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Graphic Communications Management - BS

GCM student at interview Graphic Communications Management Graphic Communications Management Group photo of GCM students at Career Connections Graphic Communications Management Graphic Communications Management GCM Graduate Graphic Communications Management Graphic Communications Management GCM student silkscreening Graphic Communications Management Graphic Communications Management GCM student smiling Graphic Communications Management Graphic Communications Management
Production gets it done

Graphic Communications is a broad term for all of the industries involved in reproducing an image on paper or a variety of other media. Due to the rapid technological changes, the graphic communications industry have expanded services to include retail display design, e-commerce, web page design and hosting, mailing, fulfillment, and a host of services that provide horizontal marketing well beyond the core printing model. Appalachian State University’s Thomas W. Reese Graphic Communications Management program develops technical skills that enable students to find their niche in the vast industry of graphic communications.  

The Graphic Communications Management Program

  • caters to a student who wants and needs “hands-on” learning
  • allows the student to express their “creativity” through multiple avenues
  • has “small-sized” classes
  • is known for job placement
  • is known as a “Career Ready Major”

Appalachian State University graduates of the Graphic Communications Management Program have achieved the following positions:

  • Account Manager/Account Executive
  • CAD Designer
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Department Supervisor
  • Designer and Project Coordinator
  • Digital Press Manager
  • Educator
  • Graphics Color Analyst
  • Lean Manufacturing Coordinator
  • Mail Data Specialist
  • Marketing Specialist/Marketing Manager
  • Material Coordinator
  • Pre-press Specialist
  • Press Operator
  • Post Press Manager
  • Print Buyer
  • Production Manager
  • Project Estimator
  • Scheduling Manager
  • Social Media/Web Specialist
  • Wide Format Specialist 
  • Web Designer

Employment

Students are prepared to enter the workforce in a range of roles upon graduation. Employers include Classic Graphics, WestRock, Salem One, R.R. Donnelly, Meredith-Webb, Wright Global Graphics, Copac Global Packaging, CCL Label, Wikoff Color Corporation and other companies.

Scholarships

A complete list of scholarship opportunities can be found on the department’s Scholarships page 

GCM students at career connections event

Interviewing

Students Kaelyn Bealo, Creston Morrison, Laura Metts, Madelyn Davis, Kenny Schneider, and Alex Rodriguez take a break from interviewing with local companies during a Career Connections event. 

The Scholar: Sparkling White Wine product label

The Scholar: Sparkling White Wine product label

The Scholar: Merlot and Vidal Blanc product labels

The Scholar: Merlot and Vidal Blanc product labels

The Scholar: Rosé product label

The best thing about being in the GCM program is having professors that care for their students and help them succeed. They go above and beyond to help their students by providing key tools and resources for success while making it an exciting learning environment.

Sarah Sosebee

Dr. George Glisan catches up with Mark Curry

Faculty Fostering Connections

Graphic Communications Management program director, Dr. George Glisan, catches up with Mark Curry, manager at Creative Printing and Internet Services at Appalachian State’s Student Union.