Graphic Arts Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree/Package Design Option
Program Coordinator Patty Bruner
847.925.6448
pbruner@harpercollege.edu
Avanté, Room Y103h
http://dept.harpercollege.edu/graphicarts/
The Harper College Graphic Arts Technology program offers
students four associate degree options in the graphic arts field—
creative design, package design, web design or
print production. Students can complete a first year core
sequence of classes and then select one of the four options
for the second year coursework.
Package Design
Program Outcomes
Graphic designers plan, analyze and create visual solutions to
communication problems. They find the most effective way to
convey messages in print and electronic media using color, type,
illustration, photography, packaging, animation and various print
and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout
and production design of many packaging products, services and
publications. They produce promotional displays, signage, packaging
and marketing brochures for products and services, design logos
for products and businesses and develop material for Web pages,
interactive media and multimedia projects.
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
The Harper College program is designed to prepare students for
a wide range of employment opportunities in the graphic design
industry. It provides a foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare
students for new jobs, as well as providing career advancement
opportunities. Introduction to the latest graphics and packaging
software and production techniques is included in the curriculum.
Emphasis is on digital product design, visual techniques and
production, in line with the needs of the graphic design industry.
Producing a professional portfolio and resume for employment
completes this program.
Classes for this 64 credit-hour program are offered during the fall,
spring and summer semesters.
• demonstrate strong visual skills through graphic design.
• demonstrate strong typography ability and principles of
design knowledge.
• utilize all graphic and packaging applications in layout
and design.
• comprehend the graphic arts workflow from design through
print and finishing.
• comprehend color management requirements in a graphic
arts workflow.
• create acceptable print-ready digital graphic files using
industry standard preflight criteria for packaging industry.
• demonstrate basic knowledge and procedures in prepress,
pressroom and bindery operations for packaging.
• exhibit good communication skills to participate in a visual
communications industry.
Career Opportunities
Many graphic design jobs are high tech, highly skilled, creative
and innovative. Positions include art director, creative director,
graphic designer, package designer, Web designer, desktop
publisher, photographer, illustrator and computer graphic artist.
For a complete overview to all related positions and job market and
salary trends, please visit the following Web sites:
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Arts-and-Design/
Graphic-designers.htm
• http://www.graphiccommcentral.org/
• http://dept.harpercollege.edu/graphicarts/resources.html
harpercollege.edu
Rev. 2/2016
Graphic Arts Technology
(Sample Schedule)
Associate in Applied Science Degree*/Packaging Design Option
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
ART 121
Design 1.............................................................3
ENG101 Composition.......................................................3
GRA 101
Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology............3
GRA 102
Graphic Arts Desktop Publishing.......................3
GRA 103
Digital Imaging I................................................. 3
15
Second Semester
ENG102 Composition.......................................................3
GRA 105
Color Management............................................3
GRA 112
Digital Illustration I.............................................. 3
GRA 130
Introduction to Photography...............................2
Mathematics elective1.................................................................. 3
Social Science elective2✦............................................................. 3
17
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
GRA 111 Press Operations...............................................3
GRA 120 Graphic Design I................................................3
GRA 229 Page Layout.......................................................3
Humanities or Social Science elective3........................................3
GRA 145 WordPress and Mobile Technologies4 OR
WEB 150
Web Development 14......................................... 3
15
SECOND YEAR
PACKAGE DESIGN SPECIALTY: Second Semester
GRA 213 Packaging, Finishing and Distribution................3
GRA 214 Advanced Illustrator...........................................3
GRA 220 Graphic Design II...............................................3
GRA 222 Package Design.................................................3
GRA 230 Prepress Production......................................... 3
GRA 221 Graphic Portfolio Design.................................... 2
17
Total Required Credits 64
1
A competency test, available in the Assessment and Testing Center, may be utilized to meet the
mathematics requirement. Students who utilize the competency test to meet the mathematics requirement
must complete an additional three-hour graphic arts course. Please consult with the program coordinator
for recommended courses.
2
One 3-credit course from the Social Sciences electives for the AAS degree is required.
✦
This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
3
One 3-credit course from the Humanities OR Social Sciences electives for the AAS degree is required.
An ART course from the Humanities AAS electives is recommended from the humanities category for the
Creative Design Area of Study.
✦
This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
4
For students choosing the Web Design Path, they will take the second of the two course options from the
third semester: GRA 145 or WEB 150
Harper College, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067-7398
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, the information is subject to change without notice and final career decisions are the responsibility of the student.
Harper College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. 15518 AQ 2/10