Overview

The field of graphic design offers exciting careers for aspiring designers. Designers with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design may work across industries in marketing, communications, advertising, or in product packaging design. The goal of graphic design is to communicate a specific message to a specific audience. Aesthetically pleasing, inspiring print and web design begin with a solid understanding of design fundamentals.

The Bellevue University online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree includes thorough preparation and hands-on practice in:

Design and Web Design

As a graphic design student, you will start with the elements of design and use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to form a visual representation of a communication idea. In the online graphic design program, you will:

Understand how color, images, layout, typography, and other principles influence design, branding, and messaging
Build on those concepts and create design solutions for a wide range of audiences
Use various media and technologies for print and web design with confidence

The online Graphic Design degree program requires the use of industry standard graphic design software and hardware. Please see the Curriculum page for specific technology requirements. Integrating hands-on, applied learning with theory, all Bellevue University degrees are designed to deliver a transformative student learning experience that is flexible to accommodate your personal and work life.

Program Outcomes

You will develop a professional portfolio that represents a body of creative design work on a wide range of print and digital projects. You may use this to communicate your ideas and skill as a graphic designer to prospective employers or clients, or as a preparation for future graduate study.

In addition, at successful completion of the Bellevue University Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, you will be able to:

the critical thinking process used in the graphic design field.
Effectively discuss graphic design as a visual communication language.
Skillfully use industry standard software and hardware tools.
Apply the proper production methods in print and/or web design.
Develop a portfolio that represents a wide range of projects produced at a professional level.

Curriculum

Degree Information

Graphic Design is a multidisciplinary program in which you gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of design and develop creative visualization, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Using industry standard software and hardware, you will build diverse portfolios with a wide range of print and web projects. Explore the global, social, and ethical issues of graphic design at each stage of the program.

Major Requirements

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.

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 examines the fundamentals of JavaScript. Topics include the functionality and implementation of vanilla JavaScript, and how to modify it to work in modern browsers. Students will be able to employ front-end JavaScript to add interactivity and custom behaviors to a variety of web applications.

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: For Graphic Design Majors: GD220, GD230. For Graphic Design Minors: GD 220.

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 260

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

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 260

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

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

This course applies advanced concepts in web design layout and 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 and developer. Prerequisite: GD 260, GD 232, GD 332

This course explores advanced elements of web design and development. Through the creation of a multiple-page web project, students will apply current web standards, design and development techniques, and employ an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories. Prerequisite: GD 430

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

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. 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.

Students applying for professional license or certification should verify the University’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization.

Tuition & Admissions

Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour

2019 / 2020 Academic Year

Traditional Bachelor’s

$299 In-Class
$425 Online

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Military Preferred

Active duty members of the United States Military, National Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard (and their spouses) who declare this Undergraduate major are eligible for a tuition rate of $250.00 per credit hour for all courses in their Undergraduate Degree.

Tuition

Admissions Information

All applicants for admission to Bellevue University are required to submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee of $50 for undergraduate programs. However, If you are an International student please see the following specific information: International Student Bachelor Admissions
Submit official documentation of high school completion. Documentation can include the following:
- 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.
- Applicants who have earned a C or better in at least 9 post-secondary credit (semester) hours and have graduated from an approved high school may use an Attestation Form to self-certify high school completion.
An applicant transferring from another institution of higher education also must satisfy the following requirements:

Submission of an official transcript from each accredited institution previously attended. A transcript can be sent through a secure electronic method busrtranscripts@bellevue.edu or by mail, however 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 that 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 though credit may not have been earned at previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.

All potential Bellevue University students with foreign academic documentation will need to have that documentation evaluated by World Education Services (WES) prior to being accepted and matriculated at Bellevue University. Students with foreign academic documents need to order course by course evaluations by WES.

WES will verify institutional accreditation status and complete a course-by-course evaluation containing the following: a description of credentials, including name, year awarded, name of institution attended, and major of field of study. It also provides the U.S. equivalent for each credential and lists all post-secondary subjects with their corresponding value expressed in the terms of U.S. semester credit and grade equivalents.

Those interested can order a WES evaluation/transcript at www.wes.org. Its website explains exactly what the student must provide and how much the student will be charged.

Bellevue University understands the needs of today's students by offering more degree paths to our well-respected, accredited degrees. You can earn your bachelor's degree with our new way to learn 3 year accelerated degree plan, or with credit for previous class work you can complete your degree more quickly. Students can study on campus, at our satellite locations, or by taking online courses.

Those interested can order a WES evaluation/transcript at www.wes.org. Its website explains exactly what the student must provide and how much the student will be charged.

Transfer in good standing from the last institution of higher education attended. No individual course will be accepted for transfer when it carries a grade below “C-.” Associate and bachelor’s degrees, however, are transferred in full.
Note: To satisfy minimum residency degree requirements, transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 hours in-residence at Bellevue University, including at least 12 hours in upper-level courses in each of their major areas (except for Business Administration majors that require 21 upper-level hours, and Accounting majors that require 24 upper-level hours).
Students dismissed from another institution during the previous five years for academic or disciplinary reasons will be accepted for admission after one year has elapsed since dismissal from that institution. Dismissed students will be accepted only in academic probation status. On occasion, students may make special application to the appropriate college dean and the Dean of Academic Services/Dean of Students, respectively, for provisional admission before completion of the one-year suspension.
In all cases of transfer, the credit evaluation is completed by the Registrar’s Office using guidelines set forward by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Student Work

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