Career Cluster
Arts and Communications Services

Graphic Design and Visual Communications

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: Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Certified Professional: Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Certified Professional: Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign.

Standards - Under Review

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 empower the teacher to choose the best curriculum and instructional approaches to guide skill and knowledge development for students.

View the Standards

Print/Download the Standards

Industry Recognized Credentials

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.

View the Safety, Essential, Supplemental, and Specialized Credentials

Instructional Resources

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.

Employer Survey Highlights

My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP)

Common Strand Resources

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.

Student Lesson

Teacher’s Guide

Student/Family Resources

My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP)

Massachusetts School Finder

CCTE Student & Family Resources

Program Administration Resources

Safety and Health Plan

Graphic Design and Visual Communications Massachusetts Career Outlook

Roles listed below are career pathways from the essential credentials identified in this framework. Current Jobs are the sum of those jobs in the workforce at the time of analysis, 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.