About

Graphic Communication is a Bachelor of Science program, accredited by the ACCGC (Accrediting Council for Collgiate Graphic Communications).

At Cal Poly, graphic communication extends beyond aesthetics. Our discipline aligns visual form with technical execution and operational strategy to strengthen branding, elevate experiences, and optimize business outcomes. We focus on three critical pillars:

  • Design with Purpose: We teach students to create visual systems that are not only beautiful but are strategically engineered to solve complex communication challenges.

  • Production & Media Technology: Students master the advanced software, automated workflow, materials, and production systems required to produce graphics with accuracy and consistency across all media.

  • Business & Operational Strategy: We prepare students to manage the full lifecycle of visual projects, from planning to execution and optimization, connecting creative decisions to operational performance.

A National Leader in "Learn by Doing"

The program provides the nation's most comprehensive laboratory experience. These facilities serve as a professional incubator where students move beyond theory to design, engineer, and execute real-world solutions.

By working with industry-leading technology, GrC graduates emerge as solution providers. They are prepared to lead across the entire industry ecosystem, from creative agencies and technology firms to global brands, leveraging high-performance graphics to inform, persuade, and drive business success.

300+

Active Students

Learn more

97%

Of alumni were employed after graduation

30+

Industry Partners

Testimonials

  • "GrC was the best decision I could have made. The hands on classes prepared me so well for after college positions"

    — Former Student

  • "I feel lucky to have found a home in the GrC department, where professors were passionate about students and used real world job knowledge to prepare us for successful career launches.

    — Former Student

  • "GrC was incredible. The culture of learning and helping each other made all the difference instead of competition and tearing people down."

    — Former Student

  • "GrC helped me identify how I want to conquer this world. It started from my peers and didn't take long for me to grow an unimaginable bond with these professors."

    – Former Student

Concentrations

  • Design Reproduction Technology

    DRT

    Emphasis on design and technology for print and web publishing. Coursework includes typography, branding, color theory, and design for packaging and for the publication of books, magazines, and web sites. The Graphic Communication Department's Design Reproduction Technology concentration focuses on the technical and electronic aspects of transforming design for reproduction in print and digital media. The concentration focuses on printing, web development, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, computer graphics, and related areas of mass media preparation and production.

  • Graphic Communication Management

    GCM

    A flexible program for students interested in management and administrative careers in the graphic communication industry. Concentration graduates enter careers focused on project management, marketing management, product development, account management, scheduling, estimating or other support roles. In addition to the major requirements in graphic communication, coursework includes multiple business management related disciplines.

  • Graphics for Packaging

    GP

    Designed for students who desire a career in the growing field of package graphics and printing. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn all components of graphic preparation for packaging, print reproduction and conversion, while also providing aspects of structural design and food safety. Consumer and industrial print packaging is addressed.

  • Immersive Experience Design

    IxD

    The Immersive Experience Design concentration focuses on the intersection between physical and digital worlds, including the use of AR/VR/XR and IoT technologies. This concentration explores the emerging opportunities in the graphic communication industry, with an increasing demand for cross-media, cross-device, and cross-platform applications that require effective user experience design.

  • User Experience/User Interface

    UX/UI

    Emphasis on the latest trends in interface development and the production and distribution of digital media. In addition to major requirements, coursework includes the study of user experience, visual design, and web and mobile interface design. The concentration leads to careers in user experience/user interface design, digital media production, product management, and opportunities with hardware and software manufacturers that service the graphic communication industry.

  • Individualized Course of Study

    ICS

    An Individualized Course of Study consists of 21 units, to be selected by the student in consultation with and approved by the concentration coordinator and department head. A minimum of 12 units must be at the 3000-4000 (upper-division) level, and a minimum of 6 units must be a Graphic Communication prefix. The 12 units of upper-division coursework are not required to be the same 6 units as the GRC prefix courses. The student must provide written justification for the courses and the way they constitute a cohesive, integrated program of study. The list of courses is a contract between the student and the Department.