Packaging Graphics
Emphasis

The Packaging Graphics emphasis courses combine graphic and structural design, digital file preparation, print production, distribution and testing as they relate to a variety of packaging applications.

The core curriculum within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies (GIT) includes courses common among all of our six emphasis areas. These courses are primarily introductory classes that provide students with the basic information needed to succeed in the graphics industry. Within the core curriculum, there are also two upper-division classes, an internship and a capstone class.

Students will also choose elective courses from other courses with the graphics department as well as take support courses from other areas throughout the university. These courses will help give the students a wider understanding of the packaging industry as it relates to other areas.

Packaging Graphics Emphasis Courses:

• Introduction to Packaging Technologies
• Print File Preparation and Preflighting
• Printing Technologies
• Flexible Packaging
• Rigid Packaging
• Paperboard Packaging
• Color Reproduction
• Packaging Materials and Processes

Tips for Students Considering Packaging Graphics

Courses in the Packaging Graphics emphasis area cover skills in ranging from the creative aspects of packaging design and development through the technical aspects of the production of the finished packaging materials.

Students in this emphasis will develop a broad base of skills that will enable them to be successful in a wide variety of careers within the packaging industry. Many of the courses in this emphasis are laboratory courses where students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on application. Students will complete a diverse array of projects that cover many aspects of the packaging industry. 

Career Paths in Packaging Design

Almost every product purchased by consumers has some sort of packaging. Packaging is used to contain, protect, preserve, inform, influence purchasing decisions, display and transport a wide variety of types and styles of products. Types of packaging range from boxes to bags to bottles and are found in markets such as food and beverage, cosmetic and pharmaceutical, health and personal care, automotive and hardware, and many others.

Career opportunities for Packaging Graphics graduates can be found in creative fields such as structural or graphic design; in technical fields such as print production and quality control, or in management fields such as sales and customer service. Depending on your preference, many challenging and exciting options are available.

Typical Positions/Areas in Packaging Design:

• Printing Press Supervisor
• Package Structural Designer
• Quality Control Technician
• Packaging Developer
• Sales/Customer Service
• Research and Development
• Print Production
• Packaging Graphic Designer

Typical Employers in Packaging Design:

• Equipment Manufacturers
• Material Suppliers/Vendors
• Ad Agencies
• Contract Packaging Companies
• Packaging Converters
• Print Production Facilities

Companies Recruiting PSU Graphic Communications Degree Majors

While the emphasis in Packaging Graphics is new to the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies, former students who have earned a major in Graphic Communications have already entered into careers within the packaging industry. The new emphasis will expand and enhance career opportunities into a broader array of companies creating and producing packaging graphics.

Several packaging companies have already begun attending our Company Day events seeking students for post graduate employment opportunities. This type of industry support proves these regional, national, and international companies understand the superior quality of a Graphic Communications degree with an emphasis in Packaging Graphics from PSU. Industry leaders know that our graduates will have the skills to get the job done right and the creative minds to produce projects that generate profits.

• Huhtamaki, Inc.
• Kendall Packaging
• Bennett Packaging
• Vanguard Packaging
• Plastic Packaging Technologies
• Bemis Packaging
• We are Alexander
• Ray Products Inc.
• WestRock
• Berry Plastics Corporation