by our College Data Analytics TeamGeneral Graphic Communications was the 653rd most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 585 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 9.2% reduction in graphic communication degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 639.
Our 2023 Best General Graphic Communications Schools ranking analyzes 8 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for general graphic communications students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of graphic communication programs later in this article.
A major in graphic communication prepares you for careers in which giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times is crucial. Talking to others to convey information effectively and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems are all required skills for careers related to this major.
general graphic communications degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific graphic communication careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of graphic communication degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in general graphic communications to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a graphic communication degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to graphic communication, with approximately 23.2% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for graphic communication workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 39.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 23.2% |
| Some College Courses | 20.7% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 9.5% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 5.2% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in general graphic communications have received.
The education level required is different depending on the graphic communication career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your graphic communication degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general graphic communications.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Prepress Technicians | 27,700 | -19.9% |
As you might expect, salaries for graphic communication graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for general graphic communications graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers graphic communication grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Prepress Technicians | $42,240 |
With over 74 different graphic communication degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased graphic communication school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Graphic Communications area of study, General Graphic Communications has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects | 5,362 |
| Prepress/Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging Design | 922 |
| Graphic & Printing Equipment Operator, General Production | 419 |
| Other Graphic Communications | 151 |
| Printing Management | 62 |
Image Credit: By Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
