School of Media & Design

Our Program

Imagine it. Create it. Print it. This is what Print Media students are doing. This 45-week Ontario College Diploma program provides students with the advantage of designing in-class projects and then turning them into reality.

Having the freedom to individually develop and expand their creative ideas, as well as working in a dynamic team environment under the guidance of Algonquin's experienced faculty allows students to gain confidence in their knowledge, skills and experience.

Students obtain a broad knowledge base in creative and technical skills through hands-on training in business, design, prepress, offset and screen printing, vinyl sign making and finishing. The curriculum includes work placement, job shadowing and networking sessions which result in graduates being in demand and achieving a high rate of employment in the graphic communications industry.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.
• Are well-organized and work well under tight time constraints.
• Are planners and enjoy putting their plans into action.

Back to Top

Your Career

Students benefit from learning all the production steps to complete printed documents, from design to finishing, providing them with a very broad
knowledge and skills base. Teamwork, working with real clients,
trouble-shooting technical problems and working through the creative process gives graduates the confidence to enter the workforce in whatever capacity most suited to their ability and career goals. Employment may be found in a wide variety of working environments, from graphic design and prepress firms, newspaper, magazine and book publishers, traditional printing companies, as well as in-house printing, prepress and design departments of large companies, government offices, associations and educational institutions. With the added experience of digital printing, screen printing and vinyl sign making, grads may have access to greater employment opportunities. Occupations may include graphic artist, freelance graphic designer, customer service representative, estimating or sales, planning and scheduling, technical support personnel, prepress and preflight technician, press operator or finishing operator with traditional printing companies, digital printers, screen printer or sign making companies.

Back to Top

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
ENL1813M	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
PRI8802	Pressroom I Identifying and describing all functioning parts of printing presses constitutes a large percentage of this introductory course in offset printing. Students prepare printing plates, understand the importance of ink and water balance, printing in register, and the value of proofing and quality control. Press maintenance, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are improved through hands-on practice. Project complexity increases to printing press run styles, mixing specific ink colours and producing several projects designed in other classes. A certificate for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)is earned upon completion of this course.	90.0
PRI8803	Graphic Illustration I Using vector based illustration software students create illustrations and artwork. Drawings are created by using the imagination, tracing existing images to gain proficiency with the pen and other tools, gradients and paths. Manipulating type and controlling spot and process colour helps the student prepare images that meet industry needs for content and output. Illustrations and logos created in this class can be included in other projects and prepared for high-end output and offset printing.	30.0
PRI8811	Desktop Publishing I Using simple one page, one colour documents students gain an understanding of the basics of entering, editing and manipulating type, as well as importing images and text in a digital environment. Projects progress to documents using multiple pages, spot and process colour, tabs, leading, style sheets and bezier curves. Focus is placed on document construction, file management and archiving, troubleshooting and output standards. Students complete the production steps for some projects to develop knowledge and expertise in using highend output devices.	105.0
PRI8812	Reprographics I Graphic images are used as the tool to aid in the understanding of traditional and electronic methods of acquiring, optimizing and manipulating digital data. Using scanned images from a variety of originals (hard copy, slides and negatives), and those acquired by digital camera, students gain a knowledge of resolution, spi, ppi, dpi and lpi as they relate to the industry. A variety of projects assist the student in gaining a better understanding of the printing industry and how the reproduction method must be considered. Students gain an introductory to intermediate knowledge of image editing software in both a design and prepress context. Further topics include pixel depth, file types and file archiving.	45.0
PRI8813	Design I Using thumbnail and rough drawings students explore the elements and principles of design, and realize the importance of project requirements and project presentation. Through various core exercises students acquire an understanding of font and visual layout characteristics. Students learn how various designers and artists have used visual elements to achieve desired results over the course of the last 100 years. Using proper terminology, students prepare artwork, critique their work and gain an aesthetic understanding of colour theory.	45.0
PRI8815	Business Basics Basic math skills relating to the operation of a print media business are covered using traditional and modern techniques. The practical use of spreadsheets is demonstrated. Students are provided with basic principles of cost accounting, statistics and the mathematics of finance. Operational examples demonstrate how these concepts may be applied to industry. Each student is required to prepare a small business plan or case study assignment.	45.0
PRI8816	Job Shadowing I Students tour and observe the activities and workflow in program-related companies as scheduled by themselves or faculty to better understand the industry they are preparing to enter.	16.0
PRI8818	Introduction to Science Students explore the science of colour and light, chemicals and chemical interactions, dynamics, thermodynamics and ecology. Concepts learned are applied to the printing industry and to students' everyday lives.	45.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL2019M	Customer Relations In this course, students have an opportunity to analyze and develop their own oral communication skills. Students also explore a number of different factors that affect our relationships with other people, through individual activities, dyad and group experiences. The study of communication theory focuses on active listening skills, barriers to effective customer relations, non-verbal communication, assertivess, conflict resolution and interview skills.	45.0
PRI8819	Graphic Illustration II The more complex functions of illustration software are introduced to the student and images are created incorporating transparency, rasterization, spot and process colour for separation, layers, compound paths and masks. Graphs and charts are built to depict numerical information in a variety of ways that support intended meaning. Files are exported and saved in alternate formats for specific uses and as valuable additions to student portfolios. Prerequisites: PRI8803	45.0
PRI8820	Pressroom II Printing multi-colour and four-colour process jobs using 25" single-colour and mid-size two-colour sheet-fed offset presses are the focus of this intermediate printing course. Dockets are used to identify printing jobs, to schedule, plan and maximize production and to ensure that all production requirements are met. Emphasis is placed on the adjustment of presses for optimum operation, the performance of maintenance, incorporating troubleshooting techniques and the consideration of quality control issues to deliver a satisfactory product. A complete understanding of the process is gained by printing projects that the student has designed in other classes. Prerequisites: PRI8802	105.0
PRI8822	Reprographics II Continuing to study the preparation of images for output, students explore colour (lab, rgb, spot and process), the halftoning process, scanning targets and press considerations (dot gain, dot shape stochastic). Following specified guidelines, through a series of imaginative and technical assignments, students expand their knowledge of image manipulation in terms of the software's creative and corrective capabilities. In addition, students learn how new vector capabilities expand print opportunities. Prerequisites: PRI8812	45.0
PRI8824	Finishing Students understand the complexity of finishing a project according to specifications and requirements found in the docket information system. Folding, scoring, drilling, numbering, collating, cerlox, coil, perfect binding and saddle stitching constitute the finishing operations used. Students focus on consistency and quality control as each type of paper is used.	15.0
PRI8825	Job Shadowing II Individually or in pairs, students tour and oberve the activities and workflow in program related companies. Students are encouraged to find their own locations in an effort to begin networking and to assist them in making a decision about their Work Readiness employer. Students understand and are able to express the relationship between their program of study and the work environment. Prerequisites: PRI8816	24.0
PRI8826	Desktop Publishing II Project complexity increases in this course to include multi-page and multi-colour documents that are intended for full production. Sample projects include program newsletters and individual books. Mock-up proofs, colour press proofs and colour separations allow the student to identify and correct any technical problems that might occur in their files in order to achieve a product that meets industry standards. An understanding of digital fonts, digital printing, trappind, bookwork and file preflight and correction is reinforced through independent and team projects. Prerequisites: PRI8811	105.0
PRI8828	Printing Methods Screen printing, vinyl sign making and printing materials are the focus of this course. Students design and print on fabric and other materials to understand the special requirements and limitations of screen printing. Vinyl sign making equipment is used to develop an understanding of the concepts and unique needs when dealing with plastic and the requirements of outdoor signage. Students are required to purchase their own t-shirts for screen printing.	45.0
PRI8842	Image Assembly Knowledge of modern stripping techniques and film assembly, both traditional (film) and digital (imposition software and computer to plate) is increased by using a variety of materials to produce the basic impositions which include sheetwise, work and turn, and work and tumble. A docket information system is used to regulate and control the many active projects in the working environment. Students create and use dummies for more complex impositions, signatures and folding styles. Digital colour proofs are made from electronic files to confirm position and colour accuracy. Imposition software is used to produce example projects, as well as student projects that continue on to pressroom production.	30.0

Level: 03		Hours
PRI8814	Portable Document Formatting Preparing files for high end offset printing, digital printing and epublishing requires that students have a good understanding of PDF workflows. Students create PDF files from a variety of sources, edit PDF's, preflight and proof, as well as review file security and the approval process for clients. Creating interactive and navigational files, (using links, bookmarks, making fillable forms and PDF portfolios), as well as downloadable files are a major focus of this course.	33.0
PRI8830	Pressroom III Advanced production procedures are followed in this hands-on course to increase the students proficiency in press operation, troubleshooting, problem solving, and independent decision-making skills. Emphasis is placed on four colour process printing while evaluating registration and consistency for accurate and predictable results. Students consider the importance of planning and scheduling, quality control, the use of the docket system, consumable materials and finishing techniques to professionally complete live projects. Teamwork skills are developed and improved in this course by simulating a real pressroom environment. Prerequisites: PRI8820 Co-requisites: PRI8852	66.0
PRI8831	Desktop Publishing III Projects in this advanced course increase in complexity to include large books, the building of tables of contents and indexes while concentrating on formal book design and layout. Real files are used to simulate the work environment by creating situations that require evaluation, troubleshooting, preflighting, correction and decision making. Students are presented with typical problem files and have the opportunity to practise their problem-solving techniques. Prerequisites: PRI8826	33.0
PRI8832	Reprographics III Developing technical understanding and knowledge of the four colour process, its requirements and management in file preparation for digital and offset printing is the focus of this advanced course. Understanding file compression and colour management is gained, as well as skill in the transfer and archiving of files as done in modern prepress and printing establishments. Students use software functions, effects and filters in a more creative and experimental way to prepare images for separation and offset printing. Prerequisites: PRI8822	33.0
PRI8833	Design II Based on the software knowledge gained in other courses, students use their skills to create more complex designs and graphics while concentrating on building their portfolios. Through beneficial critique from faculty and peers students improve their own vision and creative ability while preparing designs that meet established criteria. Focus is placed on portfolio presentation and self-promotion. Prerequisites: PRI8822 and PRI8826	33.0
PRI8834	Web Design This course offers the student the opportunity to gain an understanding of the terminology, technology and theory behind web page construction and multimedia design. Experience is acquired through structuring and organizing digital information and preparing text and graphics for web page applications.	44.0
PRI8835	Printing Estimating Students are introduced to print specifications, terminology, trade customs, production planning and standards that would be used in an average-sized printing establishment. Cost centres are identified, budgeted hourly rates are determined, an understanding of the concept of productivity and productivity measurement is gained through the evaluation, planning and scheduling of print production. Work sheets, dockets, quotations, follow-up estimates and post-production analysis are used to increase the students understanding. Math skills are reinforced through individual problem solving and the preparation of estimates based on data gathered from personal and program delivered projects in prepress, press and bindery. Using computers, industry standard estimating software and the Internet, students concentrate on the theory behind the practice. Prerequisites: PRI8815	33.0
PRI8852	Print Media Workshop During this workshop course students design and produce printed materials for internal clients meeting their needs, as well as college criteria for logo use and program restrictions on production procedures. Weekly production meetings are held to discuss progress, problems and solutions and scheduling to simulate a real workplace environment. Students are prepared for graduation by gaining experience with client relations, managing time and resources, meeting deadlines, as well as keeping a log of activities and used materials for cost analysis in another course. Prerequisites: PRI8826 Co-requisites: PRI8830	22.0
PRI8854	Work Readiness This course consists of on the job experience in a professional design, prepress or printing environment where students are required to fulfill the demands of employers. Students are encouraged to network and find their own Work Readiness employer that reflects their personal interests and career goals and may choose an employer they have visited previously through their Job Shadowing courses. Students also have the option to gain experience with more than one employer. Prerequisites: PRI8825	120.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED0052	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or PSI0003	45.0

Back to Top

Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition Fees: $ 5,852
Books/Supplies: $ 1,500
Incidental Fees: $ 480
Total: $ 7,832



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,612.40 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fees: $80 in Level 01, $300 in Level 02 and $100 in Level 03.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $1,500 and can be purchased from the college bookstore. As many of the projects that students print in the
pressroom and the screen printing lab are of a personal nature, students are expected to purchase their own materials.

Back to Top

Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

Back to Top

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

Back to Top

Additional Information

For more information, please contact Joe McLarty, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 5593 or joe.mclarty@algonquincollege.com.

Back to Top