facebookComputer Graphic Design
Computer Graphic Design students learn design fundamentals, lettering and typography, graphic design and web design. Students create color composites and renderings and are introduced to using computer applications and sophisticated software as design tools. Students use these tools to create high quality layouts and designs for print and web.
Diploma program students come from diverse backgrounds and have different individual goals - but they all have a common desire to grow through education.
Faculty members for this diploma program are experienced industry professionals who encourage the development of skills. As students advance in the program, they are guided by their instructors in developing portfolios to show prospective employers.
This program prepares students to write Adobe certification exams for Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop and become “Adobe Certified Associates.”
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work created during academic studies, intense attention to detail, ability to communicate effectively – both verbally and in written form, ability to work independently as well as in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment.
What else does Herzing College have to offer?
While studying at Herzing College, the student has free access to the Internet, the help and training from dedicated instructors, a free career development service and the attention of friendly staff.
What career path will Herzing College prepare me for?
The Computer Graphic Design program provides students with a solid foundation for career growth. Graduates are qualified for many entry-level positions, including production or computer artists at newspapers or print media production houses, advertising agencies or television stations.
Entrance Requirements
The following are necessary to be enrolled in the program:
- High school diploma or Mature Student status
- Pass an aptitude evaluation
- Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
Graduation Criteria
In order to qualify for a diploma, a student must reach the following levels of proficiency:
- Complete a minimum of 50 semester credit hours of study
- A minimum grade of D (60%) in any subject attempted
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 (70%)
The college reserves the right to modify course content, operating systems, course order and tools during the course of the year.
Student Portfolio examples
Weeks: 52
Total Credits: 52
Semester 1 - Introduction
40 hours
DM 103 Computers and Application Software: Macintosh
This course is an introduction to the Macintosh operating systems and application software packages, including word processing; spreadsheets and presentation graphics; as well as the Internet.
140 hours
DM 205 Adobe Flash Fundamentals
In this beginning course students will learn to create and modify simple and complex graphics on single and multiple layers. Saving and reusing graphic elements as well as non-Flash graphics are explored. Frame animation, motion, shape tweening and actionscript are also covered. Additional topics include interactivity with frame actions/objects and the addition of sound and video. With improved interoperability and new functions that enhance audio, video, graphic and interactive elements, HTML 5 will put students at the forefront of web development before it becomes a recommendation of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).Advanced display techniques and web animation can now be safely distributed across browsers, operating systems and mobile devices in a sturdy and powerful new semantic.
140 hours
DM 206 Web Design with Dreamweaver
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skill in planning and developing well designed and effective client-side Web pages that meet an organization’s business objectives and address appropriate audience requirements. Adobe Dreamweaver software will be the main tools used for teaching. Topics include basic design strategies; planning and designing Web pages; developing test plans and procedures; launch and promotion strategies; maintenance, assessment, and continuous improvement procedures and an overview of client-side Web site types. Projects developed during this portion will also be added to the student’s online portfolio.
Semester 2
80 hours
DM 100 Graphic Design and Layout (Quark XPress)
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skill in the graphic design and layout principles. Topics include choosing the right shape to work on, correct line proportion, colour theory, selecting typefaces for headings and text. Projects will include designing stationary, business cards, colour brochures, advertising inserts for direct mail and point of sale packages.
80 hours
DM 200 Graphic Design and Layout II (InDesign CS4)
Type, illustration and photography are combined in this subject to solve design communication problems. The student draws on all the tools available to assist in solving the industry-based problems presented. ¬Prerequisite: DM 100.
80 hours
DM 230 Vector Graphics (Illustrator CS4)
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skill in the production and manipulation of vector graphics. Topics include drawing, stroke and fill, shape tools, freeform drawing, manipulating objects, appearance, drawing aids, importation and conversion of bitmaps to vectors.
Semester 3
80 hours
DM 218 Photoshop Image Design And Editing
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skill in graphics using Photoshop. Photoshop topics include working with file size and format; using Web-safe color palettes and managing color; image masking and image compression; Graphics Interface File (GIF) and Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) file formats; using tools to alter photographs; and applying filters and effects.
80 hours
DM 210 Digital Typography
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skill in the art of typography. Topics include the evolution of typography, type basics, and categories of type, elements of type, controlling type within documents, designing with type, type and the Internet and the mechanics of type. This is a great opportunity to review layout programs.
80 hours
DM 300 Technical Production For Print Media
This course covers the information students need to prepare designs for print. Students will be able to properly set up files, understand print terminology, work effectively with printers and familiarize themselves with the print production process as well as the technology involved.
80 hours
DM 330 Design Production II
This subject deals with graphic design and production processes and their influence on design problem solving. Areas of study include the process, presentations, colour, impositions, paper, film and printing suppliers.
80 hours
DM 380 Portfolio and Project Management
This course provides an overview of the knowledge, techniques, and tools required in order to participate productively in the development of computer graphic designs. Topics include basic project management and project planning concepts; identifying project tasks, creating project schedules, assigning resources and tracking progress and communicating project information. Students will also finalize and present their portfolios.
PD 150 Career Developments
This mandatory course helps students prepare for employment, conduct a successful campaign to find employment, and be successful in their career. Topics covered; preparation of a resume, covering letter and thank you letter to use in job search.
80 hours
WE 194 Internship
The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in an industry environment. The industry shall be directly related to the student’s program of study. The internship requires full-time day attendance working in the industry setting. The duration of the internship is four weeks, during which the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 80 hours of work experience. Prerequisite: All courses in the program.
