2026-2027 College Catalog

Graphic Design-Print (GDD)

 AN OPTION OF MARKETING

Type: Career, Degree (AS)

Open Admissions

Division: Liberal Studies


The Graphic Design-Print Degree prepares students for a dynamic career in the graphic design or marketing communications fields. This specialized program expands traditional business and marketing offerings with the inclusion of a broad range of graphic design courses that serve to enhance a student's creativity and preparation for the job market. Course work prepares students for entry-level employment in various aspects of the marketing communications field including advertising or promotion, as well as for positions in print-focused graphic design or electronic publishing. As part of the program, students produce a portfolio of their designs and can gain valuable work experience with hands-on work experience through Cooperative Education and Internships which integrate classroom study with a supervised work experience.
 

If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.

 

First Year

Fall

Course NumberTitleCredits
ART114Visual Design Theory

3
CMP101Composition 1

3
CPS100Information Technology and Its Applications

3
GRA101Introduction to Graphic Design

3
GRA202Digital Illustration

3
Total Credit Hours:15

Spring

Course NumberTitleCredits
ART110Basic Drawing 1

3
CMP102-150
Composition 2 Elective

3
GRA116Electronic Imaging

3
GRA118Digital Page Layout

3
MKT101Principles of Marketing

3
Total Credit Hours:15

Second Year

Fall

Course NumberTitleCredits
ART116Introduction to Digital Photography

3
PRO100Introduction to the Professional Portfolio

1
GRA208Designing for Web

3
GRA204Typography

3
GRA210Publication & Package Design

3
SPE102Speech

3
Total Credit Hours:16

Spring

Course NumberTitleCredits
ITR200Internship

2
GRA140Integrated Media Design Principles

3
GRA216Graphic Design Portfolio

3
LA-ELECTIVE
Liberal Arts Elective

3
MKT204Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications

3
Total Credit Hours:14

Requirement Notes

CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts elective credits.


Program Note

Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.

See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.

Total Credit Hours: 60

 
Program Student Learning Outcomes
  • Develop research skills for effective design and marketing communications.
  • Demonstrate organized, confident public speaking techniques.
  • Apply principles of color psychology and good standards for page layout and design to the creation of artwork and publications.
  • Acquire and practice proper freehand drawing/comping and computer-based skills for illustration, photo-manipulation, and page-layout software.
  • Define and employ proper typographical attributes for specification of type, solving copy fitting needs and proofreading/critiquing.
  • Recognize the many legal, social, cultural, political, ethical, ecological and economic contexts related to the diversity and creativity in design and marketing communications.
  • Develop job proposal and billing techniques and the ability to select a printing company based on estimate costs and the type of product to be produced and services provided.
  • Develop the ability to effectively gather and present communications to and from clients for the creation of graphic/print solutions for specific projects, processes and demographics.

Occupational Skills Required
  • Computer and Internet awareness
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Project planning and execution
  • Time management


Experiential Learning Required in Program
  • PRO100 - Introduction to the Professional Portfolio
  • ITR200 - Internship


Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
  • Graphic Designers

Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
  • Artists and Related Workers, All Other