Desktop Publishing/Press Production
Technical Diploma - Downtown Milwaukee Campus

 Program Code: 31-204-2

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.

This page was last updated in July 2007.

Overview — Desktop Publishing/Press Production is a one-year diploma program that lets you customize your education to fit your interests, goals and schedule. You can choose between a focus in desktop publishing or press production to prepare for your first job in graphic communications or to advance your career. You can attend full or part-time, take some classes online and receive credit for work experience. Your options also include continuing your education with an Individualized Technical Studies associate degree in Digital Communications.

Career Outlook — Printing and publishing and related businesses are major employers in Milwaukee, the Midwest and the nation. They provide a wide range of communication solutions including magazines, catalogs, games, billboards, all types of packaging and multimedia publishing. More than 10,000 people are employed in printing companies in Milwaukee County alone, working in a variety of jobs. Graduates of the Press Production focus of this diploma program often locate employment as in printing and publishing companies as customer service representatives, press operators, post-press production technicians and pre-press technicians. Graduates of the Desktop Publishing focus of the program can work in careers that include technical writing, advertising and public relations, marketing, publication layout and electronic pre-press.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Based on focus and courses completed, employers expect graduates of this diploma program to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with operating systems and file management skills
• Have an overview of the different printing processes
• Utilize desktop publishing software to prepare and package documents for print and web
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in digital and litho press production and post-press operations

Preparation for Admission — The following is required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of basic skills through a course placement assessment
• Basic computer skills such as keyboarding and file management are required. (PRTG-136 Introduction to Computers for Graphic Arts or equivalent computer experience). 

Possible Careers:

Desktop Publisher
Digital Production Assistant 
Publications Technician
Press Operator

Related Programs:

Graphic Design 
Visual Communication/Computer Graphics
Marketing 

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009. 

Hours per Week: r = related, s = shop

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

For course descriptions, times and locations of classes, visit INFOnline.