Graphics Management
Emphasis

The Graphics Management emphasis focuses on the business and executive aspects of Graphic Communications Management. Courses reflect current technology and also include training in management, sales, customer service, estimating, production control and work-flow scheduling.  

The core curriculum within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies (GIT) includes courses common among all of our six emphasis areas. These courses are primarily introductory classes that provide students with the basic information needed to succeed in the graphics industry. Within the core curriculum, there are also two upper-division classes, an internship and a capstone class. 

Graphic Communication Management Emphasis Courses:

• Print File Preparation and Preflight
• Printing Technologies
• Graphics Cost Analysis and Estimating
• Sales and Customer Service
• Color Reproduction
• Graphics Administration
• Industrial Supervision

Tips for Students Considering Graphic Communication Management

Jobs in the Graphic Communications Management industry continue to increase in complexity. This requires students to have specific knowledge and skill sets that include verbal and written communication, mathematical ability, computer literacy, critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills. The Graphic Communications industry is looking for graduates in good standing from qualified baccalaureate programs.

Math skills: Graphic Communication Managers use basic math when computing percentages, weights, measurements and when estimating, accounting and scheduling. 

Communication skills: Graphic Communication Managers in particular need strong communication skills in order to successfully communicate the goals and objects of their company and to ensure they are met. Graphic Communication Managers are responsible for varying levels of client communication to successfully meet project demands.

Computer skills: As the graphics industry is entirely computer-based, graphics managers need to have advanced computer skills in multiple areas and platforms. Knowledge in computer software ranges from graphic software to business software.

Detail oriented: Graphic Communication Managers must be detail oriented and concerned about providing top quality work. In addition, they must always strive to ensure the most effective and efficient operations for their departments and companies.

Accept responsibility: Graphic Communication Managers must be comfortable with all aspects of input, manipulation and output and be prepared to step in as needed to ensure the work is produced on time and at a high level of quality.

The Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies guides students to develop and hone each of these industry-desired skills.

Career Paths in Graphic Communication Management

Employers in all areas of graphics are looking for people with leadership skills like those taught in the Graphics Management emphasis. As a graduate from this program, you will be qualified for various management positions across the industry. These positions are continually in high demand. They require resourcefulness and interpersonal skills that are part of the Graphics Management curriculum.

Career opportunities for Management graduates can be found in any of the varied graphics categories in our industry. Depending on your preference, many challenging and exciting options are available.

Typical Positions/Areas in Graphic Communication Management :

• Production Manager
• Color Quality Manager
• Sales Representative
• Customer Service Specialist
• Account Manager
• Estimator
• Quality Control Supervisor
• Graphics Consultant
• Marketing Specialist
• Production Scheduler 

Typical Employers in Graphic Communication Management :

• Commercial Printing Companies
• Wholesale Paper Suppliers
• In-House Corporate Design Department
• In-Plant Printing Facilities
• Design Studios/Consulting Firms
• Sign Companies
• Publishing Companies
• Packaging Companies
• Trade Binderies
• Digital Media Studios
• Advertising Agencies
• Architectural Firms
• Web Design Businesses
• Mobile App Developers
• Motion Graphics Firms

Companies Recruiting PSU Graphic Communications Majors

As the need for Graphics Management specialists expands so does the range of companies and organizations recruiting Pittsburg State University Graphic Communications graduates. The Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies emphasizes industry relations for the benefit of our graduates.

These regional, national and international companies understand the superior quality of a Graphic Communications degree with an emphasis in Graphics Management from PSU. Industry leaders know that those graduates will be an asset to their production workflow.

• Boelte-Hall Inc.
• Ramsey Media Works
• Henry Wurst, Inc.
• Names and Numbers
• KOAM TV
• Post-Press Specialties
• Bernstein Rein
• Dimensional Innovations
• R.R. Donnelly, Inc.
• Rand Graphics
• Millers Professional Imaging
• Ward/Kraft Inc.
• Allen Press, Inc.
• Stouse, Inc.