Graphic Communications is a vital component of the communications people receive each day. Personal, professional, business, and industry transactions could not exist without visual images. Today, graphic arts has become a “high-tech” field and the technical skills and knowledge base necessary to produce printed products has grown astronomically. Many skilled technicians with training and expertise in different specialized areas are necessary for graphic communications businesses to operate successfully.

In the Graphic Communications Technology program at Trenholm State Technical College, students receive instruction in graphic design, web design, new media, graphic image generation, lithographic press operation, screen printing, and various other areas of study to stay abreast of the rapidly advancing technology in the graphic communications industry. With dedication and commitment to this program, a student will be able to achieve a degree of skill enabling him or her to graduate and obtain employment in the graphic communications industry. 
 

Mission

The mission of the Graphic Communications Technology program at Trenholm State is to prepare individuals for entry level employment or professional advancement in the graphics industry. 
 

Occupational Choices

Demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly expanding market for Web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will be needed especially as demand increases for design projects for interactive media-Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

Average Full-Time Wage

According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts reported 2007 median annual total cash compensation for entry-level designers was $35,000 in 2007.  Staff-level graphic designers earned a median salary of $45,000. Senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design, earned a median salary of $62,000. Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract to another company reported median earnings of $60,000. Design directors, the creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design departments, earned $98,600. Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who were principals of the firm in some other capacity earned $113,000.

Awards Available

• Associate Degree in Applied Technology in Graphic Communications
• Certificate in Graphic Communications
• Specialized Training Certificate in Graphic Communications
• Emphasis:  Design
• Emphasis:  Layout

Estimated Length & Cost*

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.

^*Data obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-2007.