Graphic Communications, BS

The Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communications prepares students for professional careers in printing, publishing, packaging graphics, digital media, content creation, and the greater communication industry. The curriculum takes a holistic approach moving students from creative concept to actualization. With courses considering all major printing and visual communication processes, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn and grow in both an educational and a professional setting, including two internships that provide exceptional real world experience and career preparation. 

The required specialty areas of study allow students to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in specific areas of graphic communications. Coursework is heavily oriented around laboratory performance, which stresses the development of problem-solving skills in a broad cross-section of graphic mediums. With a keen understanding of the industry and a network of passionate alumni, the program has a unique grasp on the professional world. This broad and balanced education leads to in-demand careers across a wide variety of fields.

The Graphic Communications program is designed to be completed in four years (eight semesters and one or two summers). While students must take one internship during a fall or spring semester, one or two summers are typically used to make up for that semester. The department schedules courses in summers for that purpose. Taking a reduced load per term or other circumstances could extend the time needed to meet graduation requirements.

Policy on Advancement in Graphic Communications

Graphic Communications majors must earn a C or better in prerequisite GC courses before enrolling in the next level GC course. Registration priority is given to those students for whom the course is a requirement.

Change of Major into Graphic Communications

Students who change majors into Graphic Communications must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Clemson, must have a 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average, and must have earned a B or better in GC 1020.

¹ Select CH 1010, or CH 1050, or both PHYS 1220/PHYS 1240, or PHYS 2000, or both PHYS 2070/PHYS 2090.

² Must be approved prior to registration. A total of 12 credits selected from any BIOL, CH or PHYS courses that satisfy the General Education Natural Science with Laboratory Requirement or ART 1030, ART 2110, ART 2130, ART 2150, ART 3110, ART 3130, ART 3150, ART 4110, ART 4130, ART 4150, ASL 1010, COMM 3030, COMM 3050, COMM 3300, COMM 3480, COMM 3500, COMM 3610, COMM 3640, CPSC 2200, DPA 3070, DPA 4000, DPA 4010, DPA 4020, DPA 4030, ECON 2120, ELE 3010, ELE 3210, ELE 3990, ELE 4010, ELE 4020, FIN 3010, FIN 3060, GC 1990, GC 2990, GC 3700, GC 3710, GC 3720, GC 3450, GC 3600, GC 3610, GC 3730, GC 3740, GC 3750, GC 3760, GC 3990, GC 4070, GC 4450, GC 4510, GC 4550, GC 4900, GC 4990, LAW 3220, LAW 4200, any LS course, MGT 3060, MGT 3120, MGT 3170, MGT 3180, MGT 3900, MGT 4000, MGT 4020, MGT 4040, MGT 4080, MGT 4110, MGT 4120, MGT 4150, MGT 4160, MGT 4220, MGT 4230, MGT 4240, MGT 4270, MGT 4310, MGT 4350, MGT 4550, MGT 4560, MKT 3020, MKT 3140, MKT 3210, MKT 3310, MKT 4200, MKT 4230, MKT 4240, MKT 4250, MKT 4260, MKT 4270, MKT 4280, MKT 4290, MKT 4300, MKT 4310, MKT 4330, MKT 4340, MKT 4430, MKT 4500, PKSC 2020, PKSC 2040, PKSC 2060, PKSC 3200, FNPS 3680, PKSC 4220, PKSC 4300, PKSC 4540, PSYC 3300, PSYC 3690, SOC 2010, STAT 3300, STAT 4110, or any two-semester modern language sequence. NOTE: A maximum of four credits of BIOL, CH and PHYS courses, a maximum of one credit of LS courses, a maximum of six credits of ECON courses, a maximum of three credits of PSYC courses, and only one of ENSP 4000 or ENSP 4720 may be used to satisfy this requirement. For a language course to count toward the fulfillment of a major requirement, the student must complete a two-semester sequence.

³ See the South Carolina REACH Act Requirement in the Academic Regulations section.

⁴ See General Education Requirements.

⁵ One internship must be in a fall or spring semester (summer -at least 12 weeks; fall/spring-at least 15 weeks). GC 4550 will not substitute for GC 4500.

⁶ Select from GC 1990, GC 2990, GC 3450, GC 3600, GC 3990, GC 4070, GC 4450, GC 4510, GC 4900, GC 4990 

NOTE: A transfer course may not be used to satisfy the General Education Global Challenges Requirement. While a transfer course may fulfill other degree requirements, students must enroll in a Clemson course(s) on the Global Challenges list to fulfill the Global Challenges Requirement.