The Graphic Communication Technologies Associate Degree is a 64 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.
Explores the basics of printing and the printing industry. Learners will learn about the demand for printed products, the printing industry and all steps involved in the printing process. Actual printing projects will be produced by each learner.
Introduces the concepts and techniques involved in typography and design. Learners explore the principles of design to create layouts that are organized, attract the intended audience and work in producing the intended results. The learners will do this while also learning about various graphic design software programs.
Introduces learners to the basics of page layout including the use of InDesign in the design and presentation of print collateral. Learners will build skills in Adobe InDesign as they create a variety of basic and intermediate layouts for press, web and digital media.
Explores Adobe Photoshop as a tool to create, adjust and manipulate images for print and web. Special attention is given to image manipulation techniques, color/tonal correction, resolution and output issues. Familiarity with Macintosh operating system suggested.
Explores digital photography. This course will cover digital camera features, digital image basics, using digital cameras, composition, photographic techniques and basic digital image editing.
This course is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics pertinent to the areas of: 1) arithmetic and algebra; 2) geometry and trigonometry; and 3) probability and statistics. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections and using calculators. Topics include performing arithmetic operations and simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, solving proportions and incorporating percent applications, manipulating formulas, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, converting measurements within and between U.S. and metric systems, applying Pythagorean Theorem, solving right and oblique triangles, calculating probabilities, organizing data and interpreting charts, calculating central and spread measures and summarizing and analyzing data. Keywords: Math, College Math, Fundamental Math
Introduces learners to the concepts and applications of computer illustration in the field of graphic communications. Learners will use Adobe Illustrator in the creation and manipulation of vector graphics for use in print, web and motion graphics.
Explore current and emerging technologies for postpress operations in bindery and finishing. Learners will perform postpress production on a variety of types of printed products. Learners will also develop skills in job planning from the postpress perspective, paper and paper calculations, quality control in post press, equipment operation and efficiency and productivity in post press.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204112 - Introduction To Printing
Analyzes offset, digital, flexographic and large format printing as learners work on projects within an individual and team environment. Four-color process and the PMS color system along with other printing concepts will be explained. Learners should take Introduction to Printing (10-204-112) before this course, or have prior knowledge of the printing industry.
Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Graphic Communication Technologies
Explore the software, systems and processes used in planning and producing personalized and integrated cross-media projects. Learners will work with databases, layout issues, dynamic content, and variable data digital printing and personalization techniques.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204121 - Introduction To Graphics Softw, PRTG 10204122 - Computer Illustration, PRTG 10204123 - Computer Page Layout, PRTG 10204126 - Photoshop/Image Manipulation
Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities and other projects. Keywords: Oral, Oral Comm, Comm, Speech
Instructs learners in the estimation of printing jobs and in the overall business side of the printing industry. Areas covered include production organization, scheduling, sales, customer service, job planning, supervisory management, standard production times, budgeted hourly rates, paper calculations, billing and the use of Printer's Plan Estimating software.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204112 - Introduction To Printing
Applies techniques and skills learned in previous computer courses to advanced page layout projects. Learners will revisit the principles of design, prioritize work, prepare jobs for production, create output ready documents, examine the job planning process and apply advanced techniques for print, web and mobile presentation.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204121 - Introduction To Graphics Softw, PRTG 10204122 - Computer Illustration, PRTG 10204123 - Computer Page Layout, PRTG 10204126 - Photoshop/Image Manipulation
Emphasizes quality press work on flexographic, offset, large format and digital presses. Also including inks, substrates, pressure adjustments and press maintenance. Specialty operations, such as die-cutting, are discussed. Learners will work within a production environment.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204182 - Press Systems
Explore screen printing and other types of specialty printing, which include heat transfer textile printing, digital vinyl printing, point of purchase display digital printing and vehicle wraps. Learners will explore all of the equipment, materials and procedures used in these printing processes. Learners will also develop and practice skills in these printing processes by producing many different types of printed products.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204122 - Computer Illustration
Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multiculturalism and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization and workplace issues.Keywords:Soc, Intro to Soc
Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. Keywords: Written Comm, Comm, Writing
Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.Keywords:English Comp, Comp 1, E Com, English 1, English
Introduces learners to basic web page design for graphics professionals. Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of the web and web page design. Learners will utilize software to create website projects that are organized, attract the intended audience and work in producing the intended results.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204121 - Introduction To Graphics Softw
Explore digital video and much of the technology and skills used to produce digital movies. The course will cover digital video equipment, digital video formats, pre-production, video capture, audio capture, editing and rendering and outputting digital video.
Develops a professional portfolio of work for use in job search and acquisition. Learners create physical and digital portfolios for professional marketing and job search. Learners examine job search processes, produce a resume, develop interview skills, investigate industry work ethics and standards and participate in mock interviews.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Graphic Communication Technologies, Internet Graphic Design, Video Production] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Latest Class Standing in the selection list Second Year]
Applies skills learned in Press Systems and Advanced Press Operations and puts them into practice in a commercial printing environment. Learners will handle and produce actual printing orders using the procedures followed in the commercial printing plant. Learners will be responsible for identifying production requirements, establishing standards, learning customer relation skills and producing actual jobs from pre-press through press work, finishing and delivery of the job.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204182 - Press Systems] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): PRTG 10204184 - Advanced Press Operations]
Examines the behavior of individual decision makers, primarily consumers and firms. Topics include choices of how much to consume and to produce, the functioning of perfectly and imperfectly competitive markets, the conditions under which markets may fail, and arguments for and against government intervention. The student applies the fundamental tools of economics to real world problems.
Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family and in society. Keywords: Psych, Relationships, Human Relations, Hr psych
This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings. Keywords: Psych, Intro to Psych
An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.
A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.
A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.
A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.
If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.
If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.