Program Overview

Graphic Communication Program

The Graphic Communication program at Cal Poly is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of graphic communication. The program covers a wide range of topics, including graphic design, digital media, printing, and packaging.

Program Description

The Graphic Communication program is a four-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students for careers in the graphic communication industry. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of graphic communication, as well as hands-on experience with industry-standard software and equipment.

Program Requirements

To graduate from the Graphic Communication program, students must complete a minimum of 120 units of coursework, including:

• 48 units of general education coursework
• 36 units of major-specific coursework
• 24 units of elective coursework
• 12 units of senior project coursework

Course Offerings

The Graphic Communication program offers a wide range of courses, including:

• Introduction to Graphic Communication
• Digital Applications
• Graphic Communication Management
• Materials for Graphic Communication
• Web Development and Design Principles
• Visual Literacy and Communication
• Applied Graphic Communication Practices
• Digital File Preparation and Workflow
• Print and Production Technology
• Digital Typography
• Consumer Packaging
• Special Problems for Undergraduates
• Special Topics
• Experience Design
• Digital Photography and Motion Graphics
• Marketing and Sales Management for Graphic Communication
• Operations and Project Management for Graphic Communication
• Data-Driven Graphics
• Product Development for Cross-Device Interaction
• Introduction to Applied Social Media in Graphic Communication
• Color Management
• Packaging Graphics Technology and Design
• Specialty Graphics and Printing
• Print and Digital Media Publishing
• Front-end Web Development
• Human Resource Management for Graphic Communication
• 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
• Senior Project - Independent Study
• Senior Project
• Senior Project - Applied Practices
• Special Advanced Topics
• Special Advanced Laboratory
• Cooperative Education Experience
• Visual Communication Systems
• Book Design Technology
• Graphic Communication in Integrated Marketing Communications
• Advanced Consumer Packaging
• Immersive Computer Graphics Studio
• User Interface Innovations

Research Areas

The Graphic Communication program at Cal Poly has a strong focus on research and industry partnerships. Faculty and students in the program are involved in a wide range of research projects, including:

• Graphic design and visual communication
• Digital media and printing
• Packaging and labeling
• User experience and human-computer interaction
• Sustainability and environmental design

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the Graphic Communication program at Cal Poly, students must meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Have completed a minimum of 60 units of coursework
• Have completed the required prerequisite courses, including introduction to graphic communication and digital applications
• Submit a portfolio of their work
• Participate in an interview with the program faculty

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the Graphic Communication program at Cal Poly vary depending on the student's residency status and the number of units they are taking. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the tuition fees are as follows:

• California residents: $5,742 per year
• Non-residents: $17,622 per year