Graphic Communications and Print Technology

Program Description

Establish a career in the area of digital graphics, working for commercial printing and publishing companies, advertising agencies, and graphic arts firms. This program is designed to prepare you for these exciting fields.

You will acquire industry-specific skills in layout and visual design, web and print production, print and electronic file management, print administration and estimating, and printing service coordination that will ensure your success in industry.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

Your Career

Graduates may find employment at commercial printing and publishing companies, private and industrial printing plants, paper and ink distributors, screen process companies, printing equipment distributors, advertising agencies, digital printing facilities and other graphic arts firms.

Student Success

Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Graphic Communications and Print Technology.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for more information.

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester 1

COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
COMP 267 - Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design 1.5 Credits
MATH 206 - Mathematics for Printers I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 203 - Print Industry Studies 3 Credits
PRNT 207 - Production Support I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 210 - Digital Image Production I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 216 - Press and Bindery I 1.5 Credits
PUBL 218 - Layout and Typography I 3 Credits

Semester 2

CMPN 278 - Web Production I 1.5 Credits
COMP 270 - Foundations of Visual Design I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 252 - Print Production I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 257 - Production Support II 1.5 Credits
PRNT 260 - Digital Image Production II 1.5 Credits
PRNT 262 - Print Materials 1.5 Credits
PRNT 266 - Press and Bindery II 3 Credits
PUBL 258 - Layout and Typography II 3 Credits

Second Year

Semester 3

CMPN 341 - Web Production II 1.5 Credits
COMP 307 - Foundations of Visual Design II 1.5 Credits
ESTM 324 - Printing Estimating I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 303 - Print Management Studies I 1.5 Credits
PRNT 312 - Print Production II 1.5 Credits
PRNT 316 - Press and Bindery III 1.5 Credits
PROJ 326 - Printing Project I 3 Credits
PUBL 328 - Layout and Typography III 3 Credits

Semester 4

COMP 357 - Foundations of Visual Design III 1.5 Credits
ESTM 364 - Printing Estimating II 1.5 Credits
PRNT 353 - Print Management Studies II 1.5 Credits
PRNT 362 - Print Production III 1.5 Credits
PRNT 385 - Print Practicum and Portfolio 1.5 Credits
PROJ 366 - Printing Project II 6 Credits
PUBL 368 - Layout and Typography IV 1.5 Credits

Total Credits 61.5

Program Outcomes

Create working documents for the delivery of a project from concept to completion.
Operate basic functions of an offset and digital press as well as finishing and bindery equipment under supervision.
Perform maintenance tasks on printing equipment.
Apply graphic communications design principles to documents.
Optimize digital image files for output to various media and devices.
Estimate accurate production costs based on the required components.
Manage digital files to optimize print industry workflow.
Adapt documents for online applications.
Demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to develop strong working relationships within the graphic communications industry.
Demonstrate ethical behavior in accordance with the standards of the graphic communications industry.
Use industry standard software to create print materials.