Program facts 
Learn the basics of graphic design for print/web production with this 34-credit-hour certificate program. You鈥檒l develop a foundation of knowledge in the graphic arts and print industries, gaining hands-on experience working with the latest computer software and understanding current production techniques.
Classes focus on graphic arts technology, desktop publishing, digital imaging, press operations, digital illustration, web foundations, page layout, packaging/finishing/distribution and more.
Study with skilled instructors who are all working professionals in their respective fields. Get additional experience outside of the classroom by working in one of 91制片厂 College鈥檚 three state-of-the-art graphic arts labs. Each lab is equipped with Mac computers and the latest creative software.
Build on this certificate by earning an AAS degree in Graphic Arts Design and Technology (Graphic Arts Design specialization) through additional coursework.
This 34 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills to gain creative understanding and design materials for print production. This program covers type and graphic design, page layout, computer graphics, and the production needs of good design.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| GRA 101 | Introduction to Graphic Arts Design and Media I | 3 |
Description: Provides students an overview of past, present and future graphic arts processes including graphic applications for design/layout, imaging, photography, prepress, print and finishing. Direction is provided on occupations in the Graphic Arts industry and the use of digital applications related to producing print materials. Provides a hands-on understanding of desktop publishing software through lab and lecture. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 102 | Graphic Arts Design & Media II | 3 |
Description: Presents a clear understanding of graphic desktop software and their many functions in the printing industry. Provides hands-on training using the most current desktop publishing software. Focuses on project work, page layouts and output functions. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA聽101. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 103 | Photoshop I | 3 |
Description: Covers fundamentals of professional image-editing software (Adobe Photoshop). Emphasizes skills to manipulate photos using current software tools and special effects filters. Explores program tools, color correction, channels, layers and masks. Strong computer skills are required for success in this course. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 105 | Color Management | 3 |
Description: Examines the fundamentals of real-world color theory and management, throughout the entire graphic arts process. Students will explore all color management techniques of input and output devices as well as tools and concepts for successful color control. Focuses on internal workings and technology in color management systems, building a closed-loop workflow. Covers color fidelity, models, and the understanding on how devices interpret and deliver. Prerequisite: GRA聽101 or GRA聽103 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 111 | Print Media Production | 3 |
Description: Covers fundamentals of offset printing as well as new technologies in the digital print arena. Provides knowledge of press maintenance and safety, feeder systems, registration requirements, ink systems and color management tools and techniques in the print industry. Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA聽101. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 112 | Illustrator I | 3 |
Description: Presents vector graphics software and its applications to the graphic arts industry. Explores tools and functions within the current software. Focuses on creating illustrations, working with type, color, and all tools needed to create multi-colored illustration and separation. Emphasizes techniques to create illustration files for use in digital print production. Strong computer skills are required for success in this course. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 120 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
Description: Focuses on beginning fundamentals of graphic design utilizing all design principles and involves an overview of design and layout rendering techniques. Focuses on typography, images and graphics, utilizing design processes (including research and sketching), and current graphic software for print. Projects are critiqued for aesthetics and production for print. Prerequisite: GRA聽102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 130 | Introduction to Photography | 2 |
Description: Explores beginning fundamentals of photography, its history, and the development of photography in both commercial and creative usage. Presents a past and present use of photography focusing on techniques and applications in a conventional camera-based environment emphasizing the digital photographic arena. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 145 | Wordpress and Social Media | 3 |
Description: Introduces the student to WordPress fundamentals to create basic web pages. Hands-on computer activity includes WordPress templates, dashboard and widget usage; blogging/posts; adding links, videos, photo galleries; creating user accounts; and theme changes. Students will also learn to translate the WordPress full web site into a mobile website and will integrate with social media platforms. An introduction to UI (user interface) design will be explored for mobile applications. Prerequisite: GRA聽101 or WEB聽110 or WEB聽150 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 118 | Universal Design for Accessibility | |
| GRA 220 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
Description: Teaches advanced graphic design that is project- and process-focused to refine creative and technical skills. Projects will follow the design process from initial research and sketches to refined computer layouts and final production-ready art files. Assignments will utilize graphic design principles and current graphic software. Projects are critiqued for design process, aesthetics, presentation and file production accuracy. Projects may become part of a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: GRA聽120 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 221 | Graphic Portfolio Design | 2 |
Description: Covers preparation of portfolio book and digital portfolio presentation. Focus is on the understanding of the professional portfolio needs and its presentation in the graphic design job market. Existing projects are critiqued for aesthetics, arrangement and presentation. Graphic resume preparation. Prerequisite: GRA聽120 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 222 | Brand Identity & Package Design | 3 |
Description: Provides instruction on marketing and branding strategies and the design of packaging products. Studies packaging structural implications and substrates as well as design and production for 3D packaging such as folding cartons, flexible bags, labels and shrink sleeves. Covers barcoding and postal preparation and standards; works with supplied CAD structures. Emphasizes the creative visual design of 3D packaging and prototype creation; focuses on the file production through manufacturing requirements of the packaging industry. Prerequisite: GRA聽112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 250 | Graphic Arts Business Workshop | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Students interested in graphic arts technology may also be interested in:
For more information about graphic arts courses at 91制片厂, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also .