Arts, AV Technology, & CommunicationsSouth Carolina

Graphic Communications in South Carolina

See How It Works

South Carolina's Graphic Communications pathway prepares students for careers in print and digital design. The state's growing media and marketing industries create opportunities for skilled graphic professionals.

Students learn design principles, typography, digital tools, print production, and project management. They work with industry-standard software and learn both digital and traditional printing techniques.

Graduates work as graphic designers, print production managers, marketing specialists, or establish design businesses. Employment opportunities exist with design studios, printing companies, marketing agencies, and corporate communications departments throughout South Carolina.

Graphic Communications at a Glance

4

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

South Carolina graphic communications standards cover design principles, digital tools, color theory, typography, and print production. Standards integrate sustainable printing practices.

Students complete design portfolios, production competency assessments, and project-based learning. State standards emphasize both technical skills and creative problem-solving.

View South Carolina CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Introduction to Graphic Communications
Graphic Communications 1
Graphic Communications 2
Graphic Communications 3

View South Carolina course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Graphic Designer

Entry Level
$42,860in South Carolina
National: $47,200-9%

Salary range: $42,860 - $65,490

Adjusted for cost of living: $45,997

-0.1% growth2,000 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Print Production Manager

Experienced
$125,490in South Carolina
National: $121,440+3%

Salary range: $96,810 - $154,620

Adjusted for cost of living: $134,675

+2.7% growth1,300 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Digital Media Specialist

Entry Level
$61,960in South Carolina
National: $60,820+2%

Salary range: $61,960 - $103,200

Adjusted for cost of living: $66,495

-3.9% growth26,000 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Creative Director

Experienced
$66,130in South Carolina
National: $111,040-40%

Salary range: $56,410 - $103,960

Adjusted for cost of living: $70,970

+2.8% growth200 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students intern at design studios, print shops, marketing agencies, and corporate communications departments throughout South Carolina.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

South Carolina Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in South Carolina

Digital Art and Design

South Carolina's Digital Art and Design pathway prepares students for careers in graphic design, web design, multimedia production, and digital media. This creative program combines artistic skills with technical proficiency, teaching students to communicate visual messages using industry-standard design software and contemporary digital media tools. With businesses across all sectors requiring digital content and visual communication, design skills are increasingly valuable in South Carolina's economy. The pathway progresses from design fundamentals through advanced digital media production. Students develop skills in graphic design principles, digital imaging, web design, video production, animation, and interactive media. The curriculum emphasizes both creative problem-solving and technical execution, preparing students to create professional-quality visual content for diverse audiences and platforms. Students build comprehensive design portfolios showcasing their skills and creative vision. South Carolina's Digital Art and Design programs connect students with design professionals through industry partnerships, guest speakers, and portfolio reviews. Graduates are prepared for entry-level design positions, freelance creative work, or continuation to four-year design or digital media degree programs. The pathway develops both creative expression and marketable technical skills applicable across numerous industries.

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Marketing and Sales

South Carolina's Marketing and Sales pathway prepares students for careers in advertising, digital marketing, sales management, marketing research, and retail operations. This dynamic program teaches students to analyze consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, create promotional campaigns, and build customer relationships. With businesses throughout South Carolina requiring marketing expertise to reach customers in increasingly digital marketplaces, marketing skills are essential across all industries. The pathway integrates traditional marketing principles with contemporary digital marketing strategies including social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, and data analytics. Students develop both creative and analytical abilities, learning to craft compelling marketing messages while using data to measure campaign effectiveness. The curriculum includes hands-on projects where students create marketing plans, develop promotional materials, and execute campaigns for real clients. South Carolina's Marketing and Sales programs often operate school stores or student-run businesses that provide authentic retail and sales experiences. Students participate in DECA competitions that test marketing knowledge and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for entry-level marketing and sales positions, continuation to four-year marketing degree programs, or entrepreneurial ventures in retail or e-commerce.

Marketing and Sales

Media Technology

South Carolina's Media Technology pathway prepares students for careers in video production, audio engineering, and multimedia content creation. The state's growing film industry incentives and streaming media demand create opportunities for skilled media professionals. Students learn video production, audio engineering, editing, animation, and project management. They work with industry-standard equipment in production facilities and create projects for real clients. Graduates work as videographers, audio engineers, production coordinators, or content creators. Employment opportunities exist with film companies, television stations, streaming services, corporate communications, and advertising agencies throughout South Carolina.

Arts, AV Technology, & Communications

Ready to Build Graphic Communications Programs at Scale?

See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Graphic Communications in South Carolina.

Aligned to South Carolina Standards
Curriculum in Weeks, Not Years
Ongoing Partnership
No commitment required 20-minute discovery call