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What is a Graphic Communications Degree?
A graphic communications degree teaches students how to create, produce, and distribute printed and digital materials. Students learn about the different stages of production, including preparing designs for printing, operating printing processes, digital imaging, and finishing products. They may work with technologies used for offset printing, digital printing, screen printing, packaging, and other forms of graphic reproduction.
This degree is a good fit for people who enjoy design, technology, and hands-on production work. Graduates may work in printing, publishing, packaging, digital media, advertising, manufacturing, or graphic production. The technical, creative, and problem-solving skills gained through the program can be useful in careers involving print production, digital imaging, production management, and other graphic communications technologies.
Program Options
Graphic Communications programs are available at several educational levels, with options ranging from short certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Programs can focus on areas such as graphic production, printing, digital imaging, publishing, visual communication, design technology, and managing graphic communications processes.
- Certificate in Graphic Communications: A shorter program that provides focused training in graphic communications, printing, digital production, design software, and related technologies. Certificates may prepare students for entry-level work or allow someone with existing education or experience to develop additional skills.
- Associate Degree in Graphic Communications: A two-year degree that provides practical training in graphic production, printing, digital imaging, design technology, and related processes. Some programs are designed for direct entry into the workforce, while others provide a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Communications: A four-year degree offering more comprehensive study of graphic communication, including design, production, digital media, printing, publishing, packaging, and production workflows. Programs may be titled Graphic Communications or Graphic Communication.
- Master’s Degree in Graphic Communications: A graduate-level program providing advanced study in graphic communications, graphic production, technology, management, and related areas. Current U.S. examples include Clemson University’s Master of Science in Graphic Communications, as well as master’s programs identified in the field at several other institutions. Students generally need a bachelor’s degree before entering a master’s program.
- Online Graphic Communications Programs: Online options are available, particularly at the certificate level, allowing students to study graphic communications, digital publishing, design technology, and related subjects without attending classes entirely on campus.
Skills You’ll Learn
A graphic communications degree helps students develop the technical, creative, and production skills needed to create, reproduce, and distribute printed and digital communication materials. Common skills learned include:
- Graphic Production: Learn how graphic communication products are prepared, produced, and finished. Understand the different stages of production from initial preparation through the completed product.
- Prepress: Develop skills in preparing digital files for production, including file setup, color separation, image preparation, and proofing.
- Printing Technology: Learn how different printing processes work, including offset lithography, digital printing, flexography, screen printing, and other reproduction methods.
- Digital Imaging: Learn how to prepare, edit, and manipulate digital images for print and digital applications. Develop an understanding of image resolution, file formats, color, and image quality.
- Color Management: Learn how to maintain consistent and accurate color throughout the graphic production process. Understand how color is prepared and reproduced across different devices and materials.
- Production Planning: Develop the ability to plan and organize graphic production projects. Learn how to select appropriate processes, materials, equipment, and workflows for different projects.
- Quality Control: Learn how to inspect graphic products for accuracy, consistency, color, registration, and overall quality. Identify and correct problems during the production process.
- Digital Publishing: Develop skills for preparing and producing publications and other content using digital technologies. Learn how digital production fits into modern graphic communications workflows.
- Print Finishing: Learn about postpress processes used to complete graphic products, such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, and other finishing techniques.
- Problem-Solving: Develop the ability to identify technical and production problems and find practical solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot issues involving files, equipment, materials, and production processes.
What Can You Do with a Graphic Communications Degree?
A graphic communications degree prepares graduates for careers involving graphic production, printing, digital imaging, publishing, and the technologies used to create and distribute visual communication materials. Common career paths include:
- Graphic Production Specialist: Coordinate and support the production of printed and digital graphic materials. Prepare files, monitor production processes, and help ensure finished products meet quality standards.
- Prepress Technician: Prepare digital files for printing by checking layouts, images, fonts, color, and other technical details. Identify and correct problems before materials move into production.
- Print Production Manager: Plan and oversee printing projects from initial preparation through production and finishing. Coordinate equipment, materials, schedules, employees, and quality control.
- Printing Press Operator: Set up and operate printing equipment to produce books, brochures, packaging, labels, and other printed materials. Monitor the printing process and make adjustments to maintain quality.
- Digital Imaging Specialist: Prepare, edit, and manage digital images for print and other graphic applications. Ensure images meet the required specifications for resolution, color, and quality.
- Print Production Specialist: Coordinate the technical and production aspects of print projects. Work with designers, printers, vendors, and clients to move projects from digital files to finished products.
- Packaging Production Specialist: Apply graphic production and printing knowledge to the creation of labels, cartons, packages, and other printed packaging materials. Help ensure designs are accurately reproduced and meet production requirements.
- Graphic Communications Technician: Operate and maintain equipment and technology used in graphic communications production. Troubleshoot technical problems and assist with printing, digital imaging, and finishing processes.
