The Graphic Design program is designed to prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the manufacture and distribution or transmission of graphic communications products. In addition to technical skills, students completing this program will also develop advanced critical thinking, career development, applied academics, life management, business, economic and leadership skills required for graphic communications occupations. (Each course is a year long divided into two semesters.)

*Students should choose two or more year long courses offered in this program in order to complete a course sequence to be considered a Concentrator
Note: These are the courses that are offered for the current school year. However, classes and locations are based on student enrollment and subject to cancelation if they do not meet minimum participation requirements.

Computer Graphics and Digital Design 1-2
Students will be introduced to design principles used in Graphic Design and Digital Communication fields. This is a survey course in which students will learn about the basic elements and principles of art and design through the use of photography and the Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. The class will be project-based with an emphasis on career and personal use. This is a challenging course, and each student is expected to be self-motivated, responsible and able to work independently to meet deadlines. College credit may be offered through dual enrollment with Maricopa County Community College District.

Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Location: All High Schools

Computer Graphics and Digital Design 3-4
Students will continue to go beyond the skills developed in Introduction to Digital Communication. The course emphasis will be on teaching students advanced Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat techniques. Additionally, students will apply sophisticated layout, design and graphic creation processes in the production of a wide variety of real-world print, web, and digital media artifacts. College credit may also be offered via dual enrollment through the Maricopa Community College District.

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics and Digital Design 1-2
Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Location: All High Schools

Computer Graphics and Digital Design 5-6 Honors
Students will apply skills learned in Computer Graphics and Digital Design 1-4. In this project-based course, students will function as real-world, freelance, graphic communications entities. During the course of the year, students will acquire clients from the school, school district, or local community fulfilling their individual graphic communication needs. At the end of the course, students will have created a digital and/or print portfolio of their work to be used for job interviews, college admissions packages, and internship assignments. College credit may also be offered via dual enrollment through the Maricopa Community College District.

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics and Digital Design 3-4
Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Location: All High Schools

Graphic Design Production 1-2
Students will produce, manage and distribute the school’s annual publication (yearbook). Students will develop skills in writing, marketing, layout design, art/graphics, photography, teamwork with a standards-based approach to the basic concepts in information Technology/Graphic Arts Communication. This course will emphasize positive work attitudes and employment skills while expanding knowledge of basic business concepts and procedures. After-school work to meet deadlines and to research stories and photograph school functions is required. (Available to 9th grade upon teacher approval.)

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics and Digital Design or Media Communications/ Journalism
Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Location: All High Schools

Graphic Design Production 3-4
In this course students will be responsible for the production, management and distribution of the school’s annual publication (yearbook). Students will further develop skills in writing, marketing, layout design, art/graphics, photography, teamwork and leadership with a standards-based approach to the basic concepts in information Technology/Graphic Arts Communication. This course will emphasize positive work attitudes and employment skills while expanding knowledge of basic business concepts and procedures. After-school work to meet deadlines and to research stories and photograph school functions is required.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design Production 1-2
Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Location: All High Schools

Graphic Design Production 5-6 Honors
Students will mentor and provide leadership to Graphic Design Production 1-2 and 3-4 students in addition to producing, managing and distributing the school’s annual publication (yearbook). Further development skills in writing, marketing, layout design, art/graphics, photography, teamwork and leadership with a standards-based approach to the basic concepts in information Technology/Graphic Arts Communication. This course will emphasize positive work attitudes and employment skills while expanding knowledge of basic business concepts and procedures. After-school work to meet deadlines and to research stories and photograph school functions is required.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design Production 3-4
Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Location: All High Schools

Graphic Design Production 7-8 Honors
Students will mentor and provide leadership to Graphic Design Production 1-2 and 3-4 students in addition to producing, managing and distributing the school’s annual publication (yearbook). Further development and application of skills in writing, marketing, layout design, art/graphics, photography, teamwork and leadership with a standards-based approach to the basic concepts in information Technology/Graphic Arts Communication are a focus. This course will emphasize positive work attitudes and employment skills while expanding knowledge of basic business concepts and procedures. After-school work to meet deadlines and to research stories and photograph school functions is required.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design Production 5-6 Honors
Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Location: All High Schools

Graphic/Web Design Internship 1-2
Students will participate in on-the-job training.This one-semester course will allow CTE students who have completed the program sequence to experience on-the-job training in a career path. Requirements include three weeks of classroom instruction in job preparation and application and 60 hours per semester of on the job field work. Artifacts include a complete portfolio, two employer evaluations, two instructor field evaluations, a final, written summary and reflection. Students must provide their own transportation to the internship site.

Prerequisite: Application
Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Location: All High Schools