PUBLICATIONS PROGRAMS ARE SCHEDULED TO MERGE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2013. The new program, titled Graphic Design/Media Arts, will be taught at SCC’s Energy Square location in downtown Lincoln. The visual publications field is changing rapidly, opening up new opportunities in digital communication job markets. Graduates are trained to meet these opportunities in a variety of possible positions in digital publications, including computer illustration and layout, prepress and desktop publishing, Web creation and digital multimedia. SCC’s Visual Publications program allows students to focus in digital image creation, pre-press, or Web creation for the print and marketing areas.
Location Offered: Lincoln only
Overview
Students graduating from SCC’s Visual Publications program are uniquely skilled and prepared for the changing world of digital print and visual marketing. Students are prepared to work in the publishing, multimedia, and Web-creation fields. Graduates will acquire skills in both Macintosh and PC platforms, achieving knowledge and hands-on skills in digital branding, offset printing and Web design. The program offers students two focus areas and four award options. Students seeking an Associate of Applied Science degree will be prepared for work in all entry-level positions for large and small companies, private and government agencies. Students display work that both illustrates and demonstrates their skills in the digital printing industry. Most of these products are created for actual companies, thus giving the graduate real-life experience in this visual industry. Students seeking the Diploma will be prepared for work in entry-level positions for companies in the printing industry. Students gain knowledge of the production sequences of the printing industry and have hands-on experiences in publishing software. Students seeking the Certificate in the Digital Publishing focus will receive generalized training for the administrative and office professional interested in advancing skills in the digital publishing software. Students seeking the Certificate in the Offset Printing focus will be prepared for work in entry-level positions for companies in the printing industry. Students gain knowledge in the production sequences and have hands-on experiences in computer, camera, film assembly, offset duplicators, plate making, and binding/finishing processes. The program is fully accredited by the state of Nebraska and by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Mission
The mission of the Visual Publications program is to prepare students for work in the visual publications field by instructing them on the use of the software and hardware used in the publishing, multimedia and Web-creation fields.
Job Outlook
Employment of designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. As Internet business grows and more companies advertise their products, there will be a need for more graphic designers. Employment of Visual Design and Publications is expected to grow about as fast as average. Keen competition for jobs is expected. Individuals with a knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities. Recent graduates report an average starting salary of $10.80 per hour, with a high salary of $12.25 per hour.