The Graphic Design certificate is open to all students with an interest in graphic design. It is a slightly shorter version of the current Art Department 24-hour minor in graphic design, for students who would like an official certificate on their transcript or who want the increased flexibility in their overall curriculum that a shorter program offers. This certificate will teach students to become more effective visual communicators. Students will learn the basic tenets, strategies and tools of visual communication and graphic design, including how to generate and edit images and visually-based multi-media content. Students will learn industry-standard tools and software for both analog and computer-aided design for digital, print and web applications, including page layout, image editing, and illustration. Students will gain experience in creating assets for use in book and scientific illustration and layout, advertising or marketing campaigns, and infographics. Elective courses allow for students to cater to more specific interests (for example illustration) A few examples of majors that can be paired with the Graphic Design Certification include: studio art, professional writing, marketing, advertising, journalism, broadcasting, film, entrepreneurship, biology.