CTE Home Programs Graphic Design & Illustration

Graphic Design & Illustration

The Graphic Design CTE pathway allows students to develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning to develop technical solutions in well-paid careers. Students are prepared for careers in programming, database administration, digital networks, animation, and web design. This pathway culminates Adobe Certified Association (ACA) credentials.

Course Sequence:

Level I: Principles Of Arts, A/V Technology, And Communications

  • Careers in the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications Career Cluster require a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.

Level II: Graphic Design & Illustration I

  • Careers in graphic design and illustration span all aspects of the advertising and visual communications industries. Within this context, in addition to developing knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the industry with a focus on fundamental elements and principles of visual art and design.

Level III: Graphic Design & Illustration II

  • Careers in graphic design and illustration span all aspects of the advertising and visual communications industries. Within this context, in addition to developing advanced technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an advanced understanding of the industry with a focus on mastery of content knowledge and skills.

Level IV: Practicum in Printing & Imaging Technology

  • The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses. In this course, students will develop an increased understanding of the industry with a focus on applying pre-production, production, and postproduction audio and video products in a professional environment. This course may be implemented in an advanced audio/video or audio format. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities.

Schools offering Graphic Design & Illustration

Ballou STAY High School

H.D. Woodson High School

Jackson-Reed High School

Luke C. Moore High School

McKinley Technology High School


Associated Industry Jobs/Careers:

  • Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Managers
  • Art Directors
  • Graphic Designers
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Web Designers

Associated College Majors:

  • Communication and Rhetoric
  • Information Science
  • Mass Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Web Development

Associated Industry-Recognized Certifications:

  • WD Certified Web Design Certification
  • Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) – Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) – Photoshop