Computer Graphic Design Print - Mount Wachusett Community College

Computer Graphic Design Print from Mount Wachusett Community College is a Campus Associate Communication Technologies degree that prepares you for a Communications career. This program provides students with the visual design , communication, and computer graphic skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in this field or to continue their education at a four-year college or university. For those already employed, they can enroll in this career program to upgrade their skills for potential advancement. You will learn basic and advanced techniques for creating effective promotional and collateral pieces, publications, packaging design, corporate identity and digital artwork through the use of state-of-the-art computer technology and the latest graphic design software. In addition to learning page layout software, design theory and techniques, and preparing design work for print , you\\\'ll learn advanced computer skills such as digital imaging , electronic illustration, and web design. The most current graphic and web design software is used in the CGD program. This includes: the Adobe Creative Suite 4 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver and Flash), QuarkXPress 8.0, and the latest web browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Opera). Career options: Graphic designers may be employed by advertising agencies, design firms, marketing departments, commercial art, reproduction firms, or printing and publishing companies. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many graphic designers are self-employed. Program Competencies Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to: 1. Exhibit a solid understanding of the fundamentals of design , including the elements and principles of design and typography as they are applied to the development of effective communication pieces for both print and web design . Students will have an understanding of the concepts of copyrights and intellectual property. 2. Possess a working knowledge of the design process especially how it relates to: audience definition, research, analysis, and concept development; the production of thumbnail sketches, rough drafts, and the preparation of final comprehensive print layouts and websites. 3. Exhibit measureable proficiency in the following industry standard graphic design software: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. As well as, demonstrate a solid working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Acrobat Professional. 4. Transform digital images into new pieces of art through the use of Adobe Photoshop with emphasis on the creation of high-quality graphics for print and the web. 5. Create complex electronic illustrations and single page layouts with a solid understanding of the complex functions of Adobe Illustrator. 6. Have a solid working knowledge of the fundamentals of building websites using HTML, XHTML, CSS and Dreamweaver with the ability to design structurally as well as aesthetically. 7. Exhibit the ability to work with advanced graphic design principles, grids, typography, and advanced layout techniques while utilizing QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign. 8. Possess a working knowledge of print capabilities, the printing process, and understanding pre-press techniques. 9. Prepare for the job market with career planning, skill assessment, resume writing, and interviewing, as well as compile a professional-quality portfolio for entering the job market or for transferring to a four-year program. 10. Manage and development client-based visual communication pieces with the use of effective design and layout while meeting strict deadlines. View more details on Mount Wachusett Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Communication Technologies courses.