Overview

The Graphic Communication program at California Polytechnic State University represents an industry that embraces change and requires its members to continuously learn new and varied skills in an increasingly diverse and globalized population.

The program prepares you for careers in all facets of the industry, from traditional printing and publishing to mobile app development. You will learn color management, digital typography, user experience design, web development and more — there are classes for every graphic communication interest.

Courses will provide you with a broad understanding of both traditional printing processes and cutting-edge digital imaging. This is why we are one of the best-known programs in the nation.

Learn by doing

From developing and managing a project budget to designing packaging for new products, your education will allow to engage in real-world scenarios. You will have opportunities to design packaging for new products or develop a website focusing on user experience design, site structure and information architecture. The modern resources of the department and the vast knowledge of the faculty provide you with the best possible education in graphic communication.

Career

The graphic communication department has built relationships across the printing, packaging, media and tech industries over many years. Graduates are in high demand by leading national and international corporations and our alumni have gone on to work at major companies across California and around the world.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science program in Graphic Communication is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc. (ACCGC), an independent body dedicated to the improvement and recognition of collegiate level curricula in graphic communication.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Digital Publishing Systems

Digital File Preparation and Workflow

Contemporary Print Management and Manufacturing

Materials for Graphic Communication Applications

Binding and Finishing Processes

Digital Photography and Color Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 1451 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Graphic Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Career

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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