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Graphic Arts

Program Description

This Tech Prep program is designed to train individuals in design and advertising principles, computer hardware and software, pre-press, printing, and post-press operations, and Digital SLR photography. Students will work with real clients, refining their Graphic Arts skills, and developing their marketability. Students who successfully complete this program are prepared to continue their education at community colleges, art and design centers, universities, or go directly to work in the printing industry.

Program Content

  • Personal Management and Employability skills
  • Design Elements and Principles
  • Advertising Principles
  • Computer Software/Hardware
  • Pre-Printing Press Operations
  • Printing Press Operations
  • Post Printing Press Operations
  • Electronic Pre-Press and Troubleshooting
  • Digital SLR Photography
  • Advertising
  • Technical Communications
  • Technical Math

Special Features

  • Students may participate in SkillsUSA, a national organization that provides opportunites to develop teamwork, personal leadership, and career skills valued by employees
  • 12th grade students will complete and present senior projects
  • Co-op and Paid Work Experience may be available.
  • Students will be given real printing, photography, or design competition assignments that will be entered at the local, state, or national level of competition.
  • Students may join the student run organization called the "Graphic Arts Club."  The Club will have three competitions in printing, digital photography, and design.  Professionals will judge and critique student work.

Academic Credit

1st Year Students can earn:
3.5 cr. Graphic Arts
0.5 cr. Communication & Composition
2nd Year Students and 1st Year Seniors can earn:
2.5 cr. Graphic Arts
1 cr. Problem Solving in Mathematics
0.5 cr. Communication & Composition
Credit On-line Learning Experience
Credit Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts requirement

College Credit

Program completers may qualify for articulated college credit from the following colleges and universities.

Baker College: 8 Credits
GRC101A Intro to Graphic Communications (4 cr.)
GRC121 Intro to Desktop Publishing (4 cr.)

Davenport University: Up to 24 Credits
BUSN210 Professional Ethics (3 cr.)
COMM120 Presentation Techniques (3 cr.)
ENGL109 Composition (3 cr.)
INTD110 Professional Etiquette (1 cr.)
SOSC201 Diversity in Society (3 cr.)
GNBS General Business Credit (Up to 12 cr.)

Delta College: 9 Credits
ART271 Digital Imaging (3 cr.)
ART276 Electronic Page Design (3 cr.)
ART277 Illustration-Digital Media (3 cr.)

Ferris State University: 3 Credits
PTEC101 Intro to Graphic Comm. (3 cr.)

Student Certifications

Program completers may qualify for the following industry certifications:
  • Personal Management and Employablility Skills
  • Passes Edge Safety Certification

Program Requirements

  • Keyboarding and computer skills
  • Can accept criticism of own work
  • Creativity
  • Willingness to participate in printing, digital photography, and design competitions
  • Able to meet deadlines
  • Text reading level: 10th grade

Career Possibilities

  • Graphic Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Printing Machine Operator
  • Printing Assistant
  • Prepress Worker
  • Advertising
  • Offset Press Operator
  • Page Layout Worker
  • Entrepreneur
  • Photographer
  • Desk Top Publisher