Bachelor of Arts
Graphic Design Degree
Develop strategic creative skills with a hands-on degree.
Top 10 most affordable online Graphic Design bachelor’s – Value Colleges
Graphic Design Degree
Put your creativity to work and get your graphic design degree online.
Bellevue University’s 100% online graphic design degree is designed to prepare you to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems visually. You will learn to master visual communication, skillfully use industry standard software and hardware tools, and apply the proper production methods in print and/or web design.
A graphic design degree can get you the interview. A portfolio can land you the job.
In this Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design program, you build a portfolio as you go so you graduate with a body of creative work to present in interviews. You’ll also become an expert in the widely-used Adobe creative software suite—a must for any designer in today’s market.
Student Work Showcase
GD 116, 210, 211, 215
Michel Middleton • GD 116
GD 220, 260
Lauren Barnett • GD 260
GD 350, 355
Alyssa Swain • GD 355
GD 362, 420
Tara Fattig • GD 420
GD 495
Alma Amaro • GD 495
Take the next step with a BA in graphic design. We’re ready to help you get there.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of Bellevue University's online graphic design degree program will be prepared to:
- Utilize critical thinking in the graphic design process.
- Effectively discuss graphic design as a visual communication language.
- Evaluate creative problems and develop effective solutions.
- Develop a portfolio that represents a wide range of projects produced at a professional level.
Graphic Design Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (49 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course explores methods for generating original solutions to creative problems faced in graphic design. The importance of research and research methods is also emphasized. Prerequisite: None
This course analyzes the fundamental elements and principles of design necessary to solve graphic design problems. Topics including various elements and principles are studied and practiced. Problem solving and critical thinking are developed through discussions and exercises.
This course introduces students to key Adobe software applications. The course addresses the individual tools each application offers, techniques associated with each tool or set of tools, and the proper application of each technique. Students will also be familiarized with various skills necessary for a designer including time tracking, invoicing, and contracts. Prerequisite: None
This course examines the history of contemporary graphic design. Students evaluate and discuss current design issues while emphasizing the evolution of visual communication and its impact on today’s design. Students study famous designers and design movements and develop the ability to compare and contrast their work. Prerequisite: None
This course examines basic fundamentals specific to print design. Topics explored include typography, grid implementation, layout, balance, and color. Students are introduced to the design process and employ it taking a project from initial idea to final print. Prerequisite: GD116, GD210, GD211
This course examines basic fundamentals specific to web design. Topics include web standards, user interface design, pattern libraries, HTML and CSS. Prerequisite: GD116, GD210, GD211
This course analyzes how typography is used effectively in graphic design—in both print and web. The development of type, classification, terminology, and proper visual manipulation are explored as students create type focused projects. Prerequisite: GD 116, GD 210, GD 211
This course applies fundamental concepts of graphic design through the creation of projects ranging from posters to business stationery and from one-color to multiple color projects with real-world specifications and issues. Prerequisite: GD 215, GD 332, GD 362
This course provides an in-depth study of interactivity, including the elements of user experience and methods for designing and developing effective interactive interfaces. Prerequisite: GD 230, GD 220, GD 260
This course focuses on brand identity. Processes are explored by designing print- and web-based projects related to brand strategy development and implementation. Research methods specific to design problem solving are utilized. Presentation techniques are stressed and developed. Prerequisite: GD 215, GD 362, GD 332
This course focuses on the creation of effective identity solutions (logos, logotypes and marks), typographic sets, and color palettes. Research of the client’s needs, the stakeholders and the audience are utilized to establish solutions. Prerequisite: GD 350, GD 320, GD 430
This course analyzes how typography is used effectively in graphic design. The development of type, classification, terminology, and proper visual manipulation are explored as students create type focused exercises and projects. Prerequisites: GD 220, GD 260, GD 230
This course explores advanced methods and techniques with a focus on page layout and publication design. A variety of projects enable students to further develop their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. Prerequisite: GD 320, GD 350, GD 430
This course applies concepts in user experience and user interface design that reflect modern delivery systems. The application of course content is through exercises and an in-depth project that reflects contemporary issues faced by today’s web designer. Prerequisites: GD 215, GD 362, GD 332
This course explores advanced elements of web design. Through creating a multiple-page website, students will apply current web standards, design techniques, and develop various assets as they employ an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories. Prerequisite: GD 430, GD 350, GD 320
This is the capstone course for Graphic Design majors. Preparation for future employment or graduate study through a finished portfolio (both print- and web-based) of work for potential employment in the graphic design industry is emphasized. Resume development and self-promotion is also covered. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Graphic Design program-specific courses.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Computer Requirements:
To see if your hardware meets Adobe’s system requirements, please go to the links below.
These are the most commonly used Adobe applications in the GD program:
View all the Adobe system requirements
Other Requirements
- Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Pointing device (mouse, trackball, graphics tablet, trackpad)
- Color printer (or access to one) for proofing and mocking up work
- Digital camera/smartphone (minimum 8 megapixels) or a scanner
- Broadband Internet
- Sketchbooks
- Basic art supplies such as, X-Acto knife, straight edge, spray mount, rubber cement, paper, etc., as per project needs.
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
We work with the experience you bring to the table for your graphic design degree.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
See how online learning can make earning a B.A. in graphic design possible for you.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
You can afford to make your graphic design goals a reality. We’ll help make it happen.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Graphic Design Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
