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User Experience Design

The User Experience Design Certificate will provide students with the skills needed to design websites, applications, and other software tools with the human experience in mind. This certificate stacks into both the Graphic Design AAS degree and the Web Development AAS degree. Students will develop an understanding of how humans interact with software and objects. Using that knowledge, students will design software tools focused on ensuring a pleasant user experience. Students will gain skills such as 2D design, graphic design, animation, video editing, usability studies, and heuristics.

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Suggested Degree Plan for User Experience Design Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
CSC 106 Introduction to Computers Details 3
An introductory course in which students learn basic terminology, equipment, history, various software including operating system and application software, and the impact of the computer in society. Includes "hands-on" experience. Satisfies JWCC computer literacy requirement. (Same as AGR 175)
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 127 User Experience Design I Details 3
Introduction to the fundamental components of human-centered design, focusing on interactive computer systems. Students learn the basic tenets and methods of user-centered design, including usability and visual design principles, user research, and low-fidelity prototyping.
Prerequisites: Concurrent with CSC 106, or consent of instructor
CSC 247 2D Animation Details 3
2D animation focuses on creating and manipulating graphics to create application interactions, video effects, and short animated films. Students will gain experience creating hand-drawn and computer-based animations using a variety of hands-on and software tools.
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 248 Computerized Illustration (Adobe Illustrator) Details 3
A course in the most important topics of design principles and vector graphics. Students learn how to create text and gradients, draw and compose an illustration, transform and distort objects, work with layers, create graphs, draw with symbols, and create 3-D objects. Course is taught using industry standard illustration software.
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
BUS 131 Principles of Marketing Details 3
A survey of the field of marketing, designed to give basic understanding of the principles of marketing and the operation of our marketing system.
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 220 Graphic and Photo Manipulation (Photoshop) Details 3
An introduction to the use of the computer in graphic design. Students learn how to repair images, work with layers, make selections, incorporate color techniques, and place type in an image. The course focuses on using painting tools, special layer functions and filters, enhancing specific selections, making color adjustment, working with clipping masks and paths. The course will be taught using industry-standard photo manipulation software.
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 244 User Experience Design II Details 3
This course allows students to practice as a UX designer in a company-like environment. Students learn about the roles they can pursue and build foundational collaboration and project management skills. Projects utilize a human-centered design approach to provide a rich user experience.
Prerequisites: CSC 127
Various ENG 101 / ENG 191 Details 3
Choose ENG 101 or ENG 191.
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
ENG 191 Business Communication Details 3
This course instructs students in the techniques of composing effective business letters, memoranda, electronic communication, resumes and cover letters, and reports. It covers introductory business communication principles including intercultural communication, teamwork strategies, business etiquette, meeting strategies, business presentations, and employment communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score.
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.