Graphic Communication
School of Integrated Studies
Klump Academic Center, Rm. 102 · (570) 327-4521
The Industry
The graphic communications industry – also referred to as the printing and publishing industry – is the fourth largest industry in the U.S.!
Today's printing industry is digitized, networked, and full-color. Products as different as soda cans, t-shirts, food packages, posters, CD-ROM disks, books, and magazines are imaged and printed by professionals in the printing and publishing field.
Now, more than ever, the industry needs professionals skilled in digital scanning, digital image editing, desktop publishing, press operations, finishing operations, sales, customer service, quality control, and printing systems management.
Some facts and figures about graphic communications:
- This "growth industry" expands each year in sales and employees.
- The number of commercial and non-commercial establishments (over 70,000) makes it the largest U.S. industry.
- "Spin-off" industries offer expanded career opportunities.
- Among the top five U.S. industries in number of employees (over one million).
- Among the top five U.S. industries in total payroll (over $30 billion per year).
- Recent graduates of Penn College's associate degree program average about $21,000 per year. They also report that rapid advancement and salary increases are commonplace in the industry.
- Over 90% of the graduates of Penn College's Graphic Communications majors find jobs in the printing and publishing industry.
- Over 85% of our graduates report they are satisfied with their jobs – a key factor to achieving quality of life.