Des Moines Area Community College.

Graphic Technologies Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • Business Math
  • Keyboarding
  • Computer Applications
  • Desktop Publishing and Graphics
  • *Composition
  • Art
  • Psychology
 

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Students must score a 61 on the COMPASS Reading test to meet the minimum program entrance requirement. Textbooks in this program, which are written at a college level, are central to the courses. Tests are based on a combination of text and lectures.

In addition to their texts, students use equipment and parts manuals, most of which are accessed online. On the job, workers continue to use these manuals and read trade magazines to stay current on new procedures.

View more information on reading skills in the Graphic Technologies program.

Language

Strong language skills are required in this program. Students must score a 42 on the COMPASS Writing Skills test to meet the minimum entrance requirement. In their program coursework, they explain processes to one another in the lab and provide feedback on one another’s work, explaining the errors they see. On the job, they interact with sales representatives, technical repair workers, and customers. They must be prepared to adjust their language choices to their audience in order to communicate clearly.

Although students may meet their English requirement by taking either Communication Skills (COM 703) or Composition I (ENG 105), the latter is recommended. Other writing activities in the program include logs of problems encountered in the lab and article summaries which are laid out in course projects. On the job, printers may do production scheduling, including explanations of production problems, and they may also have to write copy. Strong proofreading skills are important in this career.

View more information on language skills in the Graphic Technologies program.

Math

Strong math skills are required in this program. Students must score 25 on the COMPASS Math test to meet minimum program entrance requirements. In their first semester they take one math course, with Applied Math (MAT 772) recommended. Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, and per cents) are used in the program to do layouts, centering, cutting, and determining the amount of paper and supplies needed for printing projects. Students learn a measuring system specific to printing for this purpose, but they must be able to read and use an inch ruler. Business math activities include cost estimating and figuring job costs.

View more information on math skills in the Graphic Technologies program.

Learning

Sequential thinking is crucial in this program; students must follow a specific sequence of steps or the printing process simply won't work. Students need strong observational skills in order to measure accurately. They also learn to apply problem-solving skills when they troubleshoot an equipment problem: observing the symptoms, considering possible causes, and choosing an appropriate solution.

View more information on learning skills in the Graphic Technologies program.

Computer

Computers are used extensively in this program; students who enter with strong keyboarding and word processing skills and some familiarity with desktop publishing are at a definite advantage. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is very helpful; therefore, BCA 212, Introduction to Computer Business Applications, is required in the first semester.  In their first term in the program, students also take GRD 415, InDesign I, and GRD459, Illustrator, where they learn how to use industry-standard electronic layout and graphics programs. They continue to take computer-based courses throughout the program, especially if they select the Digital Publishing emphasis.

View more information on computer skills in the Graphic Technologies program.