Graduate Program Overview
The M.S. in Graphic Communication program prepares students for technical, creative or professional careers in graphic communications, the third largest manufacturing industry in the United States. The program serves the needs of graphic communications, graphic arts, printing management or graphic design graduates from other institutions, as well as undergraduates with degrees in engineering, manufacturing, computer science, communications, technology and various business fields who want to transition into graphic communications fields.
Program entrance is available fall, spring and first or second summer terms. Requirements for the program include 33 credit hours of graduate courses for a non-thesis option of 30 hours with a thesis. Within the total requirements, at least 17 hours will be in graphic communications technical/managerial courses; seven credits will be research-related; six credits will be from outside the Department of Graphic Communications, and at least one-half will be at or above the 8000 level. Based on the applicant's undergraduate coursework and work experience, prerequisite courses may be required in specific areas. Students without relevant work experience will also complete an industrial internship.
View the Clemson GC Graduate Handbook.
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Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition and fees for the M.S. in Graphic Communications are available on the financial aid website. Additional information about academic costs, financial aid and making payments can be found on the website, or you may contact the Office of Financial Aid, G-01 Sikes Hall, 864-656-2280.
Financial Assistance
Departmental graduate assistantships are awarded at admissions, based on a competitive basis, to qualified students. Graduate students are eligible for financial support if they are (1) enrolled in a full-time graduate program, (2) in good academic standing and (3) making satisfactory progress toward their degree.
Assistantships
All qualified students are considered for assistantships when applications are processed. Award decisions are based on academic record, test scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and previous experience within the graphics field.
Graduate assistants work up to 20 hours per week, which is scheduled around their class schedule. Assistantships provide an opportunity to learn on-the-job skills that will translate to the field. Work assignments engage students in training and instructional materials development, project research, and work with Clemson's ongoing industrial training program. Graduate assistants are assigned up to 20 hours of work per week, scheduled around their classes.
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Application Information
Applicant Background
Applicants to the M.S. degree program in Graphic Communications must have some undergraduate GC coursework. Applicants without sufficient related background will take prerequisites of GC 1040 and GC 2070 and up to nine additional hours of courses specified by the review committee based on the applicant's educational records and work experiences. Students without relevant work experience will also complete a co-requisite internship (GC 3500 Internship I) or (GC 8500 Internship).
Admissions to Program
Application for admission will be made through the Clemson University Graduate School. The following information is required for admission:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Undergraduate degree review for prerequisites
- GRE scores
- TOEFL scores for international students
Supporting materials, including official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement and resume, will also be reviewed.
Additional Information
For additional information on the M.S. in Graphic Communications program, please refer to the Graduate Handbook. You may also contact Charles Weiss, Graduate Coordinator.
