STCC graphic communications and photography program wins accreditation

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s Graphic Communications and Photography program earned national accreditation in six areas after a comprehensive review.

Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM, said earning accreditation is significant and reflects the high quality of a program.

“Getting accredited signals to employers that STCC graduates are knowledgeable, trained, skilled and ready to enter the workforce,” Sharp said. “Congratulations to our faculty who made this possible. They bring real world experience into the classroom and work hard each day to support our students.”

The nationally recognized program Print[ED] accredited Graphic Communication and Photography in the following six areas:

• Introduction to Graphic Communication
• Digital Workflow
• Offset Printing
• Digital Press Production
• Screen Printing
• Graphic Design

Administered by the Printing & Graphics Association, Mid Atlantic (PGAMA), Print[ED] accreditation involves three parts: program standards, industry approved competencies and assessments. Accreditation runs for five years, expiring in 2026. The Graphic Communications and Photography program was officially accredited Dec. 3, 2021. The program has received accreditation in the past, but never in six areas.

“A degree from our department leads to jobs in print media. They could go into graphics or web design. They could go into photojournalism or photography. Our program opens the door to anything dealing with design and photo.” Matthew Kriftcher, Professor, Graphic Communications and Photography

Matthew Kriftcher, a professor in the Graphic Communications and Photography program, said STCC is the first technical community college to earn accreditation in all six areas. Kriftcher said the accreditation shows that the students are learning industry standards and getting fully prepared to enter the workforce. They can enter the workplace with verifiable credentials.

“A degree from our department leads to jobs in print media. They could go into graphics or web design. They could go into photojournalism or photography,” Kriftcher said. “Our program opens the door to anything dealing with design and photo.”

The program has been offered at STCC since 1970, three years after the college was founded. “We’re one of the original programs that was started at the college,” Kriftcher said.

Students can choose to seek employment after earning a two-year associate degree. Some students also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree or beyond.

STCC student Kayla Picard of Chicopee studies graphic communications and was excited to hear the program has been accredited.

“It’s a very hands-on program,” Picard said. “It is nice to be part of something that is geared toward computers and technology. I chose Springfield Tech over other schools in the area because their graphic design programs were art programs and this one is rooted in computer science.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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