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Program facts
Build a foundation of skills in visual design, website scripting and interactive applications with this 30-credit-hour certificate program. Coursework includes an introduction to graphic arts technology, graphic arts desktop publishing, digital imaging, graphic design, WordPress and mobile technologies, web foundations, web graphics and prototyping, web multimedia, web scripting foundations and interactive scripting.
Get additional experience 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. Classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who are industry experts in their fields.
Ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in graphic design, web design and interactive multimedia design, this program will allow you to seek full-time employment in the graphic arts interactive technology field after graduation.
This 30 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide students with a foundation in skills encompassing visual design and scripting to develop websites, rich internet applications (RIAs) and interactive multimedia. Individuals seeking entry-level positions in the field of graphic design, web design and interactive multimedia design will find these skills helpful.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRA 101 | Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology | 3 |
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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 |
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| GRA 102 | Graphic Arts Desktop Publishing | 3 |
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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 |
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| GRA 103 | Digital Imaging I | 3 |
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Description: Covers fundamentals of professional digital 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. Computer skills are required for success in this course. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| GRA 120 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
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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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| GRA 145 | Wordpress and Mobile Technologies | 3 |
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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. Student 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, WEB 110 or WEB 150 with a grade of C or better, or consent of coordinator. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| WEB 150 | Web Foundations | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an overview of the JavaScript language. Topics include 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: WEB 110 or CIS 106 or GRA 101 are strongly recommended courses in preparation prior to WEB 150. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| WEB 170 | Web Ux Fundamentals and Prototyping | 3 |
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Description: Provides the understanding of UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) fundamentals, and the needs for user research, journey maps, personas, usability testing, and workflow mapping. Emphasizes techniques of sketching to develop digital wireframe to create an interactive prototype of a business-oriented website. Uses current prototyping tools to match industry standards. Prerequisite: WEB 110 or WEB 150 with a grade of C or better, or concurrent enrollment in WEB 150. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| WEB 180 | Web Multimedia | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the nature and attributes of motion graphics in this project-based course. Through hands-on activities, students will learn to generate, manipulate, and embed still and motion graphics for their website design and other media delivery systems. Prerequisite: WEB 150 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| WEB 200 | Web Scripting Foundations | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the JavaScript programming language and its capabilities for developing user-centric websites in this project-based course. Through hands-on exercises, students will create web pages with interactive components and dynamically update data. Students demonstrate skills by creating a business-oriented web site. Prerequisite: WEB 150 with a grade of C or better AND math placement in MTH 101 or higher. mathplacement.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| WEB 235 | Interactive Scripting S | 3 |
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Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Prerequisite: WEB 200 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Students interested in graphic arts design and technology may also be interested in:
For more information about interactive technology courses at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.