About Us

The Digital Communication Program offers degrees and certificates in the following areas:

Digital Photography
Graphic Design
Multimedia
Web Publishing
Technical Writing

For specific curriculum information on each certificate and degree, click on the Programs link or consult the HCCS Catalog. You may obtain further information about any of the programs or schedule an advisory appointment by calling 713-718-7895.

The Digital Communication Department is a department of Houston Community College Southwest with the main Department office located at the West Loop Center, 5601 West Loop South, Room 138A, Houston, TX 77081. 713-718-78-95. Most of the classes are held at the West Loop Campus. Some classes are also offered at the Hayes Rd Campus and Missouri City Campus.

The Digital Communication programs offer students the opportunity to explore innovative new digital media. Business and industry need skilled illustrators and technical communicators to design, write, edit, and produce a wide variety of advertising and technical materials in print and electronic media. Each of these programs provide students quality instruction in the rapidly evolving technologies which are utilized in numerous regional and global careers and industries. Multimedia and Web students will acquire skills in animation, digital video and the construction of interactive web pages. Graphic Design students will acquire skills to develop their original concepts and ideas in traditional studio and digital design processes. Students in all specializations will develop portfolios of their work to help prepare them for work in industry after graduation.

Our Purpose Statement

The goal of the faculty and staff of the Digital Communication Department is to provide an energetic, professional environment in which students can develop experience, knowledge and problem solving skills for success in the global design and technology market.

The curriculum in Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Publishing and Technical Writing is presented in a sequential structure to foster the successful transition from foundation to advanced skills. The experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students succeed. HCC Administration supports our efforts by providing current state of the art industry technology.

Our commitment is to work closely with our Industry Advisory Board to provide a challenging educational environment in which students learn new technology while developing problem solving techniques and work management skills essential for success in industry.

Digital Photography

Digital Communication Level II Certificate in Digital Photography Specialization provides training in the field of graphic imaging. Students will learn camera and associated equipment operation, image manipulation and production, photographic business management, and design and concept development. They will study photographic techniques for illustrative, photojournalistic and portraiture presentations. Students will also learn how to develop a professional web site while they build a portfolio for entry into the workforce.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a program of study encompassing design, illustration and production techniques. It utilizes current software applicable to the electronic print publishing industry beginning with entry level computer skills, and includes graphic design, page layout, digital editing and imaging, vector drawing, typography, prepress skills, portfolio preparation and internship.

Areas of employment relating to print media include advertising, graphic design, illustration, packaging design, technical rendering, photo restoration, photo editing, prepress and production. These opportunities are found at advertising and design firms, marketing companies, traditional and digital presses and service bureaus.

Multimedia

The Multimedia program includes all aspects of animation. Students progress from learning the tools of 2-D and 3-D animation to mastering the technical aspects of multimedia programs. Software studied includes Macromedia Flash and Director and 3D 3-D Studio Max. The skills learned in the program prepare the student for entry-level positions in commercial, broadcast and game art production.

The hi-tech world is looking for talented, skilled people to create the exciting content seen in today's TV shows, movies and video games. HCC's Multimedia program offers the training needed to get started in these types of careers.

Web Publishing

In the Web Publishing program, through lectures and hands-on projects and activities, students learn standard practices for Web site management, design and development. Classes are available on site and many are also available through the Internet as distance education classes. Instructors are working professionals and are proficient in the technology of Web publishing.

Upon completion of the course, students should have the following skills and knowledge to:

Build professional Web sites using the latest Internet technology. Create and modify Web pages and content information using HTML, Scripting Languages, and Web editing and graphics tools. Understand and apply the various graphic techniques to prepare attractive, professional design and effective interfaces for Web page enhancement. Create databases for e-Commerce and dynamic Web sites. Develop marketing and management plans for Web sites.

Technical Writing

The Digital Communication Department offers an A.A.S. degree in Digital communication as well as certificates in technical writing and on-line documentation. The program provides the necessary skills in technical writing and editing, for projects such as technical reports and manuals, interviews, feasibility studies, instructions, procedures, proposals and mechanical device descriptions. Current software such as Framemaker and RoboHelp as well as the latest research techniques using the Internet help students learn to meet current and future needs of business and industry.