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Overview
Create 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 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.
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
$37,220
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,411
Year 2: $5,212
Year 1 (International): $17,495
Year 2 (International): $16,724
Year 1: $5,816
Year 2: $5,603
Year 1 (International): $18,094
Year 2 (International): $18,379
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Check us out
The Graphic Communications and Print Technology program is designed to prepare you for a career in the digital graphics industry. 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.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent.
- Completion of a Grade 11 math course is strongly advised.
- 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.
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 | MS Office and Web Design Basics | 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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Royal Roads University
- University of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- University of Gloucestershire, UK
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,190 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,411 |
| 2 | $3,990 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,212 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,182 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $17,495 |
| 2 | $15,411 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $16,724 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- 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 device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,482 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $5,816 |
| 2 | $4,269 | $792.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $5,603 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,668 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $344 | $18,094 |
| 2 | $16,953 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $344 | $18,379 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- 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 device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out 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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes for first semester in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
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.
Bring-your-own-device/ Online Learning
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Email: ICT.mediastudents@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Jim Slobodian, Academic Chair
Email: jim.slobodian@sait.ca