Contact Information

General Contact

Admissions Office

Financial Aid Office

FINANCIAL AID RATE

54%

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

30:1

DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE

20

FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.

$2,969

Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students

Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid

Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition

College Video

School Map

Graphic Design Program

The graphic design program at Santa Monica College prepares students for careers as a package designer, creative director, strategic branding director, visual designer, and more. The program focuses on applying artistic and computer techniques to interpret technical and commercial concepts. Program courses include: computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concept sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, communication skills, and commercial art business operations. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer graphic design program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Santa Monica College

500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA

Santa Monica College (SMC) is a leading two-year community college located in Santa Monica, California.  SMC has an award-winning faculty and ranks number one in California for community colleges that successfully transfer students to the University of California, University of Southern California or other four-year institutions. SMC also has a large international student population as compared to other community colleges.

SMC ranks high in its career preparation and certification programs in nursing, solar technology, new media, computer technology, early childhood education, business, graphic design and many other occupations.

The 38-acre main campus of SMC has state-of-the-art facilities and several highlights such as the John Drescher Planetarium, the Broad Stage for performing arts, and the Academy of Entertainment & Technology.  The award-winning public radio station, KCRW (89.9 FM) is also part of SMC's main campus.

History

Santa Monica College was established in 1929 with just over 150 students.

Academics

Santa Monica College offers the Associate in Arts Degree, as well as Certificates of Achievement in several departments, which can be completed online.  There are also "pre-professional" courses at SMC that students may take for certain careers that may require further specialized study. The Pre-Professional programs include such careers as Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dental/Dental Hygiene, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Veterinary and Teacher Preparation.

Students hoping to transfer to a four-year institution can follow the Transfer programs offered at SMC.

SMCOnline offers education in many disciplines on the Internet for students who are working or otherwise cannot study on campus.  There is 24/7 technical support available for online students.

Colleges and Schools

Santa Monica College offers degree and certificate programs in many of its different departments, which are:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Chemistry 
  • Communication
  • Computer Science and Information Systems
  • Cosmetology
  • Counseling
  • Dance
  • Design Technology
  • AET
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Architectural Design
  • Earth Science
  • Education/ECE
  • Engineering
  • ESL
  • English
  • Fashion Design and Merchandising
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Respiratory Therapy 
  • History
  • Kinesiology and Athletics
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Physical Sciences
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy and Social Sciences
  • Theatre Arts

Student Life

There are many cultural and recreational activities offered at Santa Monica College including athletics, concerts, plays, art exhibits and lectures.

Student activities and clubs are offered through the Associated Students.  There are many student resources on campus including computer labs, counseling, the Health Services Center, Child Care Services, Student Employment, and many others.

Athletics

The Santa Monica "Corsairs" teams compete in 16 different sports throughout the year.  The sports that Santa Monica teams compete in are:

Men's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

Satellite Campuses

Santa Monica College has several satellite campuses near its main campus, including classes offered in community facilities in downtown Santa Monica.

Community Life

Santa Monica College offers its Emeritus College classes to seniors and Continuing and Community Education Programs to all community members.

The Corsair is a student-run newspaper that is supervised by faculty and open to all registered students.

Students Enrolled in the Graphic Design Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Santa Monica College has offered the following program levels for students:

  • Less Than Two-Year Award
  • Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

 Graduates
Less Than Two-Year Award7
Associate's Degree24

Students by Gender (2019)

 Graduates
Male15
Female16

Students by Race (2019)

 Graduates
Asian3
Black2
Hispanic10
White7
Multiple Races3
Non Resident Alien5
Unknown1

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Upon completion of the Graphic Design program at Santa Monica College, most students have pursued careers in the following fields:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Art Directors

Description

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, art directors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    • Total Employment: 200
    • Average Hourly Rate: $64.24
    • Average Annual Salary: $133630

Multimedia Artists and Animators

Description

Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, multimedia artists and animators employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.0% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    • Total Employment: 700
    • Average Hourly Rate: $37.03
    • Average Annual Salary: $77030

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

Description

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Admission Requirements & Details

The admission details below may provide a better idea of the candidates Santa Monica College accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credits
  • Life Experience Credits
  • AP Course Credits
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Academics & Student Services

Student Services

To support students and graduates, Santa Monica College may offer student services like those listed below:

  • Online course work available
  • Classes offered on nights and weekends
  • Remedial instructional courses
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Assisting students to find work

Intercollegiate Athletics

  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field, Outdoor
  • Track and Field, X-Country
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo
  • Beach Volleyball