Graphic Design

Taught by subject matter experts, our non-credit graphic design programs equip you with the skills to communicate visually, opening creative opportunities in fields like advertising, corporate identity, and digital media. They provide essential training in design principles, software tools, and industry trends, helping you create professional work. Additionally, they enhance critical thinking and problem-solving, supporting personal and professional growth. To meet students where they are in their graphic design careers, Mercer County Community College is excited to offer a condensed Adobe Suite Bootcamp as well as more expansive Graphic Design Certificates (including Adobe Certification Prep.)!  

Adobe Suite Bootcamp

Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign

(instructor-led, Online)

Dive into the world of digital design with our Adobe Suite Bootcamp! This comprehensive course is designed for aspiring creatives looking to learn the essential tools of the Adobe Creative Cloud. This bootcamp will guide you through Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Discover how this trio collaborates effectively and explore best practices for integrating all Adobe tools in real-world projects for both print and digital publications. This bootcamp is ideal for graphic designers, marketers, photographers, and anyone passionate about creating visually compelling content.

 Why Take This Course?  

• Get familiar with the basic workspace, tools, and panels in the Adobe Creative Suite
• Learn introductory skills in Photoshop, such as working with layers, simple selections, masks, and preparing images for screen and print
• Explore Illustrator tools and panels to create basic vector graphics suitable for printing
• Use InDesign to bring text and images together into simple, well-organized layouts
• Practice fundamental design ideas like color, type, and layout in a supportive learning environment

Offered: TBD

Cost: $225

Course Format:

• Duration: 4 sessions / 10 hours 
• Schedule: 2 evenings per week
• Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Required: Adobe subscription (NOT included in course cost). Instructor will provide information on free options prior to the first day of class.

 

Graphic Design Certificate with Adobe Certification Exam Prep.

Students can select from TWO COURSES OF STUDY  to earn their Certificate: Print & Publishing Design or Web Design. Each pathway includes foundations in graphic design and color theory followed by industry-specific courses such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. After completing the Adobe classes, students will be prepared to sit for the individual Adobe Certification test for each application, if they so choose.

Any of these courses can be taken as individual classes for career development or personal enrichment, and do not need to be taken as part of a non-credit Graphic Design Certificate or to prepare for Adobe Certification.

"(The instructor) went above the normal course work and spoke about real life job issues in the field that I found extremely helpful.!" (Student testimonial.)

Print & Publishing Design Certificate 

(includes Adobe Certification Exam Prep.) 

Students pursuing the Print & Publishing Design Certificate must complete the following courses: 

• Foundations of Graphic Design
• Color Theory for Graphic Designers 
• Adobe Photoshop Complete: Certification Exam Prep.
• Adobe Illustrator Complete: Certification Exam Prep.
• Adobe InDesign Complete: Certification Exam Prep.

Web Design Certificate

(includes Adobe Certification Exam Prep.) 

Students pursuing the Web Design Certificate must complete the following courses: 

• Foundations of Graphic Design
• Color Theory for Graphic Designers
• Adobe Photoshop Complete: Certification Exam Prep.
• Adobe Illustrator Complete – Certification Exam Prep.
• Essentials of HTML & CSS 
• WordPress Complete  

Foundations of Graphic Design

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files.  

This dynamic course provides an essential foundation of graphic design , covering everything from typography and page layout to color theory. Students will explore the history of graphic arts and gain an understanding of key design principles, including type selection, composition, color usage, and the integration of photographic and illustrated images. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation of how these elements come together to create professional, impactful designs in today’s ever-evolving visual landscape.   

Offered: TBD

Cost: $315 

Color Theory for Graphic Designers

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files.  

Welcome to the world of color! In this class, we’ll explore the principles of color theory, from understanding the color wheel to mastering harmony, contrast, and mood. Whether you're designing logos or creating artwork, these essential skills will elevate your designs and bring your creative vision to life.  

Offered: TBD

Cost: $315 

Adobe Photoshop Complete: Certification Exam Prep.

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files. 

This course guides you through the essential tools and techniques for creating and editing stunning digital images. From mastering layers to retouching photos , to crafting unique designs, you'll gain practical skills while preparing for the Adobe Certified Professional certification exam* . Perfect for beginners, this class combines hands-on projects with expert guidance, helping you build a strong foundation and the confidence to create professional-quality visuals

Offered: TBD

Cost: $420

Note: * Certification registration and testing are not included.

Adobe Illustrator Complete: Certification Exam Prep.

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files .  

The introductory Adobe Illustrator Complete course teaches you the essentials of creating professional vector graphics for logos, illustrations, and designs. Explore key tools like the pen tool, shapes, and typography while mastering workflows for both print and digital media as you prepare for the Adobe Certified Professional certification exam*. Perfect for beginners, this class empowers you to bring your creative ideas to life with confidence.

Offered: TBD

Cost: tbd

Note: *Certification registration and testing are not included. 

Adobe INDESIGN COMPLETE: Certification Exam Prep.

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files.

Welcome to Adobe InDesign! This introductory class covers the fundamentals of creating professional layouts for print and digital media. Learn to design stunning brochures, flyers, magazines, and more while mastering tools like typography, grids, and styles in preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional certification exam* . Whether you're a beginner or building your portfolio, this course will enable you to gai n valuable skills to boost your design career

Offered: TBD

Cost: $420

Note: *Certification registration and testing are not included. 

Essentials of HTML & CSS

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files; ability to touch type.

The Essentials of HTML/CSS course introduces you to the building blocks of the web. Learn to structure content with HTML, style it with CSS, and create responsive, visually appealing designs. Perfect for beginners, these foundational skills will empower you to build and customize websites from scratch.  

Offered: TBD

Cost: $630 

WordPress Complete

Required: Basic knowledge of Windows; familiarity with creating and saving files.

Welcome to WordPress! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create stunning, functional websites without coding. We’ll cover themes, plugins, layouts, blogging, and essential tools to customize your site. Perfect for beginners, this course empowers you to build and manage websites that reflect your unique vision and goals.

Offered: TBD

Cost: $420

 

Available Classes

3D cad Solid Modeling: Autodesk Certified Associate

for Mechanical Product Design/Manufacture

This hands-on, project-based course trains students in Fusion 360 solid modeling  for real-world mechanical product design and manufacturing applications. Whether you're pursuing a new career path or looking to enhance your current skills, this course prepares you to become Autodesk Certified  and job-ready in just 12 weeks.  No prior drafting or design experience is required. Potentially earn up to two (2) Mercer County Community College credits.

What You’ll Learn:

• Parametric solid modeling using Autodesk Fusion 360
• Mechanical design principles for real-world product development
• Technical drawing, assembly design, and rapid prototyping fundamentals
• Industry-relevant workflows used in modern manufacturing environments

Certification Exam:
The course concludes with students taking the Autodesk Fusion 360 Certified Associate Exam, providing industry-recognized credentials to showcase your CAD proficiency, upon passing the exam.

Who Should Enroll:
Ideal for college students, recent graduates, career changers, or anyone looking to enter the field of mechanical design and manufacturing with a strong foundation in CAD and prototyping tools.

Offered: Click on the "Available Classes" button below and enter “NCMFT" in the course code field.

Cost: $2,750 (includes exam voucher)

Course Format:

• Duration: 12 weeks / 72 hours 
• Schedule: 2 classes per week

 

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Available Classes

NJ Film Academy

Credentialed curriculum tracks

Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry (Please note that Script to Screen is a mandatory prerequisite class for all NJ Film Academy Tracks.)

Cost: $375

Dates: August 17-October 12  Mondays and Thursdays 5:30PM-8:30PM at our West Windsor Campus

Course Description: “Script to Screen” provides foundational knowledge about the different stages of production, job opportunities, and professional expectations in film and television. Students will learn industry-specific terminology and processes related to above- and below-the-line positions, how a creative project moves from script to screen, and how to start and build a film or television career.

The class places an emphasis on industry standards, practices and procedures, on-set safety protocols, and the realities of the job market, helping students be best prepared to advance to the next level of training and start their careers in the industry.

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue entry-level positions in the industry, including how to obtain employment and the training required to succeed. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical assignments, students will be prepared to navigate the realities of the job market and embark on their careers in the entertainment industry with confidence and professionalism.

 

CLASSES COMING SOON!

 

PRODUCTION OFFICE & ACCOUNTING

Choose two additional courses from the following group: (Please note that the more industry-relevant courses and certifications completed, the more valuable students become to potential employers.)

Introduction to Production Accounting for Film and Television

Cost: $799

Course Description: Learn about the skills, terminology and workflow used in production accounting offices in the entertainment industry, specifically to support films and television shows. This class will cover relationships the accounting office may have with various entities, including the cast and crew, studios or other financiers, studio business affairs, labor unions, state and/or local film offices, vendors and banks, payroll processors, insurance and incentive personnel.

The course includes demonstrations of budgeting, scheduling, record-keeping and reporting software as well as hands-on learning experiences. Upon completion, students will be prepared for an internship or entry-level job in the production accounting or payroll office of a film or television production.

Introduction to Production Office: Production Coordinating & Management

Cost: $799

Course Description: Explore the essential functions of a production office and the responsibilities of the team members that make it up. Film or TV production managers and coordinators are members of the production team who provide logistical support and help manage administrative tasks to ensure productions run smoothly, finish on time and on budget.

Students will learn the production office is the hub for production management. It operates and serves alongside many departments that play a crucial role in creating a motion picture. While learning more about those departments, students will begin to develop an understanding of industry-specific terminology and take a closer look at the studio filmmaking process from prep to wrap.

Upon completion, students will have a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities inside the production office, and how each member contributes to the studio filmmaking process. Students will be able to recognize and interpret documents used throughout production, and confidently navigate the production office environment with a path toward pursuing employment. Employment as a production coordinator or production manager requires strong leadership, communication skills, and a thorough understanding of the production process.

Introduction to Location Management

Cost: $799 (Required Equipment: Apparatus for photography, such as a cell phone camera.)

Course Description: Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the locations department in production for film and television, from script breakdown during pre-production to scouting, contracting, logistical planning and wrap out. Learn about various job opportunities within the locations department, as well as the role and importance of each. By integrating theoretical knowledge and hands-on tasks, students will acquire the necessary skills to confidently navigate the intricacies of the job market and begin a career in the entertainment industry with a strong sense of professionalism.

Upon completion, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry as a member of a locations team.

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HAIR, MAKEUP & WARDROBE

Choose two additional courses from the following group: (Please note that the more industry-relevant courses and certifications completed, the more valuable students become to potential employers.)

Introduction to Hair & Makeup for Film

Cost: $799

Course Description: Gain an introduction to working on set for film or television productions as a hair or makeup artist. Through presentations, script breakdowns, and instructor-led demonstrations, students will learn how to bring a story to the screen with the help of hair and makeup; the importance of continuity, hygiene, and sanitizing; practical hair and makeup skills to bring characters to life; how to be an effective background artist; and what steps to take to help secure a position as a hair or makeup artist.

Students will have the opportunity to practice and execute their own character-based hair and makeup designs during hands-on portions of the class utilizing their creative abilities.

Costuming for Film & Television

Cost: $799

Course Description: Students will learn about cinematic costume history and iconic industry designers; the costume office organizational structure; job roles and duties in various areas of the costume department; and the names, uses, and protocols related to pieces of departmental equipment and tasks. Students will also learn how costumes and various film crafts relate to one another on a working production, as well as how and why they all must operate in sync. In addition, students will look at the importance of some non-traditional skills that benefit the department.

Upon completion, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the costume department’s role in a film and television production.

 

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ON SET PRODUCTION

Choose two additional courses from the following group: (Please note that the more industry-relevant courses and certifications completed, the more valuable students become to potential employers.)

Introduction to Set Construction, Scenic Painting and Set Dressing

Cost: TBD

Course Description:  Gain an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of set construction, scenic painting, and set dressing for film and television. Students will learn the skills necessary to bring a production’s visual elements to life, including basic carpentry, standard and scenic painting techniques, and set dressing.

Introduction to Set Lighting & the Electric Department

Cost: TBD 

Course Description: Gain an introduction to modern set lighting, including history and theory as hands-on exercises bring the information to life. Students will learn industry specific on-set standards and terminology, and how to become a part of the electric department and work smoothly with other departments. Learn the basics of the electrical systems required to power the lighting needs of the set, as well how varied lighting units and equipment is needed to succeed.

Upon completion, students will have an understanding of the roles today’s evolving film and television landscape as well as theory, practical knowledge, and safety and efficiency techniques.

 

 

Register NOW!

The recommended keyword to search for the class is: Film