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Career Cluster Arts and Communications Services
Graphic Communications students learn to channel their creative ideas into polished final designs. Using a variety of digital technologies, students learn to edit images and design layouts for print and online communications. Students also learn how to produce printed publications, posters, and marketing items such as embroidered or screen-printed clothing and other items. Skills taught include website design, print layout and design, desktop publishing, offset printing, digital printing, binding and finishing.
Standards are critical areas of competency aligned to industry identified needs and Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) that will support student success in the field. Standards provide the structure that empowers the teacher to choose the best curriculum and instructional approaches to guide skill and knowledge development for students.
Industry Recognized Credentials demonstrate standards and skills that strengthen student access to careers upon graduation. Each framework identifies at least one essential safety and essential industry credential, with supplemental and specialized credentials identified to help expand opportunities. This framework is designed for students gain insight and skills and credentials necessary for success in this field, including the essential credentials: OSHA 10 — General Industry and at least one of the following - Adobe Certified Professional Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
The following resources are provided to support educators in developing curriculum and delivering instruction related to this framework. For CTE Chapter 74 programs, instructors can refer to these resources in developing the 900+ hours of required learning time.
Math Lessons:
The following Math Lesson and Teachers Guide provide an illustration of how a specific math concept is used in the context of career application.
**Disclosure Statement: Reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our office is not responsible for and does not in any way guarantee the accuracy of information in other sites accessible through links herein. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE may supplement this list with other services and products that meet the specified criteria. For more information contact: ccte@mass.gov
Roles listed below are career pathways from the essential credentials identified in this framework. Annual Openings are opportunities for employment in the field each year due to attrition or retirements, median wage reflects all wages for the job title, and new jobs are the number of newly created positions in the field year over year.
Qualified teachers will hold a Career Technical Teacher License in Graphic Communications or Design and Visual Communications.
Last Updated: January 6, 2026