The Digital Publishing and Design Technologies program prepares students to enter the Graphic Design industry. This industry has two major divisions: design and production. The program addresses production with a program of instruction that emphasizes digital desktop publishing and design. The program also prepares students for entry into postsecondary design programs by focusing on the business applications of the design field (Advertising, Commercial Art) as compared to the purely artistic aspects (Fine Arts).

Students will learn basic design principles and practices, including design and layout, placement and control of text, typography and fonts, graphics, file formats, and color with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat. Emphasis is placed on the production of publication-quality documents while learning the skills and techniques of computer graphics, electronic imaging, and digital file preparation for output using industry-standard software, equipment, and tools. An understanding of bindery and finishing techniques is introduced. Web page design knowledge and skills are integrated within the program.

Just like professional artists, designers and artisans, students assemble their works in a portfolio. The portfolios remain with the students after graduation. By graduation, students have acquired the training for entry-level positions in document production and postsecondary educational opportunities in design and graphic communications. 

Future Jobs & Career Paths