The printing industries are among the most important and the largest employers in Canada. These industries produce all of the printed materials which play significant roles in our lives from marketing materials, direct mail, packaging, point of purchase displays, books and magazines.

Ryerson’s Bachelor of Technology (Graphic Communications Management) program aims to graduate individuals who will become effective professionals in the printing industries and who will have a foundation upon which they may develop themselves as managers. Naturally, the program cannot produce instant managers or executives. Graduates must gain acceptance and prove capability before winning the opportunity to acquire managerial responsibility.

The program curriculum reflects the opinions of industry managers regarding the educational content required to produce capable, knowledgeable graduates. The program stresses the application of theory to practical problems. Emphasis is placed on business and management subjects, which account for about half of the curriculum. The balance between technology and business management in the program makes graduates versatile and therefore flexible in terms of career development.

In laboratories, students operate equipment similar to that used in the printing industries, learn the fundamental principles underlying industry processes, and acquire practical insight into production problems by completing projects which simulate industry conditions. State-of-the-art equipment and instruments in the labs enable students to investigate materials and processes in detail.

Between third and fourth years students are involved in a mandatory internship, as an employee in industry.

Fourth year features a course involving the preparation of a complete business plan for a new manufacturing business or a thesis.