Digital Press

Certificate program requirements

This 15 credit-hour certificate program is designed for students interested in specializing in digital printing, variable printing, and operating a digital press in the graphic arts field. This certificate will enhance a student's current employment position as well as provide new employment opportunities in the digital print market.

Required:

Number	Course Title	Credits
GRA 101	Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology	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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 \| Spring 2025
GRA 102	Graphic Arts Desktop Publishing	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 101. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 \| Spring 2025
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. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 \| Spring 2025
GRA 231	Personalized Marketing	3
Description: Covers selected topics utilizing digital print technologies. Studies variable data applications, data management and cross media web-to-print solutions for the graphic arts industry. Includes aspects of personalized and customized data and marketing through text and images for print, web, email and phone delivery. Covers application training and utilization through output and trends, VDP procedures and languages, postal specifications and bindery needs. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 102. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 \| Spring 2025
GRA 233	Integrated Digital Printing	3
Description: This course will explore the digital print market in commercial environments. Wide format and digital presses will be calibrated and analyzed for quality output. Automation and prepress techniques will be reviewed prior to printing to assure quality input. Emphasizes understanding and incorporating emerging technologies into the production workflow. Students work from design and conception through all aspects of preparation, production, and finishing. Recommended to take Prepress and Digital Front End prior to enrolling in this course. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 \| Spring 2025

Next steps

For more information about the Digital Press program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.