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Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Print / Packaging Production

About

Graphic communications is a vibrant and growing sector of the economy. In North Carolina alone, print-related media activities employ more than 22,000 people in 1,400 establishments. This includes packaging design and production, print production of all kinds and cross-media digital marketing.

Appalachian State University’s Thomas W. Reese Graphic Communications Management Program prepares you for entry-level supervisory and staff positions in graphic communications. The Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Print / Packaging Production degree covers a wide variety of processes and methods of production – including offset lithography, flexography, digital printing systems, variable data printing and wide format printing in addition to the design and production of packages that protect and promote products in channels of distribution. You can also choose the Cross Media Production concentration within the program. As a student, you’ll be eligible to apply for scholarships in excess of $20,000, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Career Connections, the program’s job fair for majors.

This program is housed in Appalachian’s Department of Art.

After Graduation

Employment: Students are prepared to enter the workforce in a range of roles upon graduation. Employers include Classic Graphics, WestRock (formerly RockTenn), Salem1, R.R. Donnelly, Meredith-Webb, Wright Global Graphics, Copac Global Packaging, CCL Label and other companies.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Erin Donohue ’17
    Alumna Profile: Erin Donohue ’17

    Donohue’s summer internship after her junior year led to full-time employment with South Carolina’s Wikoff Color Corporation before she graduated.

  • Alumna Profile: Taylor Coggins ’12
    Alumna Profile: Taylor Coggins ’12

    “This was a relatively small program on campus, which meant the professors were able to spend more one-on-one time with students. That was important to me.”

    – Taylor Coggins ’12, project manager for Salem One, a printing, direct marketing, packaging and logistics company headquartered in Winston-Salem

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Program

  • Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Cross Media Production

Minors

In order to put you at a competitive advantage in the field, a General Business minor is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) - a student club of this professional organization.

Gamma Epsilon Tau - a national collegiate honors society for graphic art students.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

  • Students learn in campus laboratories using contemporary production technology. 
  • Mountaineer Printing is a student-run print shop serving the campus community. It is operated as part of an advanced printing and finishing course.
  • Two internships are required to deepen students’ practical knowledge and experience. 
  • An active industry advisory board supports the program mission and provides students opportunities for industry internships.
  • This program offers a number of scholarships.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

  • Pre-press managers
  • Post-press managers
  • Digital press managers
  • Schedulers
  • Estimators
  • Art directors
  • Account managers
  • Vice presidents of sales

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Art

Dr. George Glisan
Professor and program coordinator
828-262-8155
glisangb@appstate.edu
119 Katherine Harper Hall

  • Department of Art

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, commercial photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, commercial photography and graphic arts and imaging technology.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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