College Closed for Independence Day

Wake Tech is closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Prospective students can still apply online, and current students can register for Fall semester classes.

Credit Programs

Graphic Design

Course Descriptions

NOTE: Wake Tech doesn't offer GRD-121, GRD-152, GRD-167, GRD-282 or GRD-285.

GRD-110: Typography I

This course introduces the history and mechanics of type and its application to layout and design. Topics include typographic fundamentals, anatomy, measurements, composition, identification, and terminology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in design application, analysis, specification, and creation of typographic elements.
Pre-Requisites: Take one: ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111 Take one: MAT-003, MAT-025 or MAT-035

GRD-141: Graphic Design I

This course introduces the conceptualization process used in visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on learning the principles of design and on the manipulation and organization of elements. Upon completion, students should be able to apply design principles to projects.
Pre-Requisites: Take one: ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111

GRD-142: Graphic Design II

This course covers the application of graphic design principles. Topics include creation of various designs, such as branding, advertisements, and publication design. Upon completion, students should be able to apply design principles and develop design solutions.
Pre-Requisites: Take ART-121 or GRD-141 Take GRD-155 and GRD-154 Take GRD-110

GRD-145: Design Applications I

This course introduces visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on application of design principles. Upon completion, students should be able to produce projects utilizing basic design concepts.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-141 Take GRD-155 Take GRD-152 or GRD-154

GRD-146: Design Applications II

This course is designed to provide additional hands-on training in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on producing comprehensive projects utilizing concepts and technologies covered in GRD 141 and GRD 142. Upon completion, students should be able to provide solutions to design problems.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142

GRD-151: Computer Design Basics

This course introduces software applications for graphic design. Emphasis is placed on utilizing digital tools to generate design solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to use industry-standard software as a creative tool.
Pre-Requisites: Take one: ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111

GRD-152: Computer Design Technology

This course covers complex design problems utilizing various design and drawing software applications. Topics include the use of typography, image, and organization to communicate a message. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate industry-standard software.
Pre-Requisites: None

GRD-154: Vector Imaging Software

This course is an introduction to the creation of vector imagery using industry-standard software. Topics include drawing illustrations, transforming objects, working with layers, generative AI, patterns, brushes, and filters, and using effects. Upon completion, students should be able to create vector-based illustrations and design solutions.
Pre-Requisites: Take one: ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111

GRD-155: Publication Design

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of publication layout and design in an industry-standard page layout software application. Topics include typography, digital assets, generative content, color, grid systems, paragraphs and character styles, parent pages, and pre-flighting. Upon completion, students should be able to create single and multiple-page print and digital publications.
Pre-Requisites: Take one: ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111

GRD-182: Digital and Print Marketing

This course introduces the elements of marketing as it relates to digital and print media. Topics include promotion, placement, identifying a target audience, conducting research, analytics, selection of media, use of social media platforms, and search engine optimization as a marketing tool. Upon completion, students should be able to apply marketing concepts to digital and print design scenarios.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-141

GRD-183: Concept, Design, and Process

This course introduces students to the conceptual requirements of the design profession. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, research, brainstorming, ideation, analysis, and testing. Upon completion, students should be able to apply critical and design thinking skills necessary to conceive unique design solutions.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142

GRD-240: User Interface and User Experience

This course introduces a design-centric approach to user interface and user experience design, and offers practical, skill-based instruction centered around a visual communications perspective. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the stages of the UI/UX development process, including user research and analysis, choosing methodologies, defining a project's strategy, scope, and information architecture, developing sitemaps and wireframes, performing user testing, and producing prototypes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate current best practices and conventions in UX design and apply them to create effective and compelling digital screen-based experiences.
Pre-Requisites: Take DME-125

GRD-241: Graphic Design III

This course is an advanced exploration of various techniques and media for graphic design. Emphasis is placed on advanced concepts and solutions to complex and challenging graphic design problems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence and professionalism in visual problem solving.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142;

GRD-246: Design Applications III

This course is designed to provide additional hands-on training in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on producing complex design projects utilizing concepts and technologies taught in GRD 241. Upon completion, students should be able to produce complex design projects for reproduction.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-241

GRD-265: Digital Print Production

This course covers preparation of digital files for output and reproduction. Emphasis is placed on preflighting, output options, cost and design considerations. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare files and select appropriate output methods for design solutions. Topics include sustainable and eco-friendly printing solutions including Forest Stewardship Council certification.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142

GRD-280: Portfolio Design

This course covers the organization and presentation of a design portfolio and appropriate related materials. Emphasis is placed on development and evaluation of the portfolio, resume and self-promotional materials, and interview techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and professionally present a portfolio and related self-promotional materials.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142; Take GRD-146

GRD-281: Design of Advertising

This course covers the development of advertising. Emphasis is placed on the development and production of advertising structure campaigns and materials using design principles. Upon completion, students should be able to produce advertising for targeted audiences.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-142;

WEB-110: Web Development Fundamentals

This course introduces World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standard markup language. Topics include creating web pages, responsive design, file transfer, deployment, accessibility, and other related W3C topics. Upon completion, students should be able to deploy a hand-coded website created using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) standards. Topics include HTML, XHMTL.
Pre-Requisites: Take ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111 Take MAT-003, MAT-025, MAT-035 or MAT-110

WEB-115: Web Markup and Scripting

This course introduces Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) Internet programming using JavaScript. Topics include basic syntax, object-oriented programming, functions, variables, events, arrays, validation, accessibility, and web standards. Upon completion, students should be able to write, debug, maintain well-formed and well documented interactive web content using JavaScript code. Students will also be exposed to industry standard development tools and practices with these technologies.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110 or CTI-110

WEB-125: Responsive Web Frameworks

This course introduces students to responsive web frameworks. Topics include planning effective responsive websites, industry standard Markup Language, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), testing, and web publishing. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, develop, test, and publish responsive web content.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-115

WEB-140: Web Development Tools

This course provides an introduction to web development tools.Topics include creating websites using web development tools and web standards. Upon completion, students should be able to create small web sites and upload files to a web server.
Pre-Requisites: Take ENG-002, ENG-025 or ENG-111 Take MAT-003 or MAT-025 or MAT-035 or MAT-110

WEB-180: Active Server Pages

This course introduces active server programming. Topics include HTML forms processing and other issues related to developing active web applications. Upon completion, students should be able to create and maintain a dynamic website. Current trends in ASP, to include ASP.Net will be taught.
Pre-Requisites: Take CIS-115

WEB-182: PHP Programming

This course introduces students to the server-side, HTML-embedded scripting language PHP. Emphasis is placed on programming techniques required to create dynamic web pages using PHP scripting language features. Upon completion, students should be able to design, code, test, debug, and create a dynamic web site using the PHP scripting language.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110

WEB-210: Web Design

This course introduces intermediate to advanced web design techniques. Topics include customer expectations, advanced markup language, multimedia technologies, usability and accessibility practices, and techniques for the evaluation of web design. Upon completion, students should be able to employ advanced design techniques to create high impact and highly functional web sites. Students will develop a working knowledge of using CSS and employing within a website.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110 or WEB-140

WEB-213: Internet Marketing and Analytics

This course introduces students to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM)and web analytics. Topics include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click advertising (PPC), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), web analytics, eye-tracking software and email marketing. Upon completion, students should be able to set up, monitor and maintain SEO optimized websites; and develop strategies for online marketing and advertising plans.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110

WEB-214: Social Media

This course introduces students to social media for organizations. Topics include social media, marketing strategy, brand presence, blogging, social media analytics and technical writing. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize popular social media platforms as part of a marketing strategy, and work with social media analytics tools.
Pre-Requisites: Take ENG-111

WEB-215: Advanced Markup and Scripting

This course covers the advanced programming skills required to design Internet applications and interactive web content.Emphasis is placed on the programming techniques required to develop Internet applications, interactive web content, frameworks, and using libraries. Upon completion, students should be able to design, code, debug, and document Internet-based programming solutions to various real-world problems.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-115 Take WEB-125

WEB-225: Content Management Systems

This course introduces students to Content Management Systems (CMS) designed for the publication of Web content to Web sites. Topics include individual user accounts, administration menus, RSS-feeds, customizable layout, flexible account privileges, logging, blogging systems, creating online forums, and modules. Upon completion, students should be able to register and maintain individual user accounts and create a business website and/or an interactive community website.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110

WEB-250: Database Driven Websites

This course introduces dynamic (database-driven) website development. Topics include the use of basic database CRUD statements (create, read, update and delete) incorporated into web applications, as well as in software architecture principles. Upon completion, students should be able to design and develop database driven web applications according to industry standards.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-110 and DBA-120

WEB-260: E-Commerce Programming

This course introduces the concepts and tools to implement electronic commerce via the Internet. Topics include application and server software selection, securing transactions, use and verification of credit cards, publishing of catalogs, documentation, and site administration. Upon completion, students should be able to setup a working e-commerce Internet web site.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-250

WEB-287: Web E-Portfolio

This course covers the creation and organization of a web-based e-portfolio that includes a resume, references, and comprehensive academic and work samples. Emphasis is placed on creating an e-portfolio with solid design and demonstrable content, the production of a resume and self-promotional materials, and interview techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to present their own domain with included professional e-portfolio elements of resume, sample work, and related self-promotional materials.
Pre-Requisites: Take WEB-210 and WEB-115

WEB-289: Web Development Capstone Project

This course provides an opportunity to complete a significant Web technologies project from the design phase through implementation with minimal instructor support. Emphasis is placed on project definition, documentation, installation, testing, presentation, and training. Upon completion, students should be able to complete an Internet project from the definition phase through implementation.
Pre-Requisites: Take GRD-240 Take DME-211