What can I do with a graphic technology degree?
What can I do with a graphic technology degree?
Have you thought about getting a bachelor’s degree in graphic technology? If you’re a hands-on creative who loves utilizing the latest tech, this could be your dream major. And while it might sound similar to graphic design, graphic technology is a different field with its own exciting career paths. If you’ve never heard of it, you probably have a lot of questions. Here’s everything you should know about pursuing graphic technology in college and beyond.
What is graphic technology?
If you enjoy the hands-on, production-oriented side of graphic communication, you’ll love graphic technology. You’ll use equipment ranging from computers to laser cutters to various industry-standard printers in order to bring creative ideas to life.
Graphic technology utilizes cutting-edge tools to create compelling visuals. Most of your time in the program will be spent on the production side of graphic communication. This will entail using high-tech equipment to create packaging, signage, advertising displays and printed shirts or other promotional items. You’ll also learn some of the fundamentals of design, including industry-standard packaging design software, structural engineering and 3D package prototyping software.
Graphic technology in action at the Applied Engineering Building
How is graphic technology different from graphic design?
You might be wondering how graphic tech differs from graphic design. There certainly is overlap between the two areas. One possible career for someone who studies graphic technology is a graphic designer. However, these two paths have some key differences that will strengthen different skill sets.
Graphic design focuses more on the fundamentals of design – emphasizing design theory and process. Graphic design also dives deeper into certain aspects of design like typography, brand building and creative direction, animation, and more. At UNI, graphic design students take other art courses – ranging from drawing, painting, sculpture and more – that help develop their overall creative skillset.
Graphic technology, on the other hand, focuses more on the systems approach to the graphic communication industry. This allows students to enter various fields within the graphic communication system, which is one of the largest manufacturing systems in the world.
Students will study the practical side of graphic communication, ranging from digital imaging, photography, packaging structure and graphics, prepress, estimating and management. Graphic technology majors use equipment that is widely used in the industry – from wide format and large-format flat-bed UV printing to laser cutting – to take an idea, or a design concept, and make it a reality.
What can I do with a graphic technology degree?
Visuals are all around us. Because of this, getting a degree in graphic technology will set you up for many different career options. You could potentially work in:
- Print media: laying out and producing magazines, books, brochures, packaging and direct mail.
- Digital media: producing websites, mobile apps, social media and online advertising.
- Marketing and advertising: developing visual content for marketing campaigns and advertising materials.
More specifically, some of the jobs you might hold include:
- Print Production Specialist – managing prepress, press and finishing processes.
- Packaging Designer – creating functional and visually appealing packaging for consumer products.
- Prepress Technician – preparing files for printing and ensuring quality standards.
- Press Operator – running digital, offset or flexographic presses.
- Color Management Specialist – ensuring accurate and consistent color across media.
- Production Manager – overseeing printing, packaging and workflow efficiency.
- Estimator/Print Planner – calculating job costs, materials, and timelines.
- Graphic Designer – designing visual communication pieces for print and digital media.
- Marketing/Brand Specialist – developing visual strategies for brand consistency.
- Sales Representative (Print & Packaging) – working with clients to deliver communication solutions.
- Digital Media Specialist – producing content across web, social, and interactive platforms.
- Project Manager – coordinating client projects from concept to delivery.
- Sustainability Coordinator – focusing on eco-friendly printing and packaging practices.
- Technical Sales or Application Specialist – supporting companies that manufacture presses, inks, substrates, or software.
- Quality Assurance Technician – ensuring output meets technical and client standards.
Start your graphic technology journey at the University of Northern Iowa
At the University of Northern Iowa, graphic technology students get hands-on experience in the newly renovated Applied Engineering Building with a dedicated laboratory just for graphic technology students. This space features the latest technology that provides real-world skills that will help you land a job.
“One of the most impactful takeaways from my time at UNI was learning not only the creative aspects of design and media, but also the technical skills required to output and print materials effectively,” said Cayla Long, a 2022 graduate of UNI’s graphic technology program who currently works as a multimedia designer. “This combination of creativity and technical knowledge allows me to bring ideas to life in a tangible, high-quality way. I highly recommend the graphic technology program to creatives who are interested in hands-on applications and want to expand their skills beyond the digital realm.”
UNI students also get experience outside the classroom by working for Panther Products where they design, build and produce promotional items to fulfill grants and meet the needs of the campus community. Panthers can also join Grafx Club – a student-led organization – that focuses on providing hands-on experience in the graphic communications field through work with local clients.
Whether you come to graphic tech as a first-year student or are transferring from a community college, the program will build on your creative mind and passion for cutting-edge tech. Courses will teach you valuable skills in project management, technical writing, graphic communications estimating, coding and more. To get more information, fill out the interest form on the graphic technology webpage today!
Real, relevant academic excellence for a world that expects future-ready graduates.
- 94% of UNI grads find success within six months of graduation.
- UNI engineering students get hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs right away.
- UNI offers Iowa’s only on-campus Metal Casting Center.
- UNI is ranked a top regional public university by U.S. News & World Report.
