Printing Technologies
Overview
Programs in printing technologies prepare people to produce printed materials such as books, magazines, and brochures.Printing technologies programs include topics such as:
- Set up and operation of printing presses
- Designing page layouts and text
- Computer graphics
- Platemaking
- Camera work
- Digital imaging
Concentrations
In printing technologies programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Printing press operator
- Computer typography
- Platemaking/Imaging
- Graphic and printing operations
- Printing management
- Graphic communications
Schools
Many community colleges and two-year schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in printing technologies. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in printing technologies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Computer Graphics
- Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia and Intermedia
- Printmaking
- Technical and Business Writing
- Web Page and Multimedia Design
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
- Data Entry Keyers
- Graphic Designers
- Painting and Coating Machine Operators
- Textile Machine Operators
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Electricity and Electronics
- Equipment Maintenance and Repair
- Exploration of Printing Careers
- General Math
- Graphic and Printing Communication
- Industrial Safety and First Aid
- Printmaking and Graphics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
In this program, you typically take courses such as the following:
- Applied Math
- Binding and Finishing
- Color Management
- Color Scanning
- Color Theory
- Computer Illustration
- Copy Preparation and Imposition
- Cost Estimating
- Design Elements and Principles
- Desktop Publishing
- Digital Printing
- Duplicator Operation
- Electronic Imaging
- Flexography
- Graphic Arts Production
- Image Assembly
- Introduction to Printing
- Keyboarding
- Lithography
- Page Layout and Typography
- Paper and Ink
- Press and Postpress Operations
- Printing Applications
- Production Workflow
- Quality Assurance
- Sheet-Fed Offset Press
Some programs incorporate practicums or internships into their curriculums. These opportunities typically combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. You could work in any of a variety of printing technologies settings, helping to make copies, scan pictures, or other tasks. You benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of an experienced printing professional.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Design--User-Centered Design