About

Graphic communications is a vibrant and growing sector of the economy. In North Carolina alone, print-related media activities employ more than 22,000 people in 1,400 establishments. This includes packaging design and production, print production of all kinds and cross-media digital marketing.

Appalachian State University’s Thomas W. Reese Graphic Communications Management Program prepares you for entry-level supervisory and staff positions in graphic communications. The Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Print / Packaging Production degree covers a wide variety of processes and methods of production – including offset lithography, flexography, digital printing systems, variable data printing and wide format printing in addition to the design and production of packages that protect and promote products in channels of distribution. You can also choose the Cross Media Production concentration within the program. As a student, you’ll be eligible to apply for scholarships in excess of $20,000, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Career Connections, the program’s job fair for majors.

This program is housed in Appalachian’s Department of Art.

After Graduation

Employment: Students are prepared to enter the workforce in a range of roles upon graduation. Employers include Classic Graphics, WestRock (formerly RockTenn), Salem1, R.R. Donnelly, Meredith-Webb, Wright Global Graphics, Copac Global Packaging, CCL Label and other companies.

Career Exploration website

People

• 

  Alumna Profile: Erin Donohue ’17

  Donohue’s summer internship after her junior year led to full-time employment with South Carolina’s Wikoff Color Corporation before she graduated.

• 

  Alumna Profile: Taylor Coggins ’12

  “This was a relatively small program on campus, which meant the professors were able to spend more one-on-one time with students. That was important to me.”

  – Taylor Coggins ’12, project manager for Salem One, a printing, direct marketing, packaging and logistics company headquartered in Winston-Salem

Related Program

• Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Cross Media Production

Minors

In order to put you at a competitive advantage in the field, a General Business minor is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) - a student club of this professional organization.

Gamma Epsilon Tau - a national collegiate honors society for graphic art students.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.