Discover Graphic Design: Continuing Education for All Learners
Cape Fear Community College offers a graphic design certificate program consisting of 7 courses and 312 hours of instruction. The coursework will focus on graphic design principles, Adobe Design software, and web applications for graphic designers. Students can expect to learn about current design and technology. Using state of the art software and resources, the Graphic Arts faculty will train students in all areas of design as well as logo creation, color theory, and newly emerging areas in the field. Take a look at some of our student artwork!
Graphic Design Certificate Program Information Search for Upcoming Courses
Student Artwork
Foundations of Design Supply List
- Adobe Creative Account Subscription
- #2 or softer pencil
- Three to five color markers (fine and medium tips)
- White eraser
- 12” metal ruler
- 18″ plastic t-square (available at Hobby Lobby)
- 10″ triangle
- Masking tape or not so sticky tape
- Layout tablet or 8.5” X 11” copier paper
- Compass (inexpensive)
- Small wire bound sketchbook
- Small cutting mat (12″x 18″)
- Exacto knife and #11 blades
- 2 sheets of approximately 11″x14″ illustration board
- 1 pad of 11×14 bristol board
- 5 small tubes of gouache or acrylic paint: Black, white, red, blue yellow.
- Several small flat-tipped and pointed paint brushes
- Smartphone
| Class | Prerequisites | Corequisites |
| Foundations of Design | None | None |
| Adobe Design I | Foundations of Design | Foundations of Design |
| Adobe Design II | Foundations & Adobe Design I | Adobe Illustrator |
| Adobe Illustrator | Foundations of Design & Adobe I | Adobe II |
| Adobe Photoshop | Foundations of Design, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator | Web Applications |
| Web Applications | Foundations of Design, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop |
| Capstone Portfolio | Foundations, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Web Applications | N/A- Final course in the series, all other courses listed above must have been successfully completed prior to taking Capstone Portfolio. |
CONVENIENT AND FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR ONLINE OR IN-PERSON TRAINING
The Graphic Design program is now offered through online and hyflex modalities making it more accessible.
How does hyflex work?
Your instructor is on campus teaching during the regularly scheduled class time. You can choose to attend class in person or log into the online meeting to attend class virtually. HyFlex offerings change each semester based on availability.
Does this mean I could complete the entire program online?
Yes! Each class is held one night a week from 6pm – 9pm. For online classes, you will meet with your instructor and classmates via an online platform like Google Meet. For hyflex classes, you can choose to attend class in person or attend via the online platform.
What else do I need to know?
Students can take up to two classes at a time. The first two classes students need to take are Foundations of Graphic Design and Adobe Design I.
Looking to transfer into a degree program?
The following classes are transferable into the CFCC Graphic Design (A.A.S.) program:
- Adobe Design I & Abode Design II = GRD152 Computer Design Basics
- Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop for Graphic Design = GRD152 Computer Design Technology
- Foundations of Graphic Design = ART275 Intro to Graphic Design
- Web Application = WEB111 Intro to Web Graphics
