The graphics field continues to grow and advance at a tremendous rate. These exciting changes have created great need for college graduates with an understanding of the entire graphics process. UW-Stout's Graphic Communications Management program is the premier graphics program in the Midwest, preparing graduates for exciting careers in the graphics, printing, imaging and associated industries.
Interested?
Graphic Communications Management majors are prepared to be managers who are leaders, motivators and communicators who can deal with graphics workflows, business issues and production efficiency. To accomplish this, the program combines course work in general education, professional management and focused classes in graphic communications technology.
Students interested in art and design, graphics software, business administration, technology, graphic arts and communications are all encouraged to explore this program. The broad coverage of the program — all of graphics, from design to delivery — produces graduates who are in high demand by employers.
Preparing for UW-Stout
Since the Graphic Communications Management program requires each student to complete one semester of college mathematics, we encourage students to prepare by completing the appropriate math courses in high school. We also recommend courses in writing, science, business and technology education, particularly graphic communications
Starting Out
In addition to general education studies, students begin taking graphics and management courses from their very first semester. These courses might include English, speech, math, science, humanities and introductory courses in graphics technology and business or management.
As You Progress
The Graphic Communications Management program is made up of general education courses, professional management courses and graphics technology courses. Students take courses from all three areas each semester. As they progress through the program and satisfy the general education requirements, more emphasis is placed upon the professional management and the technology courses.
General education courses provide the foundation for the entire curriculum. Courses in humanities, social science, psychology and speech introduce students to methods of communication, motivation and personal interaction. Science and mathematics courses build analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
Professional management courses provide a solid background in business and management. Courses in production management, accounting, manufacturing economics, organizational leadership, marketing, quality systems and customer service prepare students to manage projects and processes, make decisions and lead others.
Technology courses cover the entire process of graphic communications, from design to delivery. Hands-on laboratory experiences develop skills in the creation and reproduction of graphic products and services. Classes cover digital photography, scanning, digital image editing, color management, layout and design, proofing, print reproduction, bindery and finishing. Students also learn how these processes are managed and coordinated by studying project planning, quality control, cost estimating, production management, customer relations, and plant management. A production practicum and a publication production class provide an opportunity for students to apply both management and technical skills in extensive applied projects.
An elective component of the program provides students the choice of emphasis areas to direct their studies into specific areas of interest. Emphasis areas include digital photography, layout and design, packaging, industrial safety/loss control, information technology, production operations, production supervision, quality, sales and marketing, technical writing and training and development. Students can also arrange a custom emphasis area to combine courses from more than one area.
All students complete a cooperative education learning experience before graduation. This three-to-six month work experience in the field provides students with a chance to work side by side with seasoned professionals and apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Entry Positions
Students enrolled in the graphic communications program are prepared for a wide variety of job opportunities. Common job titles include imaging specialists, graphic artists, management trainees, estimators, customer service representatives, account managers, print buyers, sales trainees, project planners, graphics coordinators, print marketing coordinators, production schedulers, research and development analysts, quality control specialists, and production department supervisors. Graduates find positions across the entire breadth of the graphic communications field and are hired by publishers, marketing firms, printing companies, retailers, vendors and suppliers. Entry-level positions depend upon job experience, job demands, geographical locations, company size and the economy.
The employment rate for graduates of the Graphic Communications Management program has exceeded 97 percent during the past eighteen years. Starting salaries average in the low-30s, with top salaries in the low to mid-40s.