Graphic Imaging Technology (GIT)
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 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| GIT 100 | Introduction to Graphic Imaging Technology ( B) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ART 125 | Design Principles ( B) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| MAT 120 | Technical Mathematics ( G) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| MID 190 | Career Preparation: Multimedia Information Design ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| GIT 105 | Ink and Substrates ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| GIT 115 | Adobe InDesign ( T) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| GRD 120 | Beginning 2D Graphics: Bitmap ( T) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| GRD 130 | Beginning 2D Graphics: Vector ( T) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| GIT 120 | Digital Photography and Imaging ( T) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| GIT 291 | Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) | 1 | 40 | 2 |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| GIT 200 | Digital Imaging and Publishing ( T) | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| GIT 240 | Flexographic Printing Methods ( T) | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| GIT 220 | Screen Printing ( T) | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| MKT 115 | Marketing Research for Multimedia Profes ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| XXX XXX Art/Humanities Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| GIT 215 | Applied 2D Graphics: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| GIT 230 | Print Media Workflow ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| GIT 250 | Offset Printing Methods ( T) | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| GIT 290 | Graphic Imaging Technology Capstone ( T) | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Semester 6 | ||||
| GIT 292 | Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Graphic Imaging Technology ( T) | 1 | 40 | 2 |
| XXX XXX Social/Behavioral Science Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total Credits: | 46 | 129 | 65 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Survival Skills | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies | 2 |
| FYE 110 | Community College Experience | 3 |
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 105 | English Composition 2: Business Communication | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | ||
| Any SOC, PSY, ECO, HST, GEO, LBR, POL | 3 | |
| 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