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, animation and various print and layout techniques.
Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of print, web and other materials. 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.
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 computer software and production techniques is included in the curriculum. Emphasis is on digital 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.
The curriculum includes current application instruction with a focus on web technologies. Emphasis is on web and graphic design, including a complete understanding of website design and best practices, hosting and internet protocols. All students in the program complete a required sequence of classes and then select this web design specialty to be employable in this visual communication industry or transfer to a 4 year program.
Classes for this 64 credit-hour program are offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
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.
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
• demonstrate strong visual skills through graphic design.
• demonstrate strong typography ability and principles of design knowledge.
• utilize all graphic applications for print and web design.
• comprehend the graphic arts workflow from web and print design through finishing.
• comprehend color management requirements in a graphic arts workflow.
• create acceptable print and web digital graphic files using industry standard criteria.
• demonstrate basic knowledge and procedures in web design. development and prepress/press operations.
• exhibit good communication skills to participate in a visual communications industry.
Many graphic design jobs are high tech, highly skilled, creative and innovative. Positions include art director, creative director, graphic 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
Rev. 4/2016

First Semester
ART 121 Design 1 ............................................................ 3
ENG 101 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
ENG 102 Composition ...................................................... 3
GRA 105 Color Management ........................................... 3
GRA 112 Digital Illustration I ............................................. 3
GRA 130 Introduction to Photography .............................. 2
Mathematics elective 1 ................................................................. 3
Social Science elective 2
✦
............................................................ 3
17
First Semester
GRA 111 Press Operations .............................................. 3
GRA 120 Graphic Design I ............................................... 3
GRA 229 Page Layout ...................................................... 3
GRA 145 WordPress and Mobile Technologies ................ 3
WEB 150 Web Development 1 ......................................... 3
15
Second Semester
GRA 220 Graphic Design II .............................................. 3
GRA 231 Variable Data Technologies .............................. 3
Humanities or Social Science elective 3 ....................................... 3
GRA 221 Graphic Portfolio Design ................................... 2
WEB 170 Web Graphics ................................................... 3
WEB 180 Web Multimedia ................................................ 3
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.
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