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
- Integrate effective design and functionality into graphic communication products, optimizing user experience and adoption.
- Produce professional graphic media, demonstrating competence using current tools and methods.
- Articulate and defend graphic communication strategies using effective oral, written, visual and/or demonstration means.
- Apply appropriate production and workflow methods for various media.
- Evaluate business principles related to starting and/or developing a graphic communication business.
- Analyze current and future trends, market drivers, and continuous learning opportunities in graphic communication.
- Evaluate diversity in the graphic communication profession and identify attitudes and behaviors that affect workforce and product development.
- 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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR COURSES | ||
| GRC 1000 | Introduction to Graphic Communication | 3 |
| GRC 1020 | Introduction to Digital Applications | 3 |
| 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 |
| GRC 1100 | Visual Literacy and Communication (3A) 1 | 3 |
| GRC 2000 | Applied Graphic Communication Practices | 1 |
| GRC 2020 | Digital File Preparation and Workflow | 3 |
| GRC 2040 | Print and Production Technology | 3 |
| GRC 2050 | Digital Typography | 3 |
| GRC 2070 | Consumer Packaging | 3 |
| GRC 3000 | Experience Design | 3 |
| GRC 3020 | Digital Photography and Motion Graphics | 3 |
| GRC 3030 | Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication | 3 |
| GRC 3035 | Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication | 3 |
| GRC 3060 | Data-Driven Graphics | 3 |
| GRC 3100 | Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication | 1 |
| GRC 3200 | Color Management (Upper-Division 2/5) | 3 |
| GRC 3280 | Specialty Graphics and Printing | 3 |
| GRC 4060 | Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication | 3 |
| 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 1121 | College Physics I (5A & 5C) 1 | 4 |
| STAT 1110 | Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods (2) 1 | 3 |
| GENERAL EDUCATION (GE) | ||
| (See GE Program requirements below) | 30 | |
| FREE ELECTIVES | ||
| Free Electives 2 | 3 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
- 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| ART 1101 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1102 | 2D Design | 3 |
| GRC 3270 | Packaging Graphics Technology and Design | 3 |
| GRC 4500 | Visual Communication Systems | 3 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| 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 Units | 21 | |
- 1
May be substituted with an advisor approved course.
Graphic Communication Management
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| BUS 2207 | Legal Responsibilities of Business | 3 |
| BUS 2212 | Financial Accounting for Nonbusiness Majors | 3 |
| COMS 2213 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| GRC 4600 | Graphic Communication in Integrated Marketing Communications | 3 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| 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 Units | 21 | |
- 1
May be substituted with an advisor approved course.
Graphics for Packaging
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| GRC 3080 | Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction | 3 |
| GRC 4700 | Advanced Consumer Packaging | 3 |
| ITP 2234 | Packaging Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| ITP 3330 | Packaging Fundamentals | 3 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| 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 Units | 21 | |
- 1
May be substituted with an advisor approved course.
Immersive Experience Design
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| ART 4433 | The Art of Mixed Reality | 3 |
| GRC 3080 | Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction | 3 |
| GRC 4290 | User Experience Research Methods | 3 |
| GRC 4800 | Immersive Computer Graphics Studio | 3 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| 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 Units | 21 | |
- 1
May be substituted with an advisor approved course.
User Experience/User Interface
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| CSC/CPE 1024 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| GRC 3990 | Front-end Web Development | 3 |
| GRC 4900 | User Interface Innovations | 3 |
| PHIL 3323 | Ethics, Science, and Technology | 3 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 10 | |
| 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 Units | 21 | |
- 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
- 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 1 | English Communication and Critical Thinking | |
| 1A | Written Communication | 3 |
| 1B | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| 1C | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Area 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning | |
| 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Area 3 | Arts and Humanities | |
| 3A | Arts (3 units in Major) 1 | 0 |
| 3B | Humanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English | 3 |
| Area 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | |
| 4A | American Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement) | 3 |
| 4B | Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Area 5 | Physical and Life Sciences | |
| 5A | Physical Sciences (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| 5B | Life Sciences | 3 |
| 5C | Laboratory (may be embedded in a 5A or 5B course) (1 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Area 6 | Ethnic Studies | |
| 6 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Upper-Division General Education | ||
| Upper-Division 2/5 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning or Physical and Life Sciences (3 units in Major) 1 | 0 |
| Upper-Division 3 | Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Upper-Division 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | 3 |
| Total Units | 30 | |
- 1
Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.