2026-2028 Catalog

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

Graphic communication is one of the largest and fastest-changing professions that serves a wide range of industries. It requires adaptable professionals with a broad skillset across creative design, digital media, manufacturing, business and marketing strategy, and emerging technologies. Graphic communication’s BS program covers a diverse range of topics, including digital and conventional printing, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, computer graphics, digital design, digital photography, web and app development, user interface and user experience design, human-centered design, virtual and augmented reality, immersive interaction, brand strategy, marketing, media management, and related areas. Graduates are in high demand by leading national and international corporations in industries such as technology, packaging, consumer goods, entertainment, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and creative services, where graphic communication skills apply.

Beyond acquiring a foundation in graphic communication, students select a concentration to deepen their expertise in areas of design reproduction technology, user experience/user interface, graphic communication management, graphics for packaging, immersive experience design, and individualized study in graphic communication.

The Bachelor of Science program in Graphic Communication is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc. (ACCGC), an independent body dedicated to the improvement and recognition of collegiate-level curricula in graphic communication.

Concentrations

Design Reproduction Technology

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

Emphasis on design and technology for print and web publishing. Coursework includes typography, branding, color theory, and design for packaging and for the publication of books, magazines, and web sites. The Graphic Communication Department's Design Reproduction Technology concentration focuses on the technical and electronic aspects of transforming design for reproduction in print and digital media. The concentration focuses on printing, web development, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, computer graphics, and related areas of mass media preparation and production.

Graphic Communication Management

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

A flexible program for students interested in management and administrative careers in the graphic communication industry. Concentration graduates enter careers focused on project management, marketing management, product development, account management, scheduling, estimating or other support roles. In addition to the major requirements in graphic communication, coursework includes multiple business management related disciplines.

Graphics for Packaging

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

Designed for students who desire a career in the growing field of package graphics and printing. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn all components of graphic preparation for packaging, print reproduction and conversion, while also providing aspects of structural design and food safety. Consumer and industrial print packaging is addressed.

Immersive Experience Design

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Immersive Experience Design concentration focuses on the intersection between physical and digital worlds, including the use of AR/VR/XR and IoT technologies. This concentration explores the emerging opportunities in the graphic communication industry, with an increasing demand for cross-media, cross-device, and cross-platform applications that require effective user experience design.

User Experience/User Interface

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

Emphasis on the latest trends in interface development and the production and distribution of digital media. In addition to major requirements, coursework includes the study of user experience, visual design, and web and mobile interface design. The concentration leads to careers in user experience/user interface design, digital media production, product management, and opportunities with hardware and software manufacturers that service the graphic communication industry.

Individualized Course of Study

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

An Individualized Course of Study consists of 21 units, to be selected by the student in consultation with and approved by the concentration coordinator and department head. A minimum of 12 units must be at the 3000-4000 (upper-division) level, and a minimum of 6 units must be a Graphic Communication prefix. The 12 units of upper-division coursework are not required to be the same 6 units as the GRC prefix courses. The student must provide written justification for the courses and the way they constitute a cohesive, integrated program of study. The list of courses is a contract between the student and the Department.

Program Learning Objectives

  1. Integrate effective design and functionality into graphic communication products, optimizing user experience and adoption.
  2. Produce professional graphic media, demonstrating competence using current tools and methods.
  3. Articulate and defend graphic communication strategies using effective oral, written, visual and/or demonstration means.
  4. Apply appropriate production and workflow methods for various media.
  5. Evaluate business principles related to starting and/or developing a graphic communication business.
  6. Analyze current and future trends, market drivers, and continuous learning opportunities in graphic communication.
  7. Evaluate diversity in the graphic communication profession and identify attitudes and behaviors that affect workforce and product development.
  8. Demonstrate the use of sustainability practices in various print and screen-based applications.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy requirements outlined in more detail in the Minimum Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog, including:

  • 40 units of upper-division courses
  • 2.0 GPA
  • Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
  • U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP)

Note: No Major, Support or Concentration courses may be selected as credit/no credit. In addition, no more than 12 units of cooperative or internship courses can count towards your degree requirements.

MAJOR COURSES
GRC 1000Introduction to Graphic Communication3
GRC 1020Introduction to Digital Applications3
GRC 1030Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy3
GRC 1040Materials for Graphic Communication Applications3
GRC 1090Web Development and Design Principles3
GRC 1100Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 13
GRC 2000Applied Graphic Communication Practices1
GRC 2020Digital File Preparation and Workflow3
GRC 2040Print and Production Technology3
GRC 2050Digital Typography3
GRC 2070Consumer Packaging3
GRC 3000Experience Design3
GRC 3020Digital Photography and Motion Graphics3
GRC 3030Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication3
GRC 3035Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication3
GRC 3060Data-Driven Graphics3
GRC 3100Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication1
GRC 3200Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5)3
GRC 3280Specialty Graphics and Printing3
GRC 4060Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication3
Senior Project
Select from the following:3
Senior Project - Independent Study
Senior Project
Senior Project - Applied Practices
Concentration or Individualized Course of Study
(See list of Concentrations and Individualized Course of Study below)21
SUPPORT COURSES
PHYS 1121College Physics I (5A & 5C) 14
STAT 1110Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 13
GENERAL EDUCATION (GE)
(See GE Program requirements below)30
FREE ELECTIVES
Free Electives 23
Total Units120
1
Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.
2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

 

Concentrations

Design Reproduction Technology

REQUIRED COURSES
ART 1101Fundamentals of Drawing3
ART 11022D Design3
GRC 3270Packaging Graphics Technology and Design3
GRC 4500Visual Communication Systems3
Select from the following: 19
3D Design
Visual Culture and Society: Analysis and Practice
Black and White Photography
Illustration I: Tools and Techniques
The Art of Mixed Reality
Introduction to Design Thinking
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Management Topics in Graphic Communication
Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Design Reproduction Topics in Graphic Communication
Cooperative Education Experience
Cooperative Education Experience
Book Design Technology
Introduction to Media Arts and Technologies
Total Units21
1

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Graphic Communication Management

REQUIRED COURSES
BUS 2207Legal Responsibilities of Business3
BUS 2212Financial Accounting for Nonbusiness Majors3
COMS 2213Organizational Communication3
GRC 4600Graphic Communication in Integrated Marketing Communications3
Select from the following: 19
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Leadership and Organizations
Solving Big World Challenges
Corporate Communication
Packaging Graphics Technology and Design
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Management Topics in Graphic Communication
Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Design Reproduction Topics in Graphic Communication
Cooperative Education Experience
Cooperative Education Experience
Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Total Units21
1

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Graphics for Packaging

REQUIRED COURSES
GRC 3080Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction3
GRC 4700Advanced Consumer Packaging3
ITP 2234Packaging Design Fundamentals3
ITP 3330Packaging Fundamentals3
Select from the following: 19
Introduction to Design Thinking
Needfinding in New Product Design
Packaging Graphics Technology and Design
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Management Topics in Graphic Communication
Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Design Reproduction Topics in Graphic Communication
Cooperative Education Experience
Cooperative Education Experience
Structural Packaging Design
Fiber-Based Packaging
Total Units21
1

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Immersive Experience Design

REQUIRED COURSES
ART 4433The Art of Mixed Reality3
GRC 3080Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction3
GRC 4290User Experience Research Methods3
GRC 4800Immersive Computer Graphics Studio3
Select from the following: 19
Introduction to Design Thinking
Media Effects
Front-end Web Development
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Management Topics in Graphic Communication
Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Design Reproduction Topics in Graphic Communication
Cooperative Education Experience
Cooperative Education Experience
User Interface Innovations
Human Factors and Technology
Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Capstone I
Introductory Psychology
Statistics II
Total Units21
1

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

User Experience/User Interface

REQUIRED COURSES
CSC/CPE 1024Introduction to Computing2
GRC 3990Front-end Web Development3
GRC 4900User Interface Innovations3
PHIL 3323Ethics, Science, and Technology3
Select from the following: 110
Introduction to Design Thinking
Solving Big World Challenges
Technology and Human Communication
Video Games and Society
User Experience Research Methods
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Management Topics in Graphic Communication
Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Design Reproduction Topics in Graphic Communication
Cooperative Education Experience
Cooperative Education Experience
Values and Technology
Community and Meaning-Filled Design
Social Psychology
Total Units21
1
May be substituted with an advisor approved course.
 

Individualized Course of Study

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

An Individualized Course of Study consists of 21 units, to be selected by the student in consultation with and approved by the concentration coordinator and department head. A minimum of 12 units must be at the 3000-4000 (upper-division) level, and a minimum of 6 units must be a Graphic Communication prefix. The 12 units of upper-division coursework are not required to be the same 6 units as the GRC prefix courses. The student must provide written justification for the courses and the way they constitute a cohesive, integrated program of study. The list of courses is a contract between the student and the Department.

 

General Education (GE) Requirements  

General Education (GE) Requirements

  • 43 units required, 13 of which are specified in Major and/or Support.
  • If any of the remaining 30 Units is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.
  • See the complete GE course listing.
  • A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: 1A (English Composition), 1B (Critical Thinking), 1C (Oral Communication), and 2 (Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning). 
Lower-Division General Education
Area 1English Communication and Critical Thinking
1AWritten Communication3
1BCritical Thinking3
1COral Communication3
Area 2Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
2Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units in Support) 10
Area 3Arts and Humanities
3AArts (3 units in Major) 10
3BHumanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English 3
Area 4Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.)
4AAmerican Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement)3
4BSocial and Behavioral Sciences3
Area 5Physical and Life Sciences
5APhysical Sciences (3 units in Support) 10
5BLife Sciences3
5CLaboratory (may be embedded in a 5A or 5B course) (1 units in Support) 10
Area 6 Ethnic Studies
6 Ethnic Studies3
Upper-Division General Education
Upper-Division 2/5Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning or Physical and Life Sciences (3 units in Major) 10
Upper-Division 3Arts and Humanities3
Upper-Division 4Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.)3
Total Units30
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

Graphic Communication

Concentration Not Yet Declared - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
Concentration Course or Elective 3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Concentration Course or Elective 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

 

Design Reproduction Technology

Design Reproduction Technology Concentration - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
GRC 3270 Packaging Graphics Technology and Design 3
ART 1101 Fundamentals of Drawing 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
GRC 4500 Visual Communication Systems 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
ART 1102 2D Design 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

3

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Graphic Communication Management

Graphic Communication Management Concentration - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
BUS 2207 Legal Responsibilities of Business 3
COMS 2213 Organizational Communication 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
BUS 2212 Financial Accounting for Nonbusiness Majors 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
GRC 4600 Graphic Communication in Integrated Marketing Communications 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

3

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Graphics for Packaging

Graphics for Packaging Concentration - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3080 Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
ITP 2234 Packaging Design Fundamentals 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
GRC 4700 Advanced Consumer Packaging 3
ITP 3330 Packaging Fundamentals 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

3

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Immersive Experience Design

Immersive Experience Design Concentration - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
ART 4433 The Art of Mixed Reality 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3080 Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
GRC 4290 User Experience Research Methods 3
GRC 4800 Immersive Computer Graphics Studio 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

3

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

User Experience/User Interface

User Experience/User Interface Concentration - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
CSC/CPE 1024 Introduction to Computing 2
Concentration Elective 3 3-4
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
GRC 3990 Front-end Web Development 3
PHIL 3323 Ethics, Science, and Technology 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
GRC 4900 User Interface Innovations 3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Concentration Elective 3 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.

3

May be substituted with an advisor approved course.

 

Individualized Course of Study

Individualized Course of Study - BS in Graphic Communication
Suggested Four-Year Flowcharts are planning guides and do not represent a required course sequence.
Courses may be completed in a different order, provided requisite requirements are satisfied.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Units
GRC 1000 Introduction to Graphic Communication 3
GRC 1020 Introduction to Digital Applications 3
GRC 1100 Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 3
PHYS 1121 College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 4
General Education Requirement (1A) 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 1030 Graphic Communication Management, Manufacturing, and Strategy 3
GRC 1040 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications 3
GRC 1090 Web Development and Design Principles 3
STAT 1110 Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 3
General Education Requirement (1C) 3
 Units15
Second Year
Term 1
GRC 2000 Applied Graphic Communication Practices 1
GRC 2040 Print and Production Technology 3
General Education Requirement (1B) 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units16
Term 2
GRC 2020 Digital File Preparation and Workflow 3
GRC 2050 Digital Typography 3
GRC 2070 Consumer Packaging 3
General Education Requirement 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Third Year
Term 1
GRC 3000 Experience Design 3
GRC 3020 Digital Photography and Motion Graphics 3
GRC 3100 Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication 1
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
 Units13
Term 2
GRC 3030 Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3035 Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 3280 Specialty Graphics and Printing 3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
 Units15
Fourth Year
Term 1
GRC 3060 Data-Driven Graphics 3
GRC 3200 Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) 1 3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
General Education Requirement 3
 Units15
Term 2
GRC 4060 Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication 3
GRC 4461
Senior Project - Independent Study
or Senior Project
or Senior Project - Applied Practices
3
Individualized Course of Study Elective 3
General Education Requirement 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Units15
 Total Units120
1

Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.

2

If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.