Graphic Design
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
GRAPHIC DESIGN
PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 Years
GRADES: 9-12
Graphic Design combines visual communication, technical skills, and creative media production. Students learn to create 2D and 3D digital art and publications using industry-standard software as they design real-world projects like logos, icons, posters, apparel, and digital publications.
By the end of the program, students will learn skills in:
- Graphic design principles, visual communication, and layout composition
- Proficiency in industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Creation of custom branding assets, including logos, icons, and typography
- Production of digital and print media such as flyers, posters, and t-shirts
- Development of 2D and 3D digital art and multi-page digital publications
- Creative problem-solving and project management, working both independently and in teams
Course Pathway Map
Introduction to technical skills in Graphic Design. Students learn to create digital 2D and 3D publications using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Projects include logos, icons, flyers, posters, t-shirts, and other creative works. Emphasis on independent work and collaboration.
This course is for those students who wish to further their technical skills and knowledge related to Graphic Design. Students will have the opportunity to design a variety of advertising, posters, and publications for the school as well as develop a portfolio of their own. Leadership development and work-based learning will be emphasized. The Graphic Design program will prepare students for industry certification and the opportunity to earn an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certificate.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding course offerings, requirements, and descriptions, please refer to the official course catalog.
Certificates & Licenses
Throughout the program, students develop technical skills in graphic design and digital media while building a professional portfolio. Coursework emphasizes real-world design projects, creative problem-solving, and industry-standard software.
Students have the opportunity to earn the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification, demonstrating proficiency in professional design tools and preparing them for entry-level roles in graphic design, digital media, and game-related content creation.
| Certificate Name | Class / Year Obtained | Type | Purpose / Eligibility | Information Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Certified Professional: Photoshop | CTE Graphic Design I | Certification | Demonstrates foundational skills in digital imaging, compositing, and visual design for entry-level roles | Interface navigation, layer management, masking, color correction, image manipulation, and exporting digital media |
| Adobe Certified Professional: InDesign | CTE Graphic Design I | Certification | Validates skills in page layout, digital publishing, and typography for print and digital media roles | Document setup, typography, text flow, master pages, styling, and exporting layouts for print and interactive PDFs |
| Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) | CTE Graphic Design II | Certification Eligibility | Demonstrates proficiency in industry-standard Adobe design software for entry-level graphic design and digital media roles | Design principles, digital graphics, layout and typography, image editing, and creation of advertising and publication materials |
Career, Salary, and Growth Opportunities
Entry
Median
Experienced
NATIONAL ANNUAL SALARY
2020
2022
2024
AZ MEDIAN SALARY GROWTH
2024
2034
PROJECTED JOB OUTLOOK
Graphic design combines creativity, visual communication, and technical skills to create engaging digital and print experiences. Students who build skills in layout design, typography, digital media, and visual branding, along with certifications in Adobe Creative Cloud or other industry-standard design software, can qualify for entry-level roles and continue advancing through experience and specialized training. Core roles such as graphic designer, UI/UX designer, and digital media artist have strong earning potential, with median salaries ranging from $50,000 to $98,000, and experienced art directors and lead digital designers often earning well above these averages.
The broader digital design and marketing industry offers robust demand, with digital interface (UI/UX) designers and art directors earning national median salaries of $98,000 and $114,000 respectively, and tens of thousands of openings projected nationally each year. In Arizona, graphic design and digital media careers such as graphic designer, digital designer, and art director earn median salaries ranging from about $58,000 to $95,000 per year.
For students who enjoy combining artistic creativity with technical design tools, careers in graphic and digital design offer a dependable pathway to versatile, rewarding, and constantly evolving opportunities.
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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No. Year 1 starts with the fundamentals of visual communication and introduces students to industry-standard software from the ground up.
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No. Students train in our on-campus technology labs, which are fully equipped with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and the hardware needed for digital media production.
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Yes. Throughout the program, students design logos, apparel, posters, and multi-page publications. By the end of Year 2, they will have a curated professional portfolio ready for college applications or entry-level roles.
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The Graphic Design pathway prepares students to earn industry-recognized Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certifications in software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
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Beyond classroom assignments, Year 2 students take on real-world projects. They design advertising, posters, and official publications for the school to gain practical, work-based learning experience.
Industry Partners
We collaborate with leading industry professionals to ensure our students gain real-world experience, leading to direct pathways into high-demand careers. We are proud to work alongside organizations that invest in the future of our students.
