Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (2024)

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Think visually, design your own success.CBU's graphic design and digital media online bachelor's program is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to think critically, creatively and experimentally in pursuit of creating relevant, meaningful design solutions.

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Program Intro

CBU's online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media degree program competitively positions individuals to advance in their existing careers, transition to new ones,and reach professional goals. This degree is ideal for individuals who desire a career in graphic design or to learn how to integrate graphic design and visual marketing into their current career.

48 Units

16 Months to Completion

*Based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements

$520+fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

VIEW ADDITIONAL COST OF ATTENDANCE AND FEES

Why Earn Your B.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media (Online) at CBU?

Develop an extensive graphic design portfolio

The online B.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media prepares students to be well rounded and well versed in the key principles of design, typography, imaging, web design, scripting and photography. The program is based around hands-on projects and portfolio building and covers a full gamut of key design and media topics.

Learn flexibly online, on your schedule

  • Classes start every 8 weeks
  • Accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online
  • Three semesters offered year round allows students the ability to graduate faster
  • Transfer friendly — consolidate your undergraduate college credits and finish your degree

Program Details

GDM 110: Fundamental Design

This course explores the tools and implementations of Adobe Illustrator through assigned projects and exercises. Techniques will be explored and explained. Best practice work-flows will be taught. The goal of this course is a working knowledge of Illustrator for the student.

GDM 420: Advanced Typography

This course is an advanced typography course in which complex real-world typography concepts are now explored to build projects for a professional portfolio of work for employment or advanced studies.

GDM 430: Advanced Image

This course is an advanced image course in which professional, complex image generation is explored and expert techniques in color correction, masking and compositing are implemented. Professional portfolio projects are built to prepare students for employment or advanced studies.

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Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (4)

Michael Berger, M.F.A.

Professor of Graphic Design

Office Phone: 951-343-4675
E-mail: mberger@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W. E. James Building, Room 360

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (5)

Brett Biermann, Ph.D.

Professor of Graphic Arts

E-mail: bbiermann@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Adams Suite B8

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (6)

Dirk Dallas, M.F.A.

Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Program Lead, Graphic Design

Office Phone: 951-552-8628
E-mail: ddallas@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building Room 332

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (7)

Samuel Park, B.A.

Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Media
Program Coordinator of Bachelor's in Graphic Design and Digital Media (Online)

Office Phone: 951-343-3995
E-mail: spark@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Tyler Plaza, Office 71

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (8)

Nancy Ward, M.F.A.

Lecturer of Visual Arts
Professor of Illustration and Design

Office Phone: 951-343-4623
E-mail: nward@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: J353

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (9)

Christopher K. Wright, M.F.A.

Associate Professor of Graphic Arts

Office Phone: 951-552-8194
E-mail: ckwright@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W. E. James Building, Room 355

Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media degree, graduates will be able to:

  1. Effectively present information orally and in writing.
  2. Examine the principles of professional typography.
  3. Apply the principles of professional design techniques and best-practices workflows.
  4. Use the principles of professional photography, imaging techniques, and best-practices workflows.
  5. Use the principles of professional web design techniques and best-practices workflows.
  6. Effectively present the initial concepts and final design implementation orally and in writing.
  7. Apply techniques to solve design problems from creation, through production, to final implementation.
  8. Work proficiently with the industry standard software.
  9. Integrate business concepts related to graphic design industry.
  10. Apply a Christian worldview to the moral and ethical questions inherent in the graphic design industry.
  11. Articulate the Christian graphic designer’s place in the Kingdom of God.
  12. Apply techniques of professional presentation and promotion in the graphic design industry.
  13. Apply techniques of professional graphic design to build a professional portfolio of work.

Is financial aid available to help pay for online programs?
Our online degrees offer a reputable and more affordable option for earning your bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree. When pursuing an online degree, students are freed from the financial obligations that accompany some traditional degrees, such as room accommodations, gas and parking. Additionally, CBU has partnered with select employersto provide their employees with the opportunity to improve their career through their educational goals and receive a 20% tuition scholarship.Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

Are CBU's online programs accredited?
California Baptist University (CBU), which includes all programs offered online, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Many prospective students are uncertain about which college degrees employers or universities will accept. This regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.

CBU Online has received various awards and has been ranked in the top 50 in the nation - best online bachelor’s degree category by U.S. News & World Report for 7 consecutive years.

What resources do I need to complete my degree online?
To complete your online degree, you will need access to a computer, Wi-Fi and a word processor like Microsoft Word. These are necessary to access the student learning system and complete your assignments. Some programs may require different resources. Check with your enrollment counselor for specific expectations upon applying for your program, or you can view additional informationhere.

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When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

CBU accepts applications for online enrollment throughout the year, and most online degree programs can start at 6 semester entry points per calendar year.

2024 Online Semester Classes Begin
Spring 2024 - Session 2 March 4
Summer 2024 - Session 1 May 6
Summer 2024 - Session 2 July 1
Fall 2024 - Session 1 September 2
Fall 2024 - Session 2 October 28

How to Apply

News

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (10)

10/17/2023

Alumnus’ short film being screened around the world

CAVAD

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (11)

07/12/2023

CBU alum brings his passion for film to the small and big screen

CAVAD

Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (12)

04/20/2023

Film festival to showcase students’ work on the big screen

CAVAD

Career Possibilities

Design is taking a lead role in business and broader culture. Companies where design sits at the core of their philosophies, such as Apple, Tesla and AirBnB, are succeeding in unprecedented manners. Designers are in high demand to craft the user experience. Graduates from CBU's online B.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media program are uniquely equipped and sought after candidates to enter the new economy, as well as uniquely trained to start their own design firms.

  • Graphic Designer
  • Animator
  • Illustrator
  • Photographer
  • Art Director
  • Director of Creative Services
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Creative Director
  • Web Designer

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Graphic Design and Digital Media, B.A. (Online) (2024)

FAQs

Are online graphic design degrees worth it? ›

Earning an online graphic design degree can prepare you for entry-level graphic design jobs and other digital media and web development careers. A typical program provides hands-on training in graphic design hardware and software and covers design fundamentals like typography, visual communication and web design.

Is graphic design a hard class? ›

Is Graphic Design Hard to Learn? Learning graphic design is not hard, but it does require creative thinking, an aptitude towards art and design, and time and dedication. Graphic design requires learning the necessary tools, as well as understanding and applying the principles and theories of design.

Is digital design a hard course? ›

Even with this knowledge, many people are hesitant to pursue a career in digital design because they think it's too challenging. The truth is, with the right training and resources, it's not as hard as you may think. In fact, there are many online courses and tutorials that can teach you everything you need to know.

Is a bachelor's degree enough for graphic design? ›

According to Zippia, 68 percent of graphic designers have a bachelor's degree, and 23 percent have an associate. [3] However, a degree isn't mandatory. Some graphic designers at large companies only have a high school diploma or GED, but they've gained the technical skills they need to be successful.

Is graphic design an easy major? ›

Sometimes people outside the field assume great graphic design is much easier and faster to create than it really is. The combination of creative skills, technical proficiency, understanding of visual communication takes years to master with constant practice, according to Steingart.

Is it better to get an associates or bachelors in graphic design? ›

Although technically you don't need a formal degree to work in graphic design, some 86 percent of job postings seek candidates with at least an Associate's degree, especially for entry-level jobs.

Does graphic design take math? ›

Graphic Design Math Requirements

Most colleges and universities have no math requirements for graphic design majors. If your school does have a math requirement, it will probably be a related math course like geometry.

How much a graphic designer earns? ›

Graphic Designer salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.1 Lakhs to ₹ 7.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.8 Lakhs.

Can you get a graphic design job without degree? ›

A degree is not a prerequisite for a career in graphic design; having a strong portfolio showcasing talent, skills, and creativity carries more weight. Graphic Designers in the United States earn an average salary of $58,000 with higher earnings in states like New York, New Jersey, and California.

Can I learn graphic design in 3 months? ›

However, dedicated students can work around this and greatly accelerate the process of learning Graphic Design skills. It will take focus and dedication to achieve, but if you put your mind to it, it is possible to become trained to enter the professional world as a Graphic Designer in as little as three months time.

Does digital design require math? ›

While advanced mathematical skills are not required, some basic math knowledge can greatly help graphic designers with the technical aspects of their work.

How fast can you learn graphic design? ›

Mastering graphic design can take a few weeks to several months or even years, as it requires repeated practice and training. Learning graphic design can be expedited by understanding principles of design and composition and regularly practicing and receiving feedback.

Is graphic design a 2 year degree? ›

Many graphic design programs are designed to be completed in four years with a full-time commitment. However, across all bachelor's degree programs, many students spend five or more years earning their degree.

Is graphic design a 2 or 4 year degree? ›

A bachelor's degree is the most popular option for aspiring graphic designers since a four-year degree provides a strong understanding of graphic design theory, history and practice. Most employers expect to hire candidates with bachelor's degrees.

What is BA in graphic design? ›

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in art and a concentration in graphic design prepares you for careers in fields such as advertising, illustration, web design, motion graphics, package design, publication design, and digital photography.

Is it worth getting a degree in graphic design? ›

A graphic design degree not only increases your chances of getting a design job, it also increases your level of income. While it is possible to perform as a graphic designer without an advanced degree, it is easier to find and acquire top jobs with top design firms with one than without one.

Do you really need a degree for graphic design? ›

A degree is not a prerequisite for a career in graphic design; having a strong portfolio showcasing talent, skills, and creativity carries more weight. Graphic Designers in the United States earn an average salary of $58,000 with higher earnings in states like New York, New Jersey, and California.

Can you make money online as a graphic designer? ›

Freelancing is a popular option for graphic designers looking for flexibility and diverse projects. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour allow you to create a profile and bid on projects that match your skills and rates.

Do most graphic designers work remotely? ›

Some remote graphic designer positions require the employee to come into the office sometimes, while other jobs are entirely remote.

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