Graphic Communications Management
| Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Technology (BTech) |
| Administered by: | School of Graphic Communications Management |
| Program Format: | Full-time, four-year program. |
The graphic communications industry is one of the most important and the largest employers in Canada, producing visual communications in the form of packaging, marketing materials, eBooks, online graphics, direct mail, point of purchase displays, books and magazines. This program prepares students for a dynamic and exciting career in graphic communications through three main pillars: Creativity and design, technology and innovation, and business and entrepreneurship. Between third and fourth year, students gain real-world experience through paid internships.
Notes:
- ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
- The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 65-70 percent range) will be determined subject to competition.
- Students are encouraged to take Grade 12 M Principles of Financial Accounting (BAT4M) and/or Communication Technology (TGJ4M).
- Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.
Toronto Met’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.
Liberal Studies
Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.
Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .
Table A - Lower Level Restrictions
Fall 2015 and after admits: PHL 214 is not available for credit.
Minors
Students may pursue any Minor offered by Toronto Met (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates
Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window) for complete details.
1st & 2nd Semester
2nd Semester
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies (opens in new window) .
3rd & 4th Semester
4th Semester
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
5th & 6th Semester
An optional Concentration may be selected from Core Elective Table I starting in 5th Semester.
5th Semester
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Core Elective Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
6th Semester
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Core Elective Table I or The Creative School Core Elective Table
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Core Elective Table I or The Creative School Core Elective Table
OPEN ELECTIVE: One Open Elective
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
8th Semester
REQUIRED:
- GCM 461 Workflow Automation
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Core Elective Table I.
OPEN ELECTIVE:
One Open Elective
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
A Concentration is a structured plan of study within a program (6 to 12 core or core electives) that provides an opportunity for advanced or in-depth study in a particular area of interest. Students must declare their concentration prior to applying to graduate. Courses used to fulfil the requirements of a concentration cannot also be used to fulfil the requirements of a minor.
The following optional Concentrations may be selected from Core Elective Table I:
Concentration in Digital Graphic Output
Concentration in Leadership
Plus three (3) of:
Concentration in Packaging
Plus four (4) of:
- GCM 740 Accessibility for Graphic Communications
- GCM 746 Sustainability in Print and Packaging
- GCM 750 3D Printing
- GCM 804 Non-traditional Printing Applications
- GCM 806 Advanced Typography
- GCM 810 Creativity, Clients and Design
- GCM 822 Packaging and Distribution
- GCM 854 Advanced Material Science
- GCM 856 Colour Theory and Measurement
- GCM 824 Digital Package Prototyping
- GCM 826 Plastics and Packaging
Concentration in Publishing
Plus three (3) of:
- GCM 712 Making an Impact: The Letterpress Revival
- GCM 730 Fulfillment: Signed, Sealed and Delivered
- GCM 738 Photoshopped! The Art of Image Retouching
- GCM 740 Accessibility for Graphic Communications
- GCM 746 Sustainability in Print and Packaging
- GCM 806 Advanced Typography
- GCM 810 Creativity, Clients and Design
- GCM 812 Out of a bind: Adv Binding and Finishing
A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).
Richard Armstrong
Past President
Heidelberg Canada Graphic Equipment Limited
Robert Cockerill
Past President
Schawk Canada Inc.
Michael Collinge
President & CEO
Webcom Inc.
Andrew Dunkerly
Director, Trade Marketing, Ontario
Constellation Brands
Marie Eveline
Strategic Planning and Education Training Consultant
Don Gain Sr.
President
Harmony Printing Limited
Michael Hill
Director of Sales
Alcan Packaging
Terry Pitchford
VP, Strategic Development
Paperlinx of Canada, Spicers
Ruben Silva
Managing Director
Agfa Graphic Systems Canada
Dr. Patricia Sorce
Chair Emerita, School of Print Media
Rochester Institute of Technology
