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Course

Adobe Photoshop

ART-40311

Adobe Photoshop 1: Introduction to Photoshop
9 Weeks | No Prerequisite 

An introduction to Adobe Photoshop, the imaging software application used by professional graphic artists and visual content creators to create and modify images for use in print and web media.

This graphic design training course includes topics about working with the tools and user interface, working with selections, retouching, correcting, and enhancing photographs, layer basics, masking, compositing, preparing files for the web, and more. You will learn through hands-on practice and a series of creative projects.

Applied Learning

To reinforce your skills, the course includes:

  • Image Editing Projects: Apply retouching and enhancement techniques to photographs.
  • Layer and Masking Exercises: Create composite images using layers and masks.
  • Web and Print Optimization: Prepare and optimize images for various media outputs.
  • Instructor Guidance and Critiques:Throughout the course, you'll receive personalized feedback on your assignments and detailed critiques highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$595.00
Notes: Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Equipment: Basic Mac or PC computer knowledge required.
Software: Students must have Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud installed on their computers.  UCSD DES students are eligible for an Adobe Creative Cloud student discount.
Linkedin Learning: Linkedin Learning is used as a supplimental text for this course. A LinkedIn Learning subscription is required. Your instructor will provide additional details.
Related Programs: This is an elective course for Photography: Images and Techniques professional certificate, Technical Communication professional certificate, and the Children's Book Illustration certificate and is a beneficial course (but not an elective) for the Digital Design and Creative Strategy professional certificate program. 

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This course applies to these programs

Photography: Images and Techniques Technical Communication Children’s Book Illustration

Course sessions

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Section ID:

190935

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book 2025 Release (Paperback) 1st
by Chavez, Conrad
ISBN / ASIN: 9780135376324

You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 7/7/2025
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

SDMA/SCBWI/MOPA members can receive our $25 Early Enrollment discount prior to course start date. The max discount a MOPA/SCBWI/SDMA member can receive for one class is $25. It is applied upon course enrollment over the phone or in person with proof of membership. This is an online course. There are no face-to-face class sessions. You'll have access to your online course on the published start date. Login on your MyExtension account, select My Courses and click the link under LOCATION.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: George Dowden

George Dowden
George Dowden has been a digital image creator, photographer, and graphic designer for over 20 years. George earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lamar University. He owned the graphic design studio Image and Ink, and became involved in education because of his desire to see students learn to express themselves through digital art. Currently, he is Dean of Career Education at Cuyamaca College.

George continues to fulfill his love of teaching through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies where he teaches Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Design IV: Capstone, among other courses. Dowden loves teaching and takes a personal interest in the success of each student.
 
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