Graphic Communications
Graphic Communications is a program designed to instruct students in many facets of the printing and publishing industries, as they relate to design, pre-press, press, and post-press. Students will learn how to use computers using software specific for design and desktop publishing, as well as prepress operations and a computer-to-plate imagesetter. In the press area students will learn how to set up and operate one and two-color printing presses for use in printing single to multi-color projects. In the post-press area, students will learn how to operate equipment such as a 30-inch fully programmable paper cutter, three-hole drill, table-top folder, and a book-making machine.
Organized around specific technical specialties, the curriculum of the graphic communications program utilizes various teaching methodologies such as lecture, demonstrations and practical experience in both a computer laboratory setting, which is comprised of both Macintosh and PC computers as well as an Interactive SmartBoard, and a live, hands-on student-run print shop. Our program also utilizes the expertise of practitioners from the local business communities to keep us current to industry standards, and also in hiring our students for co-op positions.
Students will be prepared to:
- Continue their education, or
- Pursue employment in a wide variety of careers in the Graphic Arts and Design industry.
Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the areas of quick copy, screen printing, graphic design, advertising, desktop publishing, offset press operation and finishing processes. The curriculum includes hands-on and related theory instruction in:
Students work on printing machines
Layout and Graphic Design
Photo Repair and Color Correction
Digital Photography
Type Composition / Typography
Electronic Publishing
Screen (Fabric) Printing
Computer-to-Plate Operations
Bindery and Finishing Operations
Paper and Ink Specification
Pre-press Techniques
Entrepreneurship
Print Production
Production Managing Skills
Estimating and Purchasing Skills
Employability Skills