Graphic Arts Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree/Print Production 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.
Print Production
Program Outcomes
Print production involves elements of graphic design, typography,
illustration, image editing, workflow management, materials
trafficking, proofing, outputs, prepress processing, paper selection,
variable data, Web production and other procedures and techniques.
Students who successfully complete this program will:
A professional in the print production field knows every aspect of
print production, from the early stages of conception and planning
to the technical stages of manufacturing and off-press processing.
They are well versed on topics such as paper, printing technology,
choosing a service provider, getting estimates and arranging delivery,
as well as using computer software and networks to work more
efficiently with digital materials.
The Harper College program is designed to prepare students for a
range of employment opportunities in the graphic arts industry.
It provides a foundation of skills and knowledge to prepare students
for new jobs, as well as providing career advancement opportunities.
This degree covers all of the latest graphic software and production
techniques. Emphasis is on digital print production and basic graphic
design concepts, in line with the needs of the graphic industry.
Classes for this 62 credit-hour program are offered during the fall,
spring and summer semesters.
• demonstrate skills in print production.
• comprehend the graphic arts workflow from design through
print and finishing.
• exhibit a core understanding of graphic arts project
management and estimating procedures.
• analyze paper and ink usage in the print industry.
• comprehend color management requirements in a graphic
arts workflow.
• utilize all graphic applications.
• create acceptable print-ready digital graphic files, using industry
standard preflight criteria.
• perform basic operations and procedures in prepress,
pressroom and bindery.
• exhibit good communication skills to participate in a visual
communications industry.
Career Opportunities
Many graphic communication jobs are high tech, highly skilled,
high paying and innovative. Positions include production artist,
computer/print production operators, pre-press technicians, digital
and conventional press operators, bindery operators, sales and
customer service associates, production supervisors, project
managers and estimators.
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*/Print Production 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
PRINT PRODUCTION SPECIALTY: Second Semester
GRA 202
Advanced Color Management...........................3
GRA 211
Project Management, Scheduling & Estimating. 3
GRA 213
Packaging, Finishing and Distribution................3
GRA 230
Prepress Production..........................................3
GRA 231
Variable Data Technologies............................... 3
15
Total Required Credits 62
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. 15519 AQ 2/10