Graphics
The Graphics Program at Northwest College has been developed to provide students with career preparation in the related fields of graphic design, prepress, and printing. Varied combinations of course work in these fields can lead to employment opportunities in the Rocky Mountain region and across the nation.
NWC's graphics students learn in a professional environment. Our graphics facilities feature a state of the art Print Shop and computer labs that rival most universities.
You may choose from three primary directions of study in this program: graphic design, prepress, and printing.
Graphic design
This degree program provides students with the conceptual and technical skills necessary to communicate ideas in visual form. You will gain competence in using the creative process, design principles, form, color, image, and typography to craft clear and compelling messages. Take advantage of the same state-of-the-art equipment and software used by professionals in the field while developing your skills.
Our program provides the option of pursuing either an Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degree.
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design includes the study of design principles and elements, color theory, an introduction to the graphics industry, and an understanding of art history. This degree is for students who intend to transfer to a 4-year university to pursue a bachelors in graphic design.
Click here for AA in Graphic Design degree requirements
The Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design prepares students for careers in the related fields of graphic design, print and prepress production, photography, and web design. This degree takes you beyond the transfer-oriented AA degree, providing professional training in design for print and web. You will become proficient in utilizing professonal tools and software.
Click here for AAS in Graphic Design degree requirements
Graphics prepress production
Graphics prepress production involves the overlooked but ever-so-important area of prepress. This is a profession that most often works between the graphic design and the printing departments. Prepress professionals must have a good sense of graphic design but also know how to prepare a printed piece to insure the highest quality of reproduction while keeping production costs to a minimal. Members of the prepress community are often requested to repair and “tweak” files from designers that might otherwise result in an inferior product once on the printing press. This task is often referred to as "preflight." As a result, the prepress professional is expected to have a full understanding of the printing process while knowing all the major graphics software packages used in the graphic design and publishing professions.
Click here for AAS in Graphics Prepress degree requirements
Graphics Printing production
Graphics printing production is designed to prepare students to enter the graphic arts/printing profession as offset printing press operators. Some might think of it as boot camp for printers. Included with the thorough study and hands-on experience of the printing press, printing production students will also be exposed to the fundamentals of graphic design allowing them a better understanding of the discipline that generates the work that is targeted for the printing press. These students will also get a basic background in prepress which will assist them in their communications with the area that works in concert with printing.
This degree also provides the groundwork for print management training. A second two-year business degree or transfer to a 4-year school to study business is recommended for those seeking a career in the administrative area of the printing industry.
Click here for AAS in Graphics Printing degree requirements
Sample Courses
Graphic Design I (ART 2120) will introduce the student the most pervasive art form in America: the world of visual communication. The class approach will be lecture/demonstration with many in-class exercises and several larger projects using a variety of traditional studio techniques. Students will study design theory and solve design problems using a combination of type, image, color, and format.
Typography (ART 2110) The craft of typography is introduced. Emphasis is placed on the development of a full understanding of typographic history, classification, characteristics, and use of type in the field of graphic design. Students learn to work with type intelligently and creatively.
Foundations of Web Design (ART 2155) a beginning Web design course, students learn the foundations of Web development and design utilizing professional technology. Focus is on digital communication skills: design, project management, research and comunication, and proficiency with Dreaweaver web-authoring software.
