The major curriculum of the Graphic Technologies program prepares students for careers in the traditional printing, publishing, and packaging industries in addition to the newest digital imaging technologies. The program pairs hands-on imaging experience with general education courses providing students with a broad understanding of traditional and contemporary imaging and graphic processes and non-print digital imaging processes.

A minor in Graphic Technologies reinforces a student's primary field of study. Students in the minor program gain a competitive edge by understanding the concepts of computer programs, desktop publishing, typography, and printing and publishing applications. Because of the department's reputation and curriculum, there are numerous career opportunities for graduates of the Graphic Communication minor.

The Curriculum

Graphic Communications Foundations

Overview of concepts and practices for printing processes and technologies for print reproduction. Topics covering industrial printing practices, finishing and binding techniques, with an emphasis on individual and collaborative projects. Includes lecture and lab.

Digital Prepress

Desktop composition, publishing technologies for developing prepress in a digital environment. Computer design/layout of publications including typography, color management, system configurations and applications. Collaborative projects in publications

Web Publishing

Development of interactive Web sites with content management tools. Emphasis on creating Website for accessibility and usability, digital content management, and site layout and maintenance. Lecture on current graphics' industry issues and hands-on Web publishing activities.

Graphic Communications Imaging

Explorations of conventional graphic arts imaging technologies and processes including screen printing processes, dye sublimation, and other conventional imaging technologies. Emphasis on technical information and hands-on experiences

Graphic Communication Technical Visualization

Development of technical presentations by utilizing digital graphics and technologies for new approaches to visualization; lecture and skills development for creating 2D simulations and animations, data based graphics and charts, and creation of technical presentations.

Digital Graphic Communications

Emphasis on contemporary and future issues in the graphic communications industry. Study of the creation and conversion of graphics for cross-media applications for print and the Internet. Creative problem solving and portfolio development.

Digital Prepress Communication Technology

Assessment of historical, state-of-the-art communication technologies as tools for exchange of ideas and information. Encompasses digital imaging, printing, publications, wired/wireless communications, technical illustrations, multimedia, and Internet

Advanced Digital Prepress

Development, layout, and content management of single and complex color publications in a digital workflow environment. Lecture and hands-on collaborative group work and individual projects for prepress, packaging, and variable data print projects.

Digital Imaging

Photography fundamentals for digital imaging. Emphasis on developing calibration, creating profiles for digital cameras, imaging technologies, and output devices. Lecture and hands-on capturing and manipulating digital images for cross applications and content management

Graphic Communications Estimating and Management

Study of traditional and modern management principles. Exploration of software for cost and pricing associated with the printing industry and web-to-print publishing. Development of marketing strategies for variable data printing and ancillary services