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Graphics

Certificate of Achievement



Program Details

The Graphics Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry-level work in the visual media industry and provides professional development in graphic design skills for those in the work place. For transfer students the certificate complements existing Cuesta degrees such as the AA Art Studio and the AA-T Studio Art. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in design fundamentals, graphic literacy and the technical and artistic use of computer software for graphic design and marketing purposes.

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Graphics Pathways

Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?

Featured Careers

Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Art Directors

    Bachelor's degree

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 61,060
    • High salary: 211,410
    • Average salary: 111040
    Stable Job Growth $ 111,040 Average Salary $61,060 $211,410

  • Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

    Master's degree, Doctoral degree

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 47,040
    • High salary: 194,530
    • Average salary: 80190
    Stable Job Growth $ 80,190 Average Salary $47,040 $194,530

  • Graphic Designers

    Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 37,600
    • High salary: 103,030
    • Average salary: 61300
    Stable Job Growth $ 61,300 Average Salary $37,600 $103,030

All Careers in Graphics (5)

Art DirectorsBachelor's degreeStable111,040
Special Effects Artists and AnimatorsBachelor's degree, Some collegeStable99,800
Video Game DesignersBachelor's degree, High school diploma/GEDRising98,090
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryMaster's degree, Doctoral degreeStable80,190
Graphic DesignersBachelor's degree, High school diploma/GEDStable61,300

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.

  1. Design and prepare professional graphic design work.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of digital color space and basic color theory.
  3. Evaluate and analyze graphic design and visual communication work.
  4. Demonstrate the use of industry standard computer software employed in Graphic Design and Graphic Communication.
  5. Define and apply visual elements and principles of design.