Program facts
This 30-credit-hour certificate program equips students with a solid foundation in visual design and animation, preparing them to create dynamic animations (for websites, fly-in graphics and socials), rich internet applications (RIAs), and interactive multimedia experiences.
The program is ideal for individuals pursuing entry-level careers in graphic design, web design, animation, game design, or interactive multimedia, providing the essential skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in today鈥檚 digital media landscape.
This 30-credit-hour certificate program equips students with a solid foundation in visual design and animation, preparing them to create dynamic animations (for websites, fly-in graphics and socials), rich internet applications (RIAs), and interactive multimedia experiences. The program is ideal for individuals pursuing entry-level careers in graphic design, web design, animation, game design, or interactive multimedia, providing the essential skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in today鈥檚 digital media landscape.
| 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 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 113 | Photoshop II | 3 |
Description: Covers advanced functions of digital image-editing software. Emphasizes advanced software functionality, color correction and color management needs as well as commercial imaging practices in a prepress environment. Focuses on different types of image capture and file manipulation. Prerequisite: GRA聽103 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: | | ||
| GRA 214 | Illustrator II | |
Description: Explores advanced vector illustration graphic software in the graphic arts industry. Focuses on prepress techniques and print production uses. Includes an understanding of four-color print production requirements and advanced menus/tools. Prerequisite: GRA聽112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 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 180 | After Effects | 3 |
| 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 | |
| MCM 150 | Social Media Management and Measurement | 3 |
Description: Focuses on creating, maintaining, measuring and improving social media networks for a variety of industries. Students engage in data-driven decision making to alter or improve social media channels. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: | | ||
| MCM 210 | Video Editing and Video Post-Production | 3 |
Description: Focuses on using non-linear editing software to combine visuals and sound for a variety of genres and media types including cinematic storytelling, documentaries, news, and web series. Includes editing theory and techniques; film history; and post-production workflow including ingesting media, editing, sound mixing, color correction, and final delivery. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: | | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Students interested in graphic arts design and technology may also be interested in:
For more information about interactive technology courses at 91制片厂, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also .