Print Media
Emphasis

The Print Media emphasis features the latest methods and practices of today’s industry. With this emphasis, students will learn all facets of graphics input, manipulation, and output as applied to modern print products and the larger scope of the graphics industry.

The core curriculum within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies (GIT) includes courses common among all of our six emphasis areas. These courses are primarily introductory classes that provide students with the basic information needed to succeed in the graphics industry. Within the core curriculum, there are also two upper-division classes, an internship and a capstone class.

Print Media Emphasis Courses:

• Introduction to Packaging Technologies
• Print File Preparation and Preflight
• Printing Technologies
• Specialty Graphics
• Publication Graphics
• Digital and Variable Data Technologies
• Graphics Cost Analysis and Estimating
• Color Reproduction

Tips for Students Considering Print Media

Jobs in the Graphic Communications industry continue to increase in complexity. This requires students to have specific knowledge and skill sets that include communication, math, computer literacy, critical thinking and problem solving. The Graphic Communications industry is looking for graduates in good standing from qualified baccalaureate programs with solid training.

Math skills: Print professionals need good basic math skills when computing percentages, weights, measurements and when calculating the amount of ink and paper needed to produce a job.

Communication skills: Prepress workers need good communication skills to effectively discuss with clients about the complex details of a printing order from concept to completion.

Computer skills: As the printing process is largely computer-based, print media professionals need extensive computer and software knowledge.

Detail oriented: Professionals in this industry need to identify and fix problems with accurate precision. Attention to detail is key to success in print media.

Mechanical skills: Printing press operations require that print media professionals be comfortable working with large equipment. Mechanical aptitude is also important for print bindery and finishing workers, who use complex binding machinery.

Career Paths in Print Media

Employers in today’s market are looking for people with technical skills like those taught in the Print Media emphasis. As a graduate from this program, you will be qualified for various employment positions across the industry. These positions are in high demand. They require resourcefulness and trouble shooting skills that you will gain as part of the Print Media curriculum. 

Career opportunities for Print Media graduates range from traditional commercial printing companies to sign and wide format vinyl graphics companies. Depending on your preference, many challenging and exciting options are available in the extremely versatile world of Print Media.

Typical Positions/Areas in Print Media:

• Printing Press Supervisor
• Digital Press Technician
• Shipping/Distribution Manager
• Die Cutting Operator
• Bindery Technician
• Purchasing Agent
• Ink Technician
• Color Control Consultant
• Wide-Format Ink Jet Operator
• Quality Control Technician
• Screen Printer
• Technical Service Representative
• Production Artist
• Direct Mail Coordinator 

Typical Employers in Print Media:

• Commercial Printing Companies
• Wholesale Paper Suppliers
• Ink Companies
• In-Plant Printing Facilities
• RIP Software Manufacturers
• Sign Companies
• Publishing Companies
• Packaging Companies
• Trade Binderies
• Color Consultant Groups

Companies Recruiting PSU Graphic Communications Degree Majors

A wide range of companies recruit PSU Graphic Communications graduates. These companies are regional, national and international. From small companies to large organizations, many opportunities await within these companies.

The Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies puts an emphasis on industry relations in order to keep an avenue open for you upon graduation. Companies understand the quality of the Print Media Emphasis from Pittsburg State University. These corporate partners know that those graduates will be an asset to their production workflow.

• Boelte-Hall Inc.
• Allen Press, Inc.
• Stouse, Inc.
• Xerox Corporation
• Nazdar Ink Technologies
• Henry Wurst, Inc.
• R.R. Donnelly, Inc.
• Sun Graphics
• Ward/Kraft, Inc.
• First Edition Screenprinting
• Names and Numbers
• Post-Press Specialities
• Quad Graphics
• Gear for Sports