Department of Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies

Robert Cobb, Jr., Interim Chairperson

OBJECTIVES
The major objective of the Department of Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies (GCSTS) is to provide quality competency-based instruction so that men and women will be prepared to enter the fields of graphic communication systems, technology education, trade and industrial education, and training and development for industry. In addition, the Department assists majors in developing those critical competencies in the sciences, communications, mathematics, and technical specialties essential to securing positions in related industrial, business and government careers.

DEGREES OFFERED
Graphic Communication Systems (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) – Bachelor of Science
Graphic Communication Systems (Integrated Internet Technologies) – Bachelor of Science
Graphic Communication Systems (Printing and Publishing) – Bachelor of Science
Technology Education (Technology Education, Teaching) – Bachelor of Science
Technology Education (Trade and Industry Education, Teaching) – Bachelor of Science
Technology Education (Training and Development for Industry) – Bachelor of Science
Technology Education (Technology Education, Teaching) – Master of Science*
Technology Education (Technology Education, Teaching) – Master of Art Teaching*
Technology Education (Trade and Industry Education, Teaching) –Master of Science*
Technology Education (Trade and Industry Education, Teaching) –Master of Art Teaching *
Technology Education (Training and Development for Industry) – Master of Science*
Technology Education (Workforce Development Director) – Master of Science*
*See the Graduate School Bulletin

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Student admission to undergraduate degree programs in the Department of Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies is based on general admission requirements of the University. Admission, retention, and state licensure of students in technology education, teaching and trade and industrial education, teaching concentrations are based on policies described in the School of Education section of the Bulletin. Trade and Industrial Education, Teaching Concentration majors may be required to complete up to 600 hours of internship in the area of technical specialty if they lack at least that amount of relevant, verifiable work experience in the specialty area. This is in addition to the courses posted on the program of study.

However, this internship may be counted toward any free electives or technical electives. Persons with technical preparation and interest in training and development for industry which does not require teacher licensure may pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Department of Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies. Students pursuing this option will not be recommended to receive teacher licensure in North Carolina.

Community college and technical institute graduates and other transfer students may be admitted to undergraduate Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies programs with advanced classification by submitting credentials to the University Admissions Office for individual assessment. The maximum transfer credit from Associate Degree technical programs is 64 semester hours or approximately junior status. Students transferring to the Department of Graphic Communication Systems and Technological Studies from other disciplines must have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Graphic Communication Systems: Students are required to complete 126 semester hours of University course work. A minimum of 30 semester hours must be completed in the concentration. A minimum grade of “C” must be earned in all major courses. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better for all course work.

Technology Education: Technology Education, Teaching concentration. Students must complete 128 semester hours, which include general studies, professional education, major courses, second academic concentration, and electives. Included in the major sequence are technical electives. The grade point average in major courses must be 2.0 or better. Students must get admitted to Teacher Education by the end of their sophomore year and have a grade point average of 2.8 or better. Students must develop and pass a Products of Teaching Portfolio and develop and pass a technology portfolio. Students must also be admitted to Student Teaching by passing exams and requirements specified by the School of Education. Other rules related to the School of Education also pertain to students in this concentration.

Technology Education: Trade and Industrial Education, Teaching concentration.Students must complete 128 semester hours, which include general studies, professional education, major courses, second academic concentration, and electives. Included in the major sequence are technical electives concentrated in one of the following seven optional cluster areas: Construction Industries, Drafting and Graphic Industries, Electronic Industries, Manufacturing Industries, Transportation Industries, Printing Industries, and Service Industries. The grade point average in major courses must be 2.0 or better. Students must get admitted to Teacher Education by the end of their sophomore year and have a grade point average of 2.8 or better. Students must develop and pass a Products of Teaching Portfolio and develop and pass a technology portfolio. Students must also be admitted to Student Teaching by passing exams and requirements specified by the School of Education. Other rules related to the School of Education also pertain to students in this concentration.

Technology Education: Training and Development for Industry concentration. Students must complete 127 semester hours, which include general studies, major courses, and electives. Included in the major sequence are technical electives concentrated in one of the following seven optional cluster areas: Construction Industries, Drafting and Graphic Industries, Electronic Industries, Manufacturing Industries, Transportation Industries, Printing Industries, and Service Industries. The grade point average in major courses must be 2.0 or better. Students must also complete a portfolio.

For persons who possess prior technical transfer credits or work experience in recognized areas of trade and industrial education, further technical sub-options are available within the cluster areas above. Such students will pursue individualized programs tailored to meet their specific needs, provided the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The area selected for a technical concentration in the major must be recognized by the North Carolina State
Department of Public Instruction for Trade and Industrial teacher certification.
2. The student must initially enter the program with advanced classification.
* Persons holding an Associate Degree in the technical field may apply such transfer credits toward
meeting technical course requirements.
* Persons meeting University admission requirements desiring to substitute work/trade experience to meet
technical course requirements in the field selected may receive college credit by satisfactory completion
of a competency-based examination.

NOTE: Transfer students and persons applying college credits earned through competency examinations may apply a maximum of 24semester hours of credit toward meeting technical course requirements in degree programs.

ACCREDITATION
The graphic communication systems program is accredited by the National Association for Industrial Technology (NAIT). The technology education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the graphic communication systems program option have a variety of career options in management, production, design, or sales. A range of opportunities is available in photography, design and drafting, advertising, in-plant printing, publishing, animation, and geographic information systems . Excellent employment opportunities exist for persons trained in technology education. Public schools (K-12), community colleges, technical institutes, colleges, and universities are in constant need of securing qualified teachers in technology education. Teaching positions continue to remain open for technology education specialists and shortages of personnel are reported in many states. Schools are experiencing major difficulty in locating competent persons to fill technology education vacancies.

In addition to teaching, many career opportunities exist for trade and in dustrial education and training and development for industry graduates. These include industrial-business enterprises, government agencies, rehabilitation and vocational therapy centers, private schools and recreational camps. Trade and industrial education and training and development for industry graduates are employed as training directors, managers, supervisors, engineering assistants, sales, and safety personnel.