University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

From magazines to brochures to books, examples of graphic communication are everywhere you look. These tangible publications have to be designed, produced and distributed in order to end up in a reader's hands. The graphics field continues to grow and advance at a tremendous rate, and there is great need for college graduates with an understanding of the entire graphics process. Are you up to the challenge?

UW-Stout's Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program is the premier graphics program in the Midwest, preparing you for an exciting career in graphics, printing, imaging or an associated industry. As a GCM major, you'll learn to be a leader, motivator and communicator who can deal with graphics workflows, business issues and production efficiency.

If you're interested in art and design, graphics software, business administration, technology, graphic arts or communications, this is the program for you. The broad coverage of the program — from design to delivery — produces graduates who are in high demand by employers.

Preparing for UW-Stout

Since the Graphic Communications Management program requires you to complete one semester of college mathematics, 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, you'll begin taking graphics and management courses from your 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

As you move forward through the program and satisfy the general education requirements, more emphasis is placed upon the professional management and the technology courses.

Professional management courses provide a solid background in business and management. The following courses prepare you to manage projects and processes, make decisions and lead others:

• Production management
• Accounting
• Manufacturing economics
• Organizational leadership
• Marketing
• Quality systems
• Customer service

Technology courses cover the entire process of graphic communications, from design to delivery. Hands-on laboratory experiences help you 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
• Finishing

You'll also learn how these processes are managed and coordinated by studying:

• Project planning
• Quality control
• Cost estimating
• Production management
• Customer relations
• Plant management

A production practicum and a publication production class provide an opportunity for you to apply both management and technical skills in extensive applied projects.

An elective component of the program provides you with the choice of emphasis areas to direct your 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
• Training and development

You 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 you with a chance to work side by side with seasoned professionals and apply what you have learned in the classroom.

Entry Positions

Students enrolled in the Graphic Communications Management program are prepared for a wide variety of job opportunities. Common job titles include:

• Imaging specialist
• Graphic artist
• Management trainee
• Estimator
• Customer service representative
• Account manager
• Print buyer
• Sales trainee
• Project planner
• Graphics coordinator
• Print marketing coordinator
• Production scheduler
• Research and development analyst
• Quality control specialist
• Production department supervisor

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 20 years. Starting salaries average in the low-40s, with top salaries in the mid-50s.