Production gets it done

The Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program offers students a comprehensive education in the dynamic field of graphic communications. Combining creativity with technical expertise, this program equips students with the skills needed to manage the production and distribution of visual content across a variety of platforms, including print, digital media, and packaging.

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications Management

Focus: Merges print, packaging, and visual communications with business, technology, and leadership skills

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
  • Package design/production
  • 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
Illustrated concert poster showing two stylized female portraits with colorful hair shapes and text for First Aid Kit at Rabbit Rabbit.

First Aid Kit concert poster design

Kay Bishop
Canvas tote bag featuring a blue circular logo with a leaf and arrows forming a globe shape, labeled “uptown green,” hanging on a white dresser.

Daphne Watson
Four students and a faculty member dressed in business attire posing together at a professional event with Phoenix Challenge signage.
Three white paper sheets labeled with handwritten cut dimensions — "Cut 1: 10.188 / 10.288," "Cut 2: 8.5," and "Cut 4: 11" — are fanned out on a gray surface, used as cutting guides in a print production workflow.

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 

Senior Capstone

GCM 4900 – Graphic Communications Internship II

A continuation of industry field experience with print or digital graphics media companies such as commercial printing, animation, prepress, flexography, gravure, offset lithography, screen printing, packaging, or finishing and fulfillment. 

 

Two people work together applying a vinyl wrap to a food truck inside a garage. The truck features a large graphic reading “Hope St. Food Pantry” and “Nourished by Food Lion Feeds,” with illustrated produce patterns in the background.

Internships

Students get practical experience with local printing companies as interns in the GCM program. Kasey Musaka, GCM intern, and Sierra Lopez, GCM alumna, work together at Salem One to install a van wrap for Food Lion Feeds, the hunger-relief platform of Food Lion.

I love the hands on aspect of the curriculum. Being able to use industry standard equipment is not only fun, but gives students experience they can translate into their career. 

Chloe Pound