Print Technology - Technical Diploma
Print technology professionals utilize state-of-the-art output technology and skills to create high-end graphic solutions across multiple formats such as digital presses and wide format inkjet devices. As a Print Technology program graduate, you will be skilled in electronic pre-press operations, variable data publishing, digital color management, digital print applications, wide format inkjet output, wide format graphic installation, and multiple finishing applications. Graduates have the opportunity for employment as digital print operators, wide format graphic technicians, wide format graphic/vinyl installers, electronic pre-press technicians, and post press operators.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $4,772, Books: $45, Supplies: $50
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=312041
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Prepare a file for Press/Output.
- Run a press.
- Perform post-press operations.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Print Technology technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop basic knowledge and skills using Adobe Illustrator, apply vector graphic strategies into graphic design medias and integration into other software packages. Course content covers creating basic shapes, drawing, transforming elements, working with type, blending, layers and special effects.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop skills and knowledge associated with the printing industry, work hands-on with digital printing equipment to output projects. Course content covers identifying different print methods, typical print workflow, transitioning designs to printed media as well as begin to develop production-planning criteria. (Corequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPhotoshop is the essential tool for digital image manipulation in graphic design, web design, and photography. Students develop technical skills in solving visual design and production problems. Instruction covers Photoshop’s vast array of tools, filters, and procedures including workspace basics, image resizing, output preparation, layer management, selection strategies, editing and adjustment basics, composites, filters, and effects. A portfolio of digitally generated and manipulated images is completed to demonstrate course competencies and learning objectives have been met.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringAll college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop skills in digital composition and layout using industry software. Course content covers appropriate software selection, graphic and text content management, color specifications, file preparation, and software solutions to graphic communication problems. (Prerequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringSuccessfully set-up and pre-flight electronic files for large format output; accurately produce large format graphics for both indoor and outdoor usage including finishing processes; install vinyl graphics on multiple surfaces. (Prerequisite: 10-204-110, Digital Print Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIn this course learners will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of layout as it pertains to specialty printing. Using a variety of digital output equipment and software, learners will develop and apply custom skills for advanced digital print output. These will include die-cutting, gloss/emboss, variable data, and specialty substrates. Learners will also develop problem-solving skills while collaboratively as a group as well as individually to complete a print solution. (Pre-Requisite: Digital Print Fundamentals 10-204-110, Co-Requisite: Layout & Composition 10-111-125)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge skills process and understanding of managing color in a digital workflow. Application of device independent color modes will be utilized to create descriptors of color other than CMYK or RGB. Emphasis will be on creating and applying ICC profiles to achieve predictable and repeatable color. Learners will utilize hands-on activities with output and measurement equipment to accurately profile output and display devices. (Prerequisite: 10-204-110, Digital Print Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring