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Program facts 
Get experience in the marketing, creative and manufacturing aspects of designing materials for the packaging industry with this 30-credit-hour certificate program. You’ll develop skills in the areas of graphic design, computer graphics, packaging-specific software, marketing, production and finishing needs of package design to get products to market.
Take classes in graphic arts technology, graphic arts desktop publishing, digital imaging, digital illustration, graphic design, packaging/finishing/distribution, package design and prepress production. Develop your skills working in one of Harper College’s three state-of-the-art graphic arts labs, equipped with Mac computers and the latest creative software.
On-site printing presses allow you to get hands-on experience in all areas of graphic arts production. Classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who are industry experts in their fields. Harper’s graphic arts programs prepare students to begin their careers immediately after graduation. You may also decide to continue your education by enrolling in one of Harper’s degree programs upon completion of this certificate.
This 30 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills to gain marketing, creative and a manufacturing understanding of packaging skills and design materials for the packaging industry. This program covers graphic design, computer graphics, packaging-specific software, marketing and finishing needs and the production skills of good package design to get a product to market.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 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 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Students interested in graphic arts design and technology may also be interested in:
For more information about the Graphic Arts Package Design Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.