Mar 25, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT) 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT)

Graphic Communications, B.S.


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         Graphic Communications, B.S.: 4-year sequence   

Introduction

Graphic Communications is a robust and growing industry that creates, develops, produces and distributes both print and digital products or services. It is both creative and technical, incorporating text and images, used in marketing, communications, packaging, entertainment and sales. Known as Graphic Arts in the past, the field includes design, photography, printing, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, and digital media.

Graphic Communications is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States, with thousands of companies employing nearly a million people in a variety of challenging technical, creative, and professional occupations. UW-Stout’s Bachelor of Science Degree program in Graphic Communications prepares graduates to be professional leaders, managers and innovators who can deal with creative solutions for, content creation, business models, graphics workflows, and production efficiencies. The industry is large, inclusive and diverse, offering many opportunities for professional growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, career reinvention, creativity, and income growth. Our GCOM alumni are industry leaders throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Through extensive hands-on learning experiences in a laboratory environment, the program addresses the skills and understanding necessary for student success in the global media marketplace. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of theory and laboratory experience to solve real-world problems. This program prepares leaders to respond aggressively to the needs of the marketplace; to apply research and theory to the development of marketable media products and services using efficient processes; and to lead in the development of projects with an awareness of the realities of the manufacturing process, cost, environment and needs of the customer and society.

Graphic Communications students complete two career immersion co-ops, with flexibility to accommodate a geographic desire, and personal schedules such as sports and study abroad. These career immersions provide opportunities to gain practical experience and help find compatible career interests before graduating, bridging the gap from the academic classrooms and laboratories of the university to the world of work. 

UW-Stout’s Graphic Communications has a long history and respected place in industry. Graduates are in high demand due to the broad scope of the program, with all aspects of graphics, from design to delivery, with a focus on leadership. The industry has a growing need for our students and actively recruit from UW-Stout. There are many opportunities to engage with industry leaders, explore your path, and become a leader.

General Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree

Total for Graduation:          120 credits  
Stout Core General Education Requirements:   33-36 credits  
Major Requirements: 68 credits  
Selectives: 12 credits  
Free Electives: to reach 120 credits  

Program Requirements


Stout Core General Education Requirements (CGER) (33-36 credits)


Math & Quantitative Reasoning (3-5 credits)


Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 Credits)


Remaining course must be from the list of approved SBSC courses.

Humanities & Arts (6 credits)


Natural Science & Wellness (6-7 credits)


Take at least one natural science with a lab.

Civics & Perspectives (3 credits)


Program Designated Courses


Some of the following required courses may fulfill Stout Core General Education Requirements (CGER) and program requirements.

Major Studies (68 credits)


Career Emphasis Area (12 credits)


Select 12 credits of coursework from: ART, BULGL, BUMKG, BUMIS, BUMGT, DES, DMT, GCOM, HT, ICT, INMGT, PHOTO, PKG, VIDEO.

Suggested Career Clusters include: Print Leadership and Management, Production Graphics, Package Print Technology, or Comprehensive (Design your own).

This may also be achieved by completing a minor. However, doing so may not satisfy this area automatically.  Courses within a minor that are also program requirements are not allowed to count towards the 12-credit total.  Suggested minors include: Business Administration*, Project Management*, Sales and Marketing*, Quality Management*, Design, Digital Marketing, Photography and Video, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. (Minors marked with * may be achieved with good efficiency and recommended for the industry)

Free Electives to Reach 120 Credits