Graphic Imaging Technology (GIT)

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Graphic Imaging Technology (GIT)

The Graphic Imaging Technology associate's degree program prepares students for professional careers in printing, publishing, packaging, and related industries. The core courses ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge required for most entry-level jobs in the field.

Students learn the processes for creating art and publishing materials from idea generation to production. Students also gain hands-on experience producing printed materials using the major printing processes, including offset lithography, packaging (flexography), screen printing, and digital printing.

Coursework emphasizes individual and team laboratory performance, while stressing the development of creativity and problem-solving skills. 

Beginning in Fall Semester 2020, students entering the Graphic Imaging program will be expected to own a laptop computer and frequently-used software. Additional information about this requirement is available from program faculty, and on the College website

For more information, please contact the Center for Innovative Technologies at (513) 569-1743.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Graphic Imaging Technology (GIT)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
GIT 100Introduction to Graphic Imaging Technology ( B) 223
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
ART 125Design Principles ( B) 233
MAT 120Technical Mathematics ( G) 223
Semester 2  
MID 190Career Preparation: Multimedia Information Design ( B) 202
GIT 105Ink and Substrates ( T) 303
GIT 115Adobe InDesign ( T) 233
GRD 120Beginning 2D Graphics: Bitmap ( T) 233
GRD 130Beginning 2D Graphics: Vector ( T) 233
Semester 3  
GIT 120Digital Photography and Imaging ( T) 233
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
GIT 291Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) 1402
Semester 4  
GIT 200Digital Imaging and Publishing ( T) 163
GIT 240Flexographic Printing Methods ( T) 163
GIT 220Screen Printing ( T) 163
MKT 115Marketing Research for Multimedia Profes ( B) 303
XXX XXX Art/Humanities Elective (G)  303
Semester 5  
GIT 215Applied 2D Graphics: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) 233
GIT 230Print Media Workflow ( T) 303
GIT 250Offset Printing Methods ( T) 163
GIT 290Graphic Imaging Technology Capstone ( T) 031
Semester 6  
GIT 292Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) 1402
XXX XXX Social/Behavioral Science Elective (G)  303
Total Credits:  4612965

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Survival Skills1
FYE 105College Success Strategies2
FYE 110Community College Experience3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
ENG 105English Composition 2: Business Communication3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
Any SOC, PSY, ECO, HST, GEO, LBR, POL3
Arts/Humanities Elective
Any Transfer Module course from: ART, MUS, THE, or ART 120; or
Any course from: COMM (except COMM 110), CULT, FRN, ITP, LIT, PHI, REL, SPN

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Graphic Imaging Technology (GIT)

  • Ability to use the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign) to prepare files for the print process.
  • Ability to implement prepress techniques to ensure files are prepped correctly for offset, flexography, screen, and digital printing.
  • Ability to determine project cost estimate and imposition of layout based on press type, paper, and quantity.
  • Understanding of paper characteristics such as weight, finish, grain, and their impact on print processes.
  • Understanding of proper graphic file formats, resolution, color modes, and bit depth and their impact on print materials.
  • Screen printing: Ability to determine appropriate mesh count and procedures to produce acceptable printed materials.
  • Flexographic printing: Understanding of plate-making procedures and evaluation to determine plate specifications and usability; understanding of basic structure of a flexographic press including parts and operating procedures.
  • Offset Lithography: Understanding of fundamentals of creating and producing lithographic projects; understanding of basic structure of an offset litho press including parts and operating procedures.
  • Ability to create ICC profiles for output devices using standardized equipment such as colorimeters.
  • Ability to use a spectrophotometer and comprehend data readings of print and ink materials.
  • Ability to test and evaluate ink for each print process based on viscosity, adhesion, finish, cure methods, longevity, and pH.
  • Ability to apply creative thinking skills to solve problems in lab situations that simulate “real world” experiences.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and coordinate a project from concept to finish.
  • Ability to use communication and management skills in team projects

GIT Courses

GIT 100 Introduction to Graphic Imaging Technology
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on evaluating printing processes. Topics include: lithography, flexography, screen, gravure, and digital-on-demand presses for print media; packaging options for advertising processes such as metal can, corrugated, and plastic packaging; and digital-on-demand presses for packaging.
Prerequisites: None

GIT 105 Ink and Substrates
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on physical characteristics, manufacturing processes, and print industry uses for ink and paper. Topics include: how ink components affect color, drying properties of ink, printing substrates, and cost factors related to ink and paper choices.
Prerequisites: None

GIT 115 Adobe InDesign
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on using Adobe InDesign software to create and publish documents for print, web, or mobile devices. Topics include: master pages, styles, images, print production, optimized PDF files, and variable data.
Prerequisites: None

GIT 120 Digital Photography and Imaging
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on producing quality images with digital cameras. Topics include: lighting; color balance; exposure; retouching; and reproducing images for uses including web, digital output devices, and printing presses.
Prerequisites: None

GIT 130 Letterpress Printing
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

An introduction to traditional methods of letterpress printing using a Heidelberg Platen press and a proofing press. Topics include: history of printing, basic typography, design and printing techniques using lead and hot metal type, and hand-carving linoleum blocks to make custom artwork.
Prerequisites: None

GIT 191 Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MID 190

GIT 192 Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 191

GIT 193 Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 192

GIT 194 Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fourth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 193

GIT 195 Part-Time Cooperative Education 5: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fifth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 194

GIT 196 Part-Time Cooperative Education 6: Graphic Imaging Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their sixth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 195

GIT 198 First Year Special Topics in Graphic Imaging Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on selected topics related to Graphics, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

GIT 199 First Year Independent Project in Graphic Imaging Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A project related to Graphics that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Graphics faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

GIT 200 Digital Imaging and Publishing
3 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on digital printing and output methods. Topics include: digital print processes and equipment, variable data fundamentals, database applications, and emerging technologies. Students must attend tours of companies that use current printing and publishing technologies.
Prerequisites: GIT 100 and GRD 120 and GRD 130

GIT 215 Applied 2D Graphics: Graphic Imaging Technology
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on using page layout, vector, and image editing software applications for high-end production processes. Topics include: file construction, resolution of files and devices, trapping techniques, retouching, preflighting, color separations, profiling, color correction, variable data, and proofing.
Prerequisites: GIT 115 and GRD 120 and GRD 130

GIT 220 Screen Printing
3 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamentals of operating manual and semi-automatic screen printing presses. Topics include: file preparation, frames, mesh, emulsions, inks and additives, and printing on varied substrates and odd-shaped objects.
Prerequisites: GIT 100 and GRD 120 and GRD 130

GIT 230 Print Media Workflow
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on determining printing job costs, emphasizing paper used in sheet-fed offset and flexographic printing. Topics include: cost factors, computer-assisted estimation and scheduling, file processing in a color-managed environment, and web-based job tracking.
Prerequisites: GIT 100 and GIT 105

GIT 240 Flexographic Printing Methods
3 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamental principles and practices of the flexographic printing industry. Topics include: artwork preparation, prepress, plates and platemaking, inks, substrates, tooling, presswork, and finishing operations unique to flexography.
Prerequisites: GIT 100 and GRD 120 and GRD 130

GIT 250 Offset Printing Methods
3 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on high quality sheet-fed and web-fed offset printing and digital high-volume printing. Topics include: color consistency, controlling dot gain and slur, plugging halftones, maintaining ink and dampening systems, and using quality control production devices.
Prerequisites: GIT 200

GIT 255 Graphic Imaging Production Processes
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on preparing art for professional printing processes. Topics include: survey of print processes such as lithography, flexography, gravure, and screen printing; file construction; design considerations; and standards for evaluating printed materials.
Prerequisites: GRD 215 and GRD 230

GIT 290 Graphic Imaging Technology Capstone
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.

Students complete activities that demonstrate their knowledge of concepts and techniques in Graphic Imaging Technology.
Prerequisites: Graphic Imaging Technology Program Chair consent, and minimum 2.5 GPA

Instructor Consent Required

GIT 291 Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Imaging Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MID 190

GIT 292 Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Imaging Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 291

GIT 293 Full-Time Cooperative Education 3: Graphic Imaging Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: GIT 292

GIT 298 Second Year Special Topics in Graphic Imaging Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on selected topics related to Graphics, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

GIT 299 Second Year Independent Project in Graphic Imaging Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A project related to Graphics that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Graphics faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

MID Courses

MID 100 Multimedia Information Design Career Exploration Seminar
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on using research and personal reflection to develop a strong foundation for selecting an academic program/major and planning a career related to Multimedia Information Design. Topics include: analyzing interests, abilities, and values; reviewing academic and personal requirements for related programs/majors; and examining career outcomes including salary, job availability, advancement opportunities, and other factors.
Prerequisites: None

MID 110 Digital Media Concepts
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

An introduction to operating systems, software, hardware, and peripheral equipment used to create, revise, and produce content for multimedia products.
Prerequisites: ENG 085 or appropriate placement test score

MID 120 Drawing Fundamentals for Multimedia Information Design
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamental drawing techniques used in multimedia fields. Topics include: sketching, 3-D drawing, conceptual drawing, and architectural drawing.
Prerequisites: None

MID 125 Storyboarding
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamentals of storyboarding for video, animation, multimedia, and web. Topics include: traditional drawing and digital illustration, image acquisition and composition, shot framing and description, and industry standards for labeling.
Prerequisites: None

MID 190 Career Preparation: Multimedia Information Design
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on career planning for students seeking employment in Multimedia Information Design fields. Topics include: self-assessment, career research, resume development, interview skills and job hunting strategies, and cooperative education policies and procedures.
Prerequisites: ART 125 or AVP 100 (minimum grade C for both)

Faculty

Program Chair/Advisor

Professor Kathleen (Kathy) Freed, BA
kathleen.freed@cincinnatistate.edu

Co-op Coordinator

Professor Andrea (Andi) Feld, BA
andrea.feld@cincinnatistate.edu

Advisor

Bernell Prince, BS
bernell.prince@cincinnatistate.edu