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Program facts 
Enroll in this 30-credit-hour certificate program to develop a foundation in the graphic arts industries, web-to-print solutions and personalization/customization in print promotions. You’ll be trained in basic graphic technologies utilizing personalized marketing applications and digital print production. Upon graduation, you can begin a career in the graphic arts field or continue your education with one of Harper College’s high-quality degree programs in this area.
During the program, you’ll learn how to implement a successful web-to-print workflow and analyze digital/graphic files. You’ll also be trained in the delivery of variable printed pieces. Areas of study include graphic arts technology, business software packages, database systems, desktop publishing, page layout, prepress production, digital imaging, personalized marketing technologies and web scripting foundations.
Perfect your creative skills in one of Harper’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.
This 30 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide students with a foundation in skills to understand the graphic arts industries web-to-print solutions and the importance of personalization and customization in print promotions. This certificate will provide training in basic graphic technologies utilizing variable data applications and digital print production. It will instruct students on how to implement a successful web-to-print workflow as well as analysis of data, digital graphic files, and delivery of the variable printed piece.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS 160 | Introduction to Business Software Packages | 3 |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of currently popular software packages or suites. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and the integration of these applications. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| CIS 143 | Introduction to Database Systems | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to database concepts. Primary focus is on the relational model of database management and querying databases using Structured Query Language (SQL). Existing relational databases are examined and manipulated, and new relational databases are created. Prerequisite: CAS 160 or CIS 101 or WEB 110 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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| 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 229 | Page Layout | 3 |
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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 better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| GRA 230 | Prepress and Digital Front End | 3 |
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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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| GRA 231 | Personalized Marketing | 3 |
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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 |
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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 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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Students interested in graphic arts design and technology may also be interested in:
For more information about the Personalized Marketing Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.