: Bitmap ( B) 233
GRD 130Beginning 2D Graphics: Vector ( T) 233
MAT 105Quantitative Reasoning ( G) 223
WEB 111Web Development 1 ( B) 233
Semester 3  
GRD 150Design Concepts: Typography ( T) 233
GRD 200Graphic Design Portfolio Review ( T) 101
GRD 215Applied 2D Graphics: GRD ( T) 233
GRD 250User Interface Design and Implementation ( T) 233
MID 190Career Preparation: Multimedia Information Design ( B) 202
Semester 4  
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
XXX XXX Animation Elective (T)  233
XXX XXX Social/Behavioral Science Elective (G)  303
GRD 240Packaging Design ( T) 233
Semester 5  
GRD 230Brand Identity Development ( T) 233
GIT 255Graphic Imaging Production Processes ( T) 233
GRD 290Graphic Design Capstone ( T) 233
Semester 6  
GRD 294Internship 1: Graphic Design ( T) 1402
Total Credits:  488163

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
ENG 105English Composition 2: Business Communication3
Animation Elective
AVP 240Motion Graphics/Compositing: After Effects3
GRD 2603D Visualization5
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
Any CRJ, ECO, GEO, HST, LBR, POL, PSY, SOC3

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Graphic Design (GRD)

  • Students will have a strong working knowledge of fundamental design principles.
  • Students must be able for successfully navigate brand standards (designing under existing restrictions, as well as creating guidelines for future designers).
  • Students must have a strong grasp of typography and typographic principles, in both small amounts (posters, infographics, etc.) and large-scale applications (200+ words, body copy, etc.).
  • Students must be able to think and speak critically about their own work and the work of others.
  • Students must show proficiency in using industry-standard software, especially the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Students must show proficiency in the area of packaging design.
  • Students must exhibit practical knowledge and understanding of digital design

GRD Courses

GRD 120 Beginning 2D Graphics: Bitmap
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

An introduction to pixel-based design for multimedia applications. Topics include: principles for creating and manipulating images using Adobe Photoshop, understanding the benefits and limitations of raster-based design tools, and techniques for photo restoration and manipulation.
Prerequisites: ART 125 (minimum grade C)

GRD 130 Beginning 2D Graphics: Vector
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

An introduction to vector design for multimedia, emphasizing color and composition, and techniques for stylized and photorealistic illustration. Topics include: principles for creating images with Adobe Illustrator, identity design, layout, and line weight and quality.
Prerequisites: ART 125 (minimum grade C)

GRD 150 Design Concepts: Typography
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on the use of typography as a design element in short-form and long-form applications. Topics include: typography as image, and anatomy of type.
Prerequisites: GRD 120 and GRD 130 and ENG 101 (minimum grade C for all)

GRD 191 Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: None

GRD 192 Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 191

GRD 193 Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 192

GRD 194 Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fourth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 193

GRD 195 Part-Time Cooperative Education 5: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fifth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 194

GRD 196 Part-Time Cooperative Education 6: Graphic Design
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their sixth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 195

GRD 200 Graphic Design Portfolio Review
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

An assessment of skills required to enter upper-level courses in the Graphic Design program, including a technical skills exam and presenting a portfolio to a panel of evaluators. Students receive grades of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and must pass the course to be eligible for cooperative education assignments. Those who do not pass may make one additional attempt.
Prerequisites: Graphic Design Program Chair consent

Instructor Consent Required

GRD 210 Applied 2D Graphics: Audio/Video Production
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of GRD 120 and GRD 130, focusing on creating 2D graphics for use in on-screen video applications.
Prerequisites: GRD 120 and GRD 130 (minimum grade C for both)

GRD 215 Applied 2D Graphics: GRD
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of GRD 120 and GRD 130, focusing on applied design, increased efficiency, and the interoperability of vector and raster graphics for primarily print-based graphic design.
Prerequisites: GRD 120 and GRD 130 (minimum grade C)

GRD 220 Applied 2D Graphics: Web Design
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on applications of 2D graphics techniques for raster-based and vector-based software, focusing on creating 2D graphics for Web and multimedia applications.
Prerequisites: GRD 120 and GRD 130 and WEB 111 (minimum grade C for all)

GRD 230 Brand Identity Development
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on the development of strong brand identity concepts and materials for products and organizations. Topics include: analyzing existing brands, creating new brand identities, and developing brand standards manuals.
Prerequisites: GRD 200

GRD 240 Packaging Design
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on 2D design for product packaging. Topics include: analyzing audiences, creating basic die lines, and ensuring design continuity from surface to surface.
Prerequisites: GRD 200, GRD 215

GRD 250 User Interface Design and Implementation
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on designing and implementing the interface for web and mobile products, using Adobe Muse and WordPress software.
Prerequisites: GRD 110 and WEB 111

GRD 260 3D Visualization
5 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 4 Lab Hours.

An introduction to 3D concepts and skills using Maya software. Topics include: polygon, NURBS, and subdivision surface modeling; texturing; animation; lighting; rendering; interaction of soft and rigid body solvers; dynamics; and manipulation of 3D attributes using nodes and connections.
Prerequisites: GRD 200

GRD 285 Graphic Design Independent Final Project
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

Qualified students work individually or with an approved team from concept to completion on a graphic design project, and present the results to reviewers. Topic and outline must be presented to a jury of instructors, and approved prior to course registration. Students who do not successfully complete the course may make one additional attempt.
Prerequisites: Graphic Design Program Chair consent, and minimum 3.0 GPA

Instructor Consent Required

GRD 290 Graphic Design Capstone
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

Qualified students work in structured teams to develop graphic design deliverables for an external client, and present the results to reviewers. Activities include audience, client, and market analysis; and all phases of production of materials. Students who do not successfully complete the course may make one additional attempt.
Prerequisites: Graphic Design Program Chair consent, and minimum 2.5 GPA

Instructor Consent Required

GRD 291 Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Design
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: None

GRD 292 Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Design
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 291

GRD 293 Full-Time Cooperative Education 3: Graphic Design
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 292

GRD 294 Internship 1: Graphic Design
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first unpaid field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow applicable policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MID 190, GRD 200

GRD 295 Internship 2: Graphic Design
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second unpaid field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow applicable policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GRD 294

MID Courses

MID 100 Multimedia Information Design Career Exploration Seminar
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on using research and personal reflection to develop a strong foundation for selecting an academic program/major and planning a career related to Multimedia Information Design. Topics include: analyzing interests, abilities, and values; reviewing academic and personal requirements for related programs/majors; and examining career outcomes including salary, job availability, advancement opportunities, and other factors.
Prerequisites: None

MID 120 Drawing Fundamentals for Multimedia Information Design
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamental drawing techniques used in multimedia fields. Topics include: sketching, 3-D drawing, conceptual drawing, and architectural drawing.
Prerequisites: None

MID 125 Storyboarding
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamentals of storyboarding for video, animation, multimedia, and web. Topics include: traditional drawing and digital illustration, image acquisition and composition, shot framing and description, and industry standards for labeling.
Prerequisites: None

MID 190 Career Preparation: Multimedia Information Design
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on career planning for students seeking employment in Multimedia Information Design fields. Topics include: self-assessment, career research, resume development, interview skills and job hunting strategies, and cooperative education policies and procedures.
Prerequisites: ART 125 or AVP 100 (minimum grade C for both)

Faculty

Program Chair/Advisor

Jason Caudill, MS
jason.caudill@cincinnatistate.edu

Co-op Coordinator

Hannah Held, BS
hannah.held@cincinnatistate.edu

Engineering and Information Technologies Division Advising

Call (513) 569-1743 or Text (513) 569-1600