Graphic Communications in South Carolina
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.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Graphic Communications |
| Graphic Communications 1 |
| Graphic Communications 2 |
| Graphic Communications 3 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Unity Certified User - Artist
- ✓Unity Certified User - VR Developer
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - After Effects
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design Specialist
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 LevelSalary range: $42,860 - $65,490
Adjusted for cost of living: $45,997
Print Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $96,810 - $154,620
Adjusted for cost of living: $134,675
Digital Media Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $61,960 - $103,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $66,495
Creative Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $56,410 - $103,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $70,970
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at design studios, print shops, marketing agencies, and corporate communications departments throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
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, & DesignMarketing 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 SalesMedia 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.
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