Graphic Arts Technology
Mission:
Students successfully completing courses in the Graphic Arts Technology program will develop an understanding of terminology and concepts, apply formulas and operational procedures, and demonstrate production principles based on industry standards. Students will develop knowledge and experiences necessary for lifelong personal development and growth.
Important Information:
Employment Information:
Specific information regarding occupations students will be prepared to enter upon program completion, on-time graduation rates, cost, placement rates and median debt incurred can be found at: (
Graphic Arts Technology Gainful Employment) . This information is provided in compliance with 34 CFR 668.6(b).
Pittsburg State University 2+2 Partnership
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Pittsburg State University offers Graphic Arts Technology students who have graduated from Flint Hills Technical College the opportunity to extend their education and training. Students earning the BAS degree complete a major in technology with a selected emphasis through the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies in the College of Technology.

Description:
Graphic Arts Technicians are employed by companies that prepare all the printed material used to guide and control activities in business and industry, education, government and society in general. Examples include books, magazines, special interest publications, newspapers, greeting cards, posters, advertising material, packaging material, signage, billboards, stickers and decals. Graphic Arts also includes design and production of specialty items such as printed textile products, which include shirts and a variety of other wearables.
The Industry:
If you are looking for a career in a major high-technology industry, consider the following: graphic arts is the third largest manufacturing industry in America, with more than 80,000 companies and well in excess of one million employees. In addition to its large national posture, the industry ranks third in the state of Kansas as well. THE GOOD NEWS: There are more than 550 printing establishments in Kansas, which employ nearly 14,000 people.
If you are interested in a career that lets you blend your talents with new technology, graphic arts has a place for you. Our business is Visual Communications. Whether traditional "ink-on-paper" printing or on the Internet, we use some of the most current technology and advanced communications tools to produce ideas, images, and messages.
Employment opportunities in Graphic Arts include: screen printers, in-house graphic arts centers, quick printers, commercial printers, newspapers, government agencies, hospitals, insurance companies, financial institutions, direct market printers, sales representatives, customer service representatives, specialty graphics imaging and magazine & book publishers.



The Program:
Prerequisites
- Must be at least a high school senior.
- Must have graduated from high school, have received a GED diploma, or in high school.
Instruction
The Graphic Arts Technology program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the graphics field as successful employees. The program provides instruction in Macintosh® graphics software applications, graphics prepress, print production procedures, finishing/binding, and screen printing.
Instruction is delivered through a credit-hour-based curriculum where all courses meet Monday through Friday. Coursework allows for multiple student entry points throughout the academic year. In addition to the beginning of the fall semester in August, individuals may enter the program in October, January and March. Students typically enroll for either three or six hours a day. They may also enroll in individual courses. Students may work towards a 32-credit-hour diploma or a 67-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science Degree. During the A.A.S. Degree portion of the program, students have the opportunity to gain specialized training in specific areas of interest to include a segment on web-page design.
Program Cost Sheet
Program Cost Sheet (High School)
Program Supplies List
Book Information and Costs
Courses
The Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in Graphic Arts Technology, is a four semester program that contains technical, advanced technical and general education courses. Graduates will have an understanding and ability to apply graphic art concepts, formulas, operational procedures and production principles in accordance with industry standards. This knowledge and these skills will enhance the employment opportunities for graduates and provide a basis for lifelong personal growth and further education.
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program Outcomes
• Demonstrate use of industry software for digital file preparation.
• Demonstrate use of various digital output devices.
• Incorporate the use of various production procedures in pre-press functions.
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The Graphic Arts technical certificate, which contains technical education courses, is two semesters in length. Graduates will have an understanding and skills to apply graphic art concepts, formulas, operational procedures and production principles in accordance with industry standards. These experiences, approved by the program advisory committee, prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the graphic arts industry. Graduates seeking to continue their education can transfer certificate courses to the Graphic Arts Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program.
Technical Certificate Program Outcomes
• Demonstrate use of industry software for digital file preparation.
• Demonstrate use of various digital output devices.
• Incorporate the use of various production procedures in pre-press functions.
• Operate offset duplicators and presses in a safe manner.
• Operate screen printing equipment in a safe manner.
• Demonstrate use of binding and finishing equipment.
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Advisory Members
Aaron Marcum
Professional Printing of Kansas
315 Constitution Street
Emporia, KS 66801
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Issac Rangel
Professional Printing of Kansas
315 Constitution Street
Emporia, KS 66801
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Dick Johnson
Kingston Printing
1030 OCL Drive
Eudora, KS 66025
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Mike Main
Jostens Printing & Publishing
4000 SE Adams
Topeka, KS 66609
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Shawn Honea
IM Design Group
610 Merchant Street
Emporia, KS 66801
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Brandon Dexter
Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
428 Peyton Street
Emporia, KS 66801-3722
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Robert Cuadra
Groh Printing Company
702 Prarie Street
Emporia, KS 66801
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Student Organization:
SkillsUSA is an organization for secondary and post-secondary students in the technology fields. The organization's goal is to teach leadership skills and to actively involve students outside of the classroom in community projects. All Graphic Arts Technology students have the opportunity to participate in VICA.