24 Credits CERT3002, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
In today’s fast-paced media-driven culture, graphic communications is becoming our go-to medium when it comes to communicating with each other. Whether in business, education, entertainment, government, or the nonprofit world, graphic communications is utilized in important, impactful ways. As a Graphic Communications student, you will learn to express, produce, and print your passion.
Graphic communications is referred to as visual communications and can be defined in the simplest terms as any form of communication that relies on visual cues to transmit powerful, engaging messages. This ever-changing industry encompasses large format, screen, and digital printing. You will learn creative design, illustration, web design, magazine, newspaper, book publishing, photography, and a host of other creative, business, and production services.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 24 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $5,147
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $5,147 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (24 Credits)
Complete the following courses:
COMP1140 Web for Business (3 credits)
This course approaches developing web pages from a business point of view. It covers HTML5 and CSS3 markup languages used to create web pages. The course is intended for people wanting to learn how to create and publish web pages. No previous experience with HTML or programming is required. (Prerequisites: None)
GCC1100 Introduction to Graphic Communications (4 credits)
This is an exploratory course covering many aspects of Graphic Communications. Hands-on projects will acquaint the learner with the various processes that encompass what graphic communications means to the general population. History of graphic communications, industry jargon, industry tours and guest speakers are also part of this course. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading Score 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1120 Graphic Software 1 (4 credits)
This course will be taught in a hands-on atmosphere, learning the basics of various software packages used within the industry. Students will work with the tools, menus and panels, and integrate the use of the software for print and non-print outputs. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA score of 750 or higher)
GCC1130 Layout and Typography (3 credits)
Students will be introduced to the conceptual planning process used in layout and design. Students will understand that type as well as graphics are important design elements of a layout. It will be demonstrated how type interacts with graphics in a layout. Layout principles, color, proofing and preparing literature for output and printing will also be included in this course. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score of 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1215 Drawing Foundations for Graphic Communications (3 credits)
This course covers basic drawing fundamentals and the use of drawing as a planning tool. Basic drawing techniques will be used to create thumbnail sketches, comprehensives and digital illustrations. Students will utilize traditional and computer drawing tools. (Prerequisite: GCC 1120)
GCC1220 Graphic Software 2 (4 credits)
Graphic Software 2 is a continuation of GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1. The course is taught in a hands-on atmosphere learning more advanced features of the page layout, vector and raster softwares. Students should already have the fundamentals of the tools, menus and panels within each of the software packages. More advanced topics, interactive features and animation software will be explored. (Prerequisite: GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1)
GCC2150 Web/Interactive Media 2 (3 credits)
This course covers the basic preparation, planning and software used for multimedia and web presentation. Students will learn planning procedures for web and interactive media. These procedures will include planning flowcharts, wireframes and storyboards. Students will also learn file formatting and file preparation for web and interactive media. (Prerequisites: GCC 1220 and COMP 1140)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
