Information on Graduate Degree Programs in Graphic Communication
Majors Overview June 20, 2015This article talks about graduate degree programs in graphic communication and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Graduate Programs in Graphic Communication
Students enrolled in master’s degree programs in graphic communication are given substantial training in leading projects and managing complex processes. They will be able to create and distribute catalogs, books, marketing, or advertising in a variety of forms. Visual images are incorporated in communications that are distributable through photographic, print, or web media.
The master’s program is devised to train students about topic areas such as the development of product packaging, brand identity, and logos. It is important for graphic communication professionals to gain the ability of developing creative design ideas and using emerging technologies for distribution aimed at driving company growth. A final research project may also have to find completion. Full-time students take about two years to complete most programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to have a baccalaureate degree, in addition to prior work experience in the field. They may also be required to report a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and complete prerequisite courses in graphic design or business.
Coursework
Program coursework is a combination of technology and business courses aimed at building marketing and business skills. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Electronic publishing
•Entrepreneurship
•Quality assurance
•Leadership
•Management
•Finance
•Multimedia applications
Career Choices
Graphic communication professionals may often pursue careers in the packaging, printing, or publishing fields. They may choose from possible job options such as:
•Design manager
•Publishing manager
•Website designer
•Graphic designer
•Senior developer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, the slower than average job growth rate of seven percent was predicted for graphic designers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $44,150 (BLS).