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) – Cross Media Production degree, in particular, focuses on applying graphic messaging across different channels/platforms such as web, email, print, cover wraps, etc. to communicate to various markets. You can also choose the Print / Packaging 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: McKenzie Quattlebaum ’16

  Quattlebaum credits the program’s faculty mentors, curriculum and required general business minor for helping to prepare her for life after graduation.

• 

  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) – Print / Packaging 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.