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Career options
Start your career in graphic arts technology with this associate degree program. The program offers specializations in Graphic Design, Package Design, Print Graphics and Web Design.
Take classes covering the full range graphic arts technology from graphic design, digital illustration and photography to press operations, color management and web development.
You’ll work closely with knowledgeable instructors who are experts in their fields.
Also, you’ll enhance your skills working in one of Harper College’s three state-of-the-art
graphic arts labs,
which are equipped with Mac computers and the latest creative software. On-site printing
presses give you hands-on experience in all areas of graphic arts production. When
you graduate, you’ll be ready to begin a career in the visual communication industry
or transfer to a four-year degree program.
This 61 credit-hour program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities in the graphic arts industry. This degree provides a well-rounded foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for new jobs as well as provide career advancement opportunities. The curriculum includes current application instruction with a focus on creative design techniques. Emphasis is on graphic and web design, including a complete understanding of print production. All students in the program complete a required sequence of classes and then select this graphic design specialty to be employable in this visual communication industry or transfer to a 4 year program.
This sequenced degree plan is one of four options that students may pursue to earn the Graphic Arts Design and Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 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. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 103 | Digital Imaging 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: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| or SPE 101 | or Fundamentals of Speech Communication | |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 112 | Digital Illustration 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: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 145 | Wordpress and Mobile Technologies | 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 101 or WEB 110 or WEB 150 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| or WEB 110 | or Internet Fundamentals | |
Description: Introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to use the Internet and build basic web pages. Teaches introductory functions of the web, Internet communications and project management concepts. Explores social networking tools and the use of multimedia on the web.Discusses industry career opportunities. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
Third Semester | ||
| ART 121 | Design I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to skills fundamental to two-dimensional visual organization. Explores elements such as line, shape and color, and principles such as unity, balance and variation. Provides a foundation for all areas of art and design. IAI ART 907 Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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 101 or GRA 103 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 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. Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 131 | Digital Photography I | 3 |
Description: Explores the techniques and applications of digital image capture, manipulating images in Photoshop and outputting digital images. Focuses on the technical aspect of digital photography, lighting needs, application use and color management basics. Project based instruction utilizing basic photographic concepts, commercially and creatively. A DSLR camera is required for this course. Prerequisite: GRA 130 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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 120 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| AAS General Education elective(s) + | 3 | |
| Elective(s) | 6 | |
| GRA 113 | Digital Imaging 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 103 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| 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 120 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 229 | Page Layout | 3 |
Description: Explores advanced multi-page layout techniques in InDesign software. Projects focus on creating documents that follow industry standards and best practice for print graphics. Emphasis is placed on projects for print and preflighting techniques. Prerequisite: GRA 102 with a grade of C or bxetter. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education electives.
Students need to choose a course to meet this requirement that also fulfills the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. See full list of World Cultures and Diversity courses.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 121 | Design I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to skills fundamental to two-dimensional visual organization. Explores elements such as line, shape and color, and principles such as unity, balance and variation. Provides a foundation for all areas of art and design. IAI ART 907 Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 113 | Digital Imaging 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 103 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 145 | Wordpress and Mobile Technologies | 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 101 or WEB 110 or WEB 150 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 211 | Project Management, Scheduling and Estimating | 3 |
Description: Provides essential information needed to estimate, schedule, and project manage a print job. Analyzes cost calculations of various functions within the graphic arts industry. Covers workflow, scheduling, and quantity estimation to produce a quality document. Explores CSR (Customer Service Representative) roles in graphic arts workflow. Prerequisite: GRA 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 213 | Packaging, Finishing and Distribution | 3 |
Description: Provides instruction on manufacturing processes and techniques for various types of print graphics with an emphasis on 3D packaging. Studies production practices, material usage, flexography process, finishing and distribution processes and environmental/sustainability trends. Covers the interaction between products and the many roles that packaging plays in the supply chain. Presents methods of postal requirements, barcoding, how products get to market, costs, manufacturing needs and delivery of said product. Prerequisite: GRA 111 or GRA 222 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 214 | Digital Illustration II | 3 |
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 112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 222 | 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 112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 230 | Prepress and Digital Front End | 3 |
Description: Covers prepress procedures, including preflight and digital front end. Includes standard operating procedures for trapping, barcodes, postal regulations, screening, color separations, step and repeat, RIP, color management, prepress automation, and working with dielines. Real world file preparation, printing methods, ink and color space utilized. Will assess proofing and plating, process control, and quality control. Includes understanding of PDF requirements for file exchange. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 102. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 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. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 232 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
Description: Explores advanced techniques and applications of digital image capture, concentrating on application uses and output. Focuses on different types of digital photography in the graphic arts arena, from product shots, food, fashion and location techniques. Investigates different equipment and color management in a commercial studio environment. A DSLR camera is required for this course. Prerequisite: GRA 131 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 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. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| GRA 299 | Digital Photography Capstone | 3 |
Description: Provides the digital photography student with a broad educational experience through observation and participation in an industry environment. Students gain hands-on experience by being assigned to a commercial photography company. Students will be supervised by an industry professional and must report on every work session. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 232 and consent of coordinator. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 15 Contact Hours: 15 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| MKT 180 | Strategic Communication for a Digital World | 3 |
Description: Introduces the fundamental skills needed to develop Web-appropriate written content that can be leveraged for strategic marketing purposes on multiple digital platforms. Evaluates platform requirements and explains the nuances of multimedia writing. Presents techniques to identify success metrics, assess and report content performance and make data-driven recommendations. Recommended preparation: ENG 101 or placement equivalency. Click here for English placement information: https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| MKT 245 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
Description: Focuses on marketing activities that will cover product planning, pricing strategies and promotional efforts including advertising, selling and sales promotions and distribution channel effectiveness. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| WEB 110 | Internet Fundamentals | 3 |
Description: Introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to use the Internet and build basic web pages. Teaches introductory functions of the web, Internet communications and project management concepts. Explores social networking tools and the use of multimedia on the web.Discusses industry career opportunities. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| WEB 140 | Mobile Apps | 3 |
Description: Introduces students who are new to coding, to build mobile apps for Apple mobile devices using the language and tools, Swift and Xcode. With MobileMakerEdu, students will build an app, analyze errors in code, and problem solve. Students complete the class with a portfolio of apps and collection of skills that align with a professional workplace. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| WEB 150 | Web Foundations | 3 |
Description: Introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an overview of the JavaScript language. Includes web design best practices, web site hosting, Internet protocols, graphics, media and security. Students utilize the skills learned to create a business-oriented web site project. IAI MC 923 Recommended preparation: WEB 110 or CIS 106 or GRA 101 are strongly recommended courses in preparation prior to WEB 150. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
Students interested in graphic arts technology may also be interested in:
For more information about the Graphic Arts Design and Technology degree program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.