CIP Code:

ctcLink Code: COGDDC20

Total Credits: 43 credits

1. College Success

• COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is a foundational course to learn strategies for effective time management, teamwork, studying, and use of resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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• Note: 

  • Successfully completing either COLLG 110 or COLLG 115 will fulfill the College Success requirement. 
  • A COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course. 

   

2. Introduction to Graphic Design

• DDSGN 110 Introduction to Graphic Design and Rich Media (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Good aesthetics can improve the overall user experience (UX) of a product.  As a UX designer, you need basic understanding of how graphic design can impact brand, communication, usability, design, human factors, accessibility, and utility. 

3. Introduction to New Media

• DDSGN 135 Introduction to New Media 5 Credits

• Course purpose: This class develops a solid understanding of the field of the communication, storytelling, visual design, UX/UI design and web development. Students establish their personal creative process that they can carry through to their career. The course explores a historical and theoretical overview and a case study for a product design. 

4. Course Recommended – Human Behavior Elective 1

Choose one.

• PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5 credits)

• Course Purpose: User experience (UX) is all about understanding the human behaviors (pain points) that the users have an approach them if necessary to help design a better experience. This course will help you learn how to empathize with people in the field of UX. 

• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)

• Course Purpose: Empathy is the core of UX. In the beginning of product development, UX researchers have to interview users to understand users’ needs and expectations. This course will help you learn how to design the questions and conduct numerous interviews in the study of human relationship and human interaction. 

• SOC 220 Gender Roles in Society (5 credits)

• Course Purpose: A user interview is a UX research method. This course will benefit you how to approach people in different social classes, or with diverse background during user interviews.  You can better understand their life and provide a theory to explain their behaviors and attitude. 

5. Intro to User Experience (UX) Design

• DDSGN 150 Introduction to UX/UI Design (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is an introduction to UX design where you will learn UX design process and build a simple website using HTML and CSS.  Students will learn the process of planning, designing, and implementing the website. 

6. Mobile User Interface (UI) Design

• DDSGN 151 Mobile User Interface Design (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course examines how to design mobile user interface (UI) prototypes applying user-centered design, human-centered design, process of UX design, and interaction design to provide user friendly products and services.

Action Item: Meet with Your Advisor

If you would like to continue on to the Digital Design AAS degree, meet with your advisor for help arranging your education plan and/or see the course schedule on the Digital Design website.

7. Course Recommended – Elective II

Choose one.

• DDSGN 140 3D Modeling (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course will expand your career opportunities.  As a UX designer, you can design various user interfaces (UI) for games, Internet of things devices, vehicles, all the emerging virtual reality (VR) based tools, and 3D printing technology. 3D design skills are even more relevant and important today. 

• CIS 121 Introduction to Computer Information Systems (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of a computer. In order to build a website, you need to understand the basics of computer technology, web terminologies, how server works in computer, Internet system and concepts of common application programs. 

• DDSGN 160 Fundamentals of Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Photography and Adobe Photoshop are two cornerstones for successful designers. 

8. Advanced User Experience (UX) Design

• DDSGN 215 Advanced User Experience Design (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to plan, design, and implement responsive website using current industry standards and modern responsive front-end framework.

9. Portfolio

• DDSGN 230 Portfolio (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This portfolio preparation course can help you take your skills to the next level and develop a portfolio for application to further studies or to go directly into professional practice. 

Action Item

If you would like to continue on to the Digital Design AAS degree, meet with your advisor for help arranging your education plan and/or see the course schedule on the New Media and Digital Design website. 

Action Item: Apply for Graduation

Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details. 

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate creativity and innovation skills.      
2. Communicate design concepts and ideas effectively. 
3. Collaborate with others to reach a common goal. 
4. Apply strategic design thinking processes for product solutions. 
5. Create human-centered design solutions to problems. 
6. Develop a professional portfolio for prospective employers.