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Graphic Communication Technologies

63 Credit* Associate Degree

This program covers the complete printing process, starting with basic layout and design and an introduction to printing and ending with advanced courses in all of the various areas of printing. Specific areas covered include computer design, electronic pre-press, plate making, presswork, binding and finishing, digital photography and video, estimating and customer service. The program focuses on providing hands-on training on typical software programs, printing presses and bindery equipment. Potential occupations include: Production Designer, Pre-Press Technician, Preflight Specialist, Web Graphic & Page Design, Offset Press Operator, Flexographic Press Operator, Digital Press Operator, Screen Printing Operator and Bindery Operator.

Approximate Cost

$11,038
Tuition: $10441 , Books: $597

Starting Salary

$22,880–$32,240
Average, based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available
Get Started

The application takes just a few minutes to complete.

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
Wausau
20-30%
Antigo
20-30%
Medford
20-30%
Phillips
20-30%
Spencer
20-30%
Wittenberg
20-30%
Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Estimate, schedule and invoice a wide range of printing jobs
  • Demonstrate basic digital photography, digital video and web page design skills
  • Produce a wide range of printed products on various presses
  • Design and layout basic print, web and multimedia projects using computer page layout, illustration and photo manipulation programs
  • Demonstrate basic design principles, color theory and typography in a variety of multi-media applications
  • Demonstrate printing processes including offset lithography, flexographic printing, screen printing, large format and digital printing

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Bindery Operator
  • Screen Printing Operator
  • Digital Press Operator
  • Flexographic Press Operator
  • Offset Press Operator
  • Web Graphic & Page Design
  • Preflight Specialist
  • Pre-Press Technician
  • Production Designer

Courses

The Graphic Communication Technologies Associate Degree is a 63 Credit* program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

INTRODUCTION TO PRINTING 2.00
INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS SOFTWARE AND DESIGN 2.00
COMPUTER PAGE LAYOUT 2.00
PHOTOSHOP/IMAGE MANIPULATION 2.00
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3.00
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS 3.00
COLLEGE 101 1.00

Second Term

COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION 2.00
POSTPRESS OPERATIONS 3.00
PRESS SYSTEMS 3.00
CROSS MEDIA PERSONALIZATION 3.00
ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3.00

Third Term

PRINTING ESTIMATING 3.00
ADVANCED PAGE LAYOUT 2.00
ADVANCED PRESS OPERATIONS 4.00
SCREEN AND SPECIALTY PRINTING 3.00
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00

Fourth Term

GRAPHICS FOR WEB DESIGN 2.00
DIGITAL VIDEO 3.00
PORTFOLIO PREPARATION 2.00
INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS 4.00
ECONOMICS 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Pathways

Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.

If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn significant credit towards this Graphic Communication Technologies Associate Degree:

Transfer Information

The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.

School Name Degree Name
Colorado State University - Global Business Management
Colorado State University - Global Human Services
Colorado State University - Global Information Technology
Colorado State University - Global Project Management
Lakeland University Accounting
Lakeland University Business Administration
Lakeland University Communication
Lakeland University Computer Science
Lakeland University Criminal Justice
Lakeland University Food Safety and Quality
Lakeland University Hospitality Management
Lakeland University Management Information System
Lakeland University Marketing
Lakeland University Organizational Management
Lakeland University Psychology
Milwaukee School of Engineering Bachelor of Business Administration in Technical Sales
Minnesota State University-Moorhead B.S. in Operations Management
Northern Michigan University BS in Applied Workplace Leadership
Purdue University Global BS in Business Administration
Purdue University Global BS in Health Care Administration
Purdue University Global BS in Professional Studies
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Systems Analysis
Rasmussen College Accelerated Criminal Justice - Leadership and Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Early Childhood Education Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Finance
Rasmussen College Accelerated Healthcare Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Services
Rasmussen College Accelerated Marketing-Digital Marketing
Rasmussen College Accelerated Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Siena Heights University Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Siena Heights University Professional Communication
Upper Iowa University Graphic Design
Upper Iowa University Graphic Design with Marketing Minor
UW Green Bay B.A.S Organizational Leadership
UW Oshkosh BAS in Organizational Studies
UW Stevens Point Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
UW Stout BS in Career, Technical Education and Training
UW Stout BS in Management
UW Stout Graphics Communication
UW Whitewater Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. The $30.00 application fee is being waived at this time.

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What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.