College Catalog

The Graphic Communications Technology major supports the human resource development needs of the printing and publishing industry. This major offers students an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for entry-level positions in the field. Laboratory experiences reinforce theory by involving students with a variety of printing processes. Students also have opportunities to work with digital media, such as CD-ROM publishing and Internet site development. This major contributes to the development of realistic problem-solving skills and the application of communications, math, science, and technology concepts. Related courses and electives improve the student's potential for advancement and prepare the graduate for additional education leading to a baccalaureate degree in Graphic Communications Management.

Career Opportunities

Digital prepress, preflight analysis and file repair, electronic page layout, color scanning and separation, image carrier output, digital media development, press operations, finishing and binding operations.

Recommended High School Subjects

Keyboarding, higher math, and chemistry classes. Academic subjects with strong emphasis on communication and analytical skills are helpful. An awareness of computer hardware and software is also beneficial.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in this catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ).

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• practice safe, responsible work habits.
• identify and compare the major printing processes and their applications.
• demonstrate entry-level skill in offset lithography, flexography, and screen-printing production while gaining perspective on quality, cost, and production variables.
• demonstrate entry-level skills in the use of finishing and binding technologies.
• demonstrate proficiency in the use of digital vector, image-editing, multimedia, output production, and page layout software technologies.
• apply appropriate design concepts and procedures.
• make appropriate decisions in the process of troubleshooting software and equipment problems.
• create appropriate forms of digital media for specific applications.
• at a basic-user level, configure and coordinate networked computer systems for transmission of digital data.
• describe and apply established typographical principles and practices.
• apply color reproduction and management techniques and principles.
• identify and use appropriate instrumentation for quality control of printed products.
• track and assess technological trends in the graphic communications industry.
• apply mathematical and scientific concepts through the solution of printing production problems.
• identify and use a variety of informational resources such as libraries, online sources, databases, technical research, trade publications, etc.
• write clear, concise, and accurate technical reports.
• recognize and demonstrate a capacity for fulfilling the expectations associated with a workplace environment, including respect for co-workers, cooperative work ethic, willingness to assume responsibility, and execution of assignments in a timely fashion.

Curriculum