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

$13,407
Tuition: $11209 , Books: $2198

Starting Salary

$32,067
Average, based on the annual Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available

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
DESIGN & TYPOGRAPHY 2.00
COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION 2.00
COMPUTER PAGE LAYOUT 2.00
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3.00
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS 3.00

Second Term

PHOTOSHOP/IMAGE MANIPULATION 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
PUBLISHING ON THE INTERNET 2.00
ADVANCED PAGE LAYOUT 2.00
ADVANCED PRESS OPERATIONS 4.00
SCREEN AND SPECIALTY PRINTING 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00

Fourth Term

DIGITAL VIDEO 3.00
PORTFOLIO PREPARATION 2.00
INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS 4.00
ECONOMICS 3.00
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

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
Siena Heights University Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Colorado State University-Global Campus B.S. in Marketing
Colorado State University-Global Campus B.S. in Business Management
Minnesota State University-Moorhead B.S. in Operations Management
Siena Heights University Professional Communication
UW Stout Graphics Communication
Marian University Technology Education

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. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee is required. Pay at the time you apply or bypass to pay in person within a week of applying.

Apply Now

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.