Overview
Establish a career in the area of digital graphics — working for commercial printers or publishing companies, advertising agencies or graphic arts firms — with courses that include web and print production, layout and visual design.
If you’ve ever picked up a print publication, visited a website, admired a logo or looked at an advertisement, then you are already familiar with some of the end products of the digital graphics industry.
The Graphic Communications and Print Technology program is designed to prepare you for a career in these exciting fields. You will acquire industry-specific skills in electronic file management, print management and production, print administration, estimating, printing service coordination that ensure your success in the industry.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Graphic Communications and Print Technology.
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Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue job opportunities at commercial printing and publishing companies, private and industrial printing plants, paper and ink distributors, screen process companies, printing equipment distributors, advertising agencies, digital printing facilities and other graphic arts firms. Potential positions include:
- graphic designer
- brand consultant
- graphic artist
Related careers include:
- animator
- illustrator
- exhibit designer
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,257
- Year 2: $6,029
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $18,594.92
- Year 2: $17,779.40
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
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Admission and Selection
Admission dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021.
Program requirements
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: Four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Graphic Communications and Print Technology and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| COMP-267 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design | 1.5 |
| MATH-206 | Mathematics for Printers I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-203 | Print Industry Studies | 3.0 |
| PRNT-207 | Production Support I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-210 | Digital Image Production I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-216 | Press and Bindery I | 1.5 |
| PUBL-218 | Layout and Typography I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-278 | Web Production I | 1.5 |
| COMP-270 | Foundations of Visual Design I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-252 | Print Production I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-257 | Production Support II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-260 | Digital Image Production II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-262 | Print Materials | 1.5 |
| PRNT-266 | Press and Bindery II | 3.0 |
| PUBL-258 | Layout and Typography II | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 31.5 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-341 | Web Production II | 1.5 |
| COMP-307 | Foundations of Visual Design II | 1.5 |
| ESTM-324 | Printing Estimating I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-303 | Print Management Studies I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-312 | Print Production II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-316 | Press and Bindery III | 1.5 |
| PROJ-326 | Printing Project I | 3.0 |
| PUBL-328 | Layout and Typography III | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-357 | Foundations of Visual Design III | 1.5 |
| ESTM-364 | Printing Estimating II | 1..5 |
| PRNT-353 | Print Management Studies II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-362 | Print Production III | 1.5 |
| PRNT-385 | Print Practicum and Portfolio | 1.5 |
| PROJ-366 | Printing Project II | 6.0 |
| PUBL-368 | Layout and Typography IV | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 61.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $152
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $4,788 | $916 | $553 | $6,257 |
| 2 | 2 | $4,560 | $916 | $553 | $6,029 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $543.68
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $17,125.92 | $916 | $553 | $18,594.92 |
| 2 | 2 | $16,310.40 | $916 | $553 | $17,779.40 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Fall 2022
Orientation
Program orientation details will be announced shortly. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
Students must supply their own laptop or desktop for use in the program. All computers must meet the following minimum specifications:
Mac Devices
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Intel Core i5 processor
- Minimum 8GB RAM (16 GB RAM to 32GB preferred)
- Minimum 500GB hard drive AND 1TB external hard drive
- Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
- Administrator access/account on the device
- High Speed internet connection and a wired ethernet connection
Windows Devices
- Intel I5 (6 th gen or higher) or AMD A8 processor
- Minimum 8GB RAM (16 GB RAM to 32GB preferred)
- Minimum 1TB hard drive AND 1TB external hard drive
- Windows 10, North American or English version
- Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
- Administrator access/account on the device
- High Speed internet connection and a wired ethernet connection
Students must also supply the following peripherals and software:
- Headset with microphone
- Webcam, either internal or external
- Computer mouse
- Adobe CC student subscription
- USBc to hdmi/ethernet/USB adapter
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace D2L before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Andrew Stevenson, Academic Chair
Email: andrew.stevenson@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
