Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 65 credits
Program contact: Business/Computers and Information Systems/Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Students in the program are prepared for a variety of jobs in the printing and publishing industry and related fields of graphic arts. The graphic arts industry is a major employer in Illinois and according to the Printing Industry of Illinois/Indiana, in the metro Chicago area there are 2,423 printing establishments that employ nearly 61,000 people. The annual sales of these companies total more than $8,270,000,000. (9/2006) The Graphic Arts Technology Program focuses on developing students with a well rounded education encompassing both the creative and technical aspects of the industry with a focus on the digital production techniques that are changing the world of media delivery.
 

Option A Graphics Arts Technology      #8200

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 67 credits
Program contact: Business/Computers and Information Systems/Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Practical learning experiences are offered in areas of design, layout and typography, production processes, variable data manipulation, estimating, and screen printing. Students gain in-depth experience working with text and images, page layout, specifying paper and ink selection, process color and Pantone spot colors, job estimating and business practices, and offset press operation, as well as binding and finishing choices.

Work and employment

Program graduates secure jobs in desktop publishing, electronic imaging, press operations, sales and customer service. Skills taught can also be useful for professionals in marketing, and in-house communication.