Graphic Communications

Program Overview

Innovative. Idea-driven. Important. Graphic communications revolutionized society with the printing press. Now it’s leading a new revolution into the digital age. It’s an industry of team players who combine artistic, technical, and entrepreneurial talents to get the job done. It could be the career for you.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Graphic Communications diploma program will challenge you both creatively and technically. Our training ensures you meet national skills standards set out by the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council. You’ll graduate with the kind of practical, hands-on skills you need to succeed—in both traditional and digital printing environments, as well as publishing, advertising, design, and communications.

Graphics Communications is a two-year diploma program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina campus. Come here to develop practical, hands-on skills in electronic file management, industry-standard software applications, and print management, production, and administration. This includes training in:

colour copier operation
colour theory and colour management
design and typography
digital photography
hydraulic cutter operation and maintenance
image editing and page layout
industry-standard software and hardware systems
logos, graphs, vector graphics, PDF creation
mixing inks
preflighting, proofing and output methods
screen printing
sheetfed offset press operation and maintenance
wide-format printing
vinyl decal/sticker creation

Learn by Doing

You’ll learn about leading software applications by using them in your classes and labs.
You’ll learn about printing by operating Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s in-house pre-press equipment, vinyl cutter, screen printing system and offset press.

Ready to Work

At graduation, you’ll have developed a professional portfolio, completed a four-week work experience and have experience managing and producing a “live job” from concept through delivery.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graphic Communications graduates are working in many different areas—advertising agencies, graphic design firms, electronic pre-press studios, sign shops, commercial and quick-print shops, newspaper, magazine and book publishers, in-house marketing departments, and government communications departments.

Look for entry level jobs in design, production art, packaging design, signage, image editing, bindery and finishing, digital print operation, print production planning, management, screen printing and press operations, branding and marketing.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at a campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Photographer	Photographers (5221)	$25,000 - $85,400
Graphic Designer	Graphic Designers and Illustrators (5241)	$31,200 - $72,600
Printing Press Operator	Printing Press Operators (7381)	$26,700 - $68,700

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 68 weeks:

Year 1 - 32 weeks; Year 2 - 36 weeks

Locations

Regina

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
English Language Requirement

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

80 Arithmetic
75 Reading
75 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $6,800
Year 2 - $7,100

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

GRPH 145

Introduction to Graphic Communications

You will be able to identify and explain various design and production considerations for print. You will also be introduced to the basic elements and principles of design creation. You will develop an understanding of the MacIntosh operating system and you will be introduced to the user interface of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator. Through lab experience, you will focus on page layout basics and the drawing of primitive vector graphics.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 153(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 146

Introduction to Printing

Your studies will introduce you to a variety of printing methods and finishing techniques. You will learn print job management interface. The course content also includes the basics of paper, industry related math and operating the guillotine cutter.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

GRPH 147

Digital Page Layout 1

You will use page layout software and acquire the basic knowledge required for building digital documents for print. Through lab experience, you will focus on the basic use of text, objects, colour, formatting skills and keyboard shortcuts.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 153(concurrent), PHOT 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 153

Image Editing 1

You will acquire the practical skills required for the efficient use of image editing software by using Adobe Photoshop to build a wide range of real-world projects. You will learn how to manage layers, create complex selections, and use layer masks.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 145(concurrent), GRPH 146(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 154

Workflow Fundamentals

Your studies will focus upon graphic communications workflow fundamental. You will learn proper file management techniques for your documents. You will learn how to apply basic colour management to your documents. You will learn the correct way to crop, straighten, and remove image imperfections. You will learn techniques for neutralizing colour and correcting colour skin tones. You will learn how to scale and sharpen images for specific output conditions. You will learn how to prepare industry-standard vector graphics. You will learn how to make decisions about the specific requirements needed for the proper output of images and vector graphics to various devices.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 153(concurrent), PHOT 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MATH 165

Mathematics for Printers

You will acquire the basic mathematics skills required for entry level occupations in the graphics/print industry. Your studies will include basic mathematics, problem solving, and measurement systems.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 24.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PHOT 125

Photography 1

Your studies will focus on a foundational digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera image capture. You will learn the importance of image resolution and image file formats. You will study the intricacies of a balanced exposure and photographic composition. Camera operation will be examined through aperture, shutter speed, sensor sensitivity, white balance and focusing techniques.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 145(concurrent), GRPH 146(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COM 160

Communications for Graphic Arts

You will practice effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. You will learn how to give and accept criticism, resolve conflicts, and handle customer complaints. You will also use critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving skills.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

GRPH 144

Digital Printing

Your studies will focus on how to optimize and output jobs to digital colour presses, and wide format equipment. You will learn how to design for proper output to digital colour presses, and wide format equipment. You will learn how to set colour management and resolution requirements for digital output devices.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 148(concurrent), GRPH 155(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 148

Digital Page Layout 2

You will be introduced to intermediate features of the user interface of page layout software. Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, you will focus on the efficient use of templates, style sheets, tables, master pages, table of contents indexes and book creation. You will develop the skills necessary to produce error-free spot colour and process colour digital documents using page layout software. You will preflight and package your job to industry standards.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 147, GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 149

Digital Page Layout 3

You will be introduced to the interactive features of page layout software. Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, you will focus on creating interactive slideshows and PDF forms. You will learn to use navigation and multimedia tools in the development of multi-page documents.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 148(concurrent), GRPH 155(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 150

Design 1

You will gain an understanding of colour theory and the use of the colour wheel. You will develop an understanding of the application of typography in relation to effective graphic design. You will learn design problem solving steps. Using the fundamental design knowledge and skills you acquire in this course, you will create a logo and complementary pieces for a specified client.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 152(concurrent), GRPH 157(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 151

Self-Promotion

You will create self-promotional material that will highlight your work created in the Graphic Communications program. You will develop online social media presence as well as traditional media to promote your profile, interests and self.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 150(concurrent), GRPH 158(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 152

Digital Illustration 1

You will be introduced to illustration software keyboard shortcuts, tools and drawing techniques, and will acquire the basic and intermediate knowledge required for the digital production of vector graphics. You will acquire the practical skills required for the digital production of multi-coloured vector graphics.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 144(concurrent), GRPH 149(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 155

Image Editing 2

You will acquire the practical skills required to apply popular creative effects in Adobe Photoshop. You will learn how to modify colour and light to add vibrancy, drama and emphasis. You will also use blending modes to add texture and enhance images.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 147, GRPH 154
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 157

Print Media 1

Your studies will cover ink and colour theory, inking system fundamentals and troubleshooting ink problems. You will acquire the knowledge and procedures to prepare the sheetfed offset press for the production of a variety of one-colour projects to industry standards. Your studies will cover aspects of proper safety procedures.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 146, GRPH 144(concurrent), GRPH 149(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 158

Print Media 2

Your studies will focus on screen-printing onto textiles. You will learn to coat screens with emulsion, output film positives, expose and wash out screens, print onto garments and clean screens. You will create single colour images for assembly.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 152(concurrent), GRPH 157(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 191

Job Production 1

Building on the skills you acquired throughout the first year of the Graphic Communications program, you will co-ordinate and produce a variety of projects to industry standards.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MATH 165
Corequisites(s): COM 160, GRPH 151, GRPH 210
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 210

Premedia 1

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 150(concurrent), GRPH 158(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

DSGN 103

Web Site Design Principles

You will learn how to integrate the knowledge and skills from other courses to design, develop, and test effective web sites. You will also learn to analyze and critique existing web sites for usability and effectiveness. Your web analysis will include testing for usability and accessibility.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MULT 120(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): DSGN 103CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 156

Image Editing 3

You will focus on applying a variety of effects to images using Adobe Photoshop. The course combines practical experience in editing and compositing images to be included in industry-standard documents, high quality print output and inclusion in a professional portfolio.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 207

Digital Output

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard print-ready files for digital output. You will acquire the skills required to develop on demand printing using variable data. You will perform digital trapping and imposition and examine why they are crucial to printing success in the graphic communications industry.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MULT 124(concurrent), GRPH 232(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 208

Digital Illustration 2

Your studies will cover advanced level techniques in Adobe Illustrator. You will examine advanced level tools within Illustrator and create technically sound vector artwork. You will examine and implement industry standard best practices for vector artwork creation. You will create advanced level vector graphics for output, and for use within digital and print-ready files.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 156(concurrent), GRPH 239(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 232

Design 2

You will manipulate elements of design using visual techniques and principles of organization. Your studies will include exploring typography for various mediums and you will gain an understanding of the design process as applied to text-based design. Using a colour wheel, you explore and demonstrate effective use of colour relationships and palettes in design.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 208(concurrent), MULT 120(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 239

Premedia Preparation

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. Your studies will cover how to combine the individual concepts you have acquired from previous courses, into a cohesive workflow.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MULT 120

Web Authoring 1-Basic HTML/CSS

You will learn the basics of web site authoring and publishing. You will create a web site using basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will use various software to create and manage a website. You will publish a website to your own domain service.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): GRPH 260, MULT 120CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

MULT 124

Web Authoring 2-Intermediate HTML/CSS-CMS

You will use intermediate HTML and CSS to design and create websites with a variety of layouts. You will incorporate interactivity along with audio and video into HTML pages. You will learn to install, configure, use, and manage Content Management Systems (CMS). You will develop the skills to apply themes and use modules.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MULT 120
Equivalent Course(s): MULT 124CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

GRPH 209

Print Media 4

Your studies will focus on vinyl application and screen-printing onto a variety of textiles. You will create, output and assemble multi-colour vector illustrations using the vinyl cutter and the screen printing process.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 238(concurrent), PHOT 225(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 211

Premedia 2

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready, files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 209(concurrent), GRPH 234(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 212

Premedia 3

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a multi-item campaign for cross-media production.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 211(concurrent), GRPH 213(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 213

Premedia 4

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will learn the fundamentals of creating long documents. You will learn strategies for creating and developing long documents. You will create, output, and prepare a job package for long documents.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 209(concurrent), GRPH 234(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 230

Premedia 5

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create multi-item campaigns for packaging products.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 211(concurrent), GRPH 213(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 231

Premedia 6

Your studies will equip you with the knowledge to prepare industry standard, digital and print-ready files for distribution within the graphic communications industry. You will create a large multi-item campaign, meeting deadlines, and solving problems, while dealing with the pressures of managing multiple projects on a daily basis.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 212(concurrent), GRPH 230(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 233

Design 3

Your study of typography will expand to the experimental and expressive use of type. You will also define design project goals, develop a design rationale, create complementary design pieces targeted to multiple audiences and present your design project to your classmates.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 212(concurrent), GRPH 230(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 234

Brand Building

You will be introduced to the brand development process. You will learn the role that research and analysis plays in branding and how to develop core brand values and understand your audience. Your studies will also help you develop the visual vocabulary to communicate the message and develop a strong visual identity package.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 238(concurrent), PHOT 225(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 238

Print Media 3

Your studies will cover aspects of proper safety procedures. You will operate and troubleshoot the feeder, register, delivery and print unit systems on an offset printing press. You will explain and troubleshoot plate, blanket, and impression cylinder principles.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): DSGN 103, GRPH 207
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 291

Job Production 2

Building on the skills you acquired throughout the first and second years of the Graphic Communications program, you will coordinate and produce a variety of projects to industry standards.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 231(concurrent), GRPH 233(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PHOT 225

Photography 2

Your studies will focus on advanced Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera image capture, and the use of off-camera lighting. You will learn about various lighting and composition techniques for capturing professional portraits, and stock photography images. You will develop workflow procedures for sorting, preparing, and exporting, of your images. You will prepare industry standard images for inclusion within digital and print-ready files.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): DSGN 103, GRPH 207
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WORK 300

Work Experience

You will participate in a four-week work experience which will prepare you for employment in the graphic communications industry. You will work within the graphic communications industry in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 120.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 231(concurrent), GRPH 233(concurrent), GRPH 238(concurrent), MULT 124(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

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