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This 15 credit-hour certificate program is designed for students interested in specializing in digital printing, variable printing, and operating a digital press in the graphic arts field. This certificate will enhance a student's current employment position as well as provide new employment opportunities in the digital print market.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| GRA 101 | Introduction to Graphic Arts Design and Media I | 3 |
Description: Introduces the history, vocabulary, tools, and processes of the graphic communications industry. Students explore design, imaging, prepress, printing, and finishing while learning career pathways in graphic arts. Hands-on projects using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign focus on creating professional, print-ready files. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| GRA 102 | Graphic Arts Design & Media II | 3 |
Description: Presents a clear and practical understanding of graphic design principles and the essential skills needed for preparing files for professional print production. Offers hands-on training using Adobe InDesign (focuses on layout design and multi-page document creation), Adobe Illustrator (concentrates on vector graphics, logo design and illustration), and Photoshop (explores image manipulation, editing, and raster graphic preparation). Explores the interaction and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the Adobe software environment to enhance design flows and creative possibilities. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| GRA 111 | Print Media Production | 3 |
Description: Covers fundamentals of offset printing as well as new technologies in the digital print arena. Provides knowledge of press maintenance and safety, feeder systems, registration requirements, ink systems and color management tools and techniques in the print industry. Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| GRA 233 | Integrated Digital Printing | 3 |
Description: This course will explore the digital print market in commercial environments. Wide format and digital presses will be calibrated and analyzed for quality output. Automation and prepress techniques will be reviewed prior to printing to assure quality input. Emphasizes understanding and incorporating emerging technologies into the production workflow. Students work from design and conception through all aspects of preparation, production, and finishing. Recommended to take Prepress and Digital Front End prior to enrolling in this course. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| GRA 250 | Graphic Arts Business Workshop | 3 |
Description: This workshop-based course provides students with hands-on experience managing and producing live graphic arts projects in a simulated small business environment. Students estimate, plan, and execute print and graphic production jobs from initial client request through final delivery. Emphasis is placed on job estimating and configuration using Align software from Onyx, prepress preparation, printing, finishing, quality control, and delivery. Students follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safely and efficiently operate graphic arts equipment. The course integrates project management, workflow coordination, cost control, and professional communication while reinforcing industry expectations for accuracy, accountability, and teamwork. Real-world production scenarios prepare students for employment in commercial print, graphic production, and related fields. Prerequisites: GRA 111 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Students interested in graphic arts technology may also be interested in:
For more information about the digital press program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.