Best institutions to study Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to design and execute page formats, layouts and text composition, and to make typographical selections using computer graphics and other computer-assisted design programs.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 7 Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 10.0308, a specialization of Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03), and leads most directly to the Prepress Technicians and Workers occupation (BLS SOC 51-5111).
About Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to design and execute page formats, layouts and text composition, and to make typographical selections using computer graphics and other computer-assisted design programs.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator program, part of the Graphic Communications field, prepares individuals to utilize technical skills in designing and executing page formats, layouts, and text composition. This program is ideal for those interested in the intersection of technology and design, focusing on the use of computer graphics and design software.
Students will develop critical skills in areas such as proofreading, quality control, and digital prepress proof generation. Coursework covers essential knowledge in computers, design principles, and production processes, equipping graduates with the ability to operate advanced typography and composition equipment.
Credentials awarded
What Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year7 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 25 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 |
Top 1 institutions for Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cincinnati - Clermont College Batavia, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 24% | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator graduates come from. Each state links to all Graphic Communications programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 1 | 7 | University of Cincinnati - Clermont College7 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-5111, Prepress Technicians and Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Prepress Technicians and Desktop Publishers. The job outlook for these roles is projected to decline by 14.6%, with approximately 2,800 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is around $47,300, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 10.0308
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Prepress Technicians and Workersprimary SOC 51-5111 | $48,690 | -14.6% Decline | ~2,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Desktop Publishers SOC 43-9031 | $55,290 | -12.4% Decline | ~400 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.
- Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.
- Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.
- Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.
- Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.
- Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.
Tools and technology used
Other Graphic Communications specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03).
- Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special EffectsCIP 10.03046,849 graduates / yr250 institutions
- Prepress/CIP 10.0303
Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design 1,335 graduates / yr83 institutions - Graphic CommunicationsCIP 10.0301455 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Graphic and Printing Equipment OperatorCIP 10.0305252 graduates / yr19 institutions
- Graphic CommunicationsCIP 10.0399170 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Printing ManagementCIP 10.0302partial data56 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Printing Press OperatorCIP 10.0307limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Platemaker/CIP 10.0306
Imager limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program awards a credential of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will gain skills in critical thinking, active listening, and proficiency in computer graphics and design.
What kind of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
You can work as a Prepress Technician or Desktop Publisher.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is declining, with a projected decrease of 14.6% in job opportunities.
What is the CIP code for Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator?+
Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator is CIP 10.0308 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to design and execute page formats, layouts and text composition, and to make typographical selections using computer graphics and other computer-assisted design programs.
How many institutions offer Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 7 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Graphic Communications graduates.
How much do Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Prepress Technicians and Workers occupation, which Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator most directly leads to, pays a median of $48,690 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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