Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Digital Design: Web Design Emphasis

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design

Offered By: College of Arts and Media

Digital Web Design: Your Path to a UX Design Future

The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design degree is designed to help prepare you to work in a variety of industries that use screen-based content, including advertising, marketing, branding, social media and corporate communications. If you’re interested in developing your technology skills, the website design courses at Grand Canyon University can provide a strong foundation in all forms of digital design with a focus on user experience (UX), user interaction (UI) and web design. 

As a digital design major at GCU, you will have opportunities to put what you’ve been taught into practice. Through hands-on experiential learning activities, you will be prompted to develop a professional portfolio of web and digital design samples, which may support your search for internships and other work opportunities.

GCU Digital Design Students Work on Project on Lab Computer
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All Digital Design Emphases

Benefits of Pursuing Digital Web Design Classes From GCU

Digital design may be an ideal career path if you are passionate about technology but also have a creative mindset and want opportunities to work on a range of project types — from web design and application design to user experience (UX) or user interaction design applied in gaming, advertising and entertainment design — and many more. This digital design degree from GCU can help you turn your creativity into a potential career path. You’ll have opportunities to further your technical proficiencies and design skills while benefiting from a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities.

As a modern university, GCU is committed to utilizing technological solutions that can help enhance accessibility to education for our students. With our interactive e-learning platform, you can take website design courses online. Join an online community of digital design students and benefit from hearing a range of perspectives in online forums. You will work through curriculum under the guidance of instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields, yet with the convenience and flexibility that comes with being an online digital design major. 

If you’re interested in being a traditional, on-campus student, GCU welcomes you to earn your digital design degree on our campus in Phoenix. Work through digital design curriculum and UX design techniques while benefiting from face-to-face engagement with your instructors and fellow students. As a Christian university, GCU encourages students in each of our colleges to participate in on-campus worship activities and faith-centered groups. Surround yourself with like-minded peers and enjoy a supportive learning community as you acquire a well-rounded, distinctly Christian education. 

During your time at GCU, you may have the opportunity to enhance your skills and use your creativity in extracurricular activities that can help supplement your classwork. We encourage students to participate in GCU’s design club, the Creative Herd and support local chapters of professional associations for design like the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) to discover design events and opportunities for networking.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
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Online: 7 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

Discover Avenues for Skill Advancement in Digital Web Design

In our information-driven society, a digital design degree can empower you to apply your skills in crafting design solutions. The website design courses at GCU focus on core UX skills and how to communicate in a visual society and create engaging and enriching digital information. Throughout the program, you’ll be taught skills that cover the following areas:

  • Principles of design and composition
  • Color and typography selection and usage
  • Strategy and presentation skills to pitch ideas
  • The use of industry-standard software
  • UX/UI systems
  • Application design 
  • Fundamentals of HTML and CSS 

In every studio course, you will be prompted to create dynamic visual content.2 This digital design degree program aims to create adept UX/UI designers with a set of skills that appeal across all sectors of the economy. In addition, you may be provided opportunities to specialize in different areas of interest.

Uncover Motion, UX/UI and Web Skills in the Curriculum for Digital Design Majors

Behind every screen today is a digital designer deciding what content goes where, what moves and how to marry both form and function in order to create an enjoyable brand journey. Our digital website design courses are developed to support foundational creative skills, skill enhancement, motion graphics and portfolio development, including these core competencies:

  • The design and creation of motion graphics across multiple mediums to meet the needs of client businesses
  • The design and application of branded content in screen-based applications
  • Theories of UX/UI as applied to the design of mobile and web products
  • The design process, including:
    • Concept development and responsive design
    • Visualization techniques
    • Stylistic trends and interface concepts
    • Composition
    • Typography and color theory
    • User experience
       

During your senior year, you will create a professional portfolio, showcasing refined design skills, effective communication, problem-solving and critical thinking while integrating ethical leadership with a Christian worldview. The program can help guide you to continually refine your craft through prototype development and responsive feedback, with the goal of helping you graduate prepared to pursue diverse industries.

Throughout the portfolio process, creativity is encouraged to highlight your distinct skillset. A portfolio course typically taken during your second year of college (sophomore year) can help you prepare yourself for potential internships, developing employer-ready digital design pieces, while the senior portfolio showcases advanced skills, preparing you for interviews in sought-after digital design or web design careers after obtaining your degree.

$92,750

Median annual wage for web developers and digital designers as of May 20232

Career Possibilities With a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Design: Web Design Emphasis

Graduates who possess the design skills necessary to create websites, apps, kiosks and interactive displays may work toward seeking a career in virtually any industry, including private companies, the public sector and nonprofit organizations. With a solid foundation in digital design and web design competencies, you may be prepared to pursue a range of jobs, such as a graphic designer and an art director.

GCU Offers Institutionally Accredited Design Degrees

Grand Canyon University is pleased to be an institutionally accredited school that emphasizes quality instruction and a well-rounded curriculum. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Arts and Media is aligned with the university's dedication to maintaining the principles and standards set forth by our accrediting organizations.

FAQs for Prospective Digital Web Design Students

It can be challenging to choose a degree program that fits your passions and may be aligned with your career goals. The following frequently asked questions and answers may help guide your decision-making process as you reflect upon your higher education options.

The educational prerequisites for a UX/UI designer often differ and may depend on factors such as the work environment; however, a bachelor’s degree is considered typical for entry-level education.2 Although some employers will accept prior work experience and demonstrated ability in lieu of a degree, many employers may prefer to hire job candidates who have a relevant bachelor’s degree, such as a degree in web design, digital design or graphic arts.3 Although not always a strict requirement for employment, a web design degree can provide you with a solid foundation that supports long-term achievements and career opportunities within the field. 

Digital web designers and web developers often work together but also serve very different functions within their roles. In essence, a web designer crafts the visual elements through design, while a web developer executes the coding aspect of website creation. 

A web designer focuses on the appearance and aesthetic appeal of a website by working on areas such as the interface design and layout including color scheme, graphic design functions, UX and typography.4 In contrast, a web developer uses the designer’s vision for the site to create its structure and functionality using coding techniques. Web developers also strive to enhance the compatibility of a website with different browsers and improve its security.5

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth for web developers and digital designers to increase by about 16 % from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average. This indicates that employers expect to hire about 34,700 of these professionals through this time period.6

For the most part, yes. In 2024, digital design and graphic design are essentially synonymous. The distinction between the two has blurred and today, a digital designer encompasses the skills and knowledge traditionally associated with graphic design. Graphic designers are trained to create visual content and brand awareness for both print and digital platforms, covering a wide range of mediums including ink on paper and pixels on screens.7 As a result, "graphic design" has emerged as a preferred term, encompassing a broad spectrum of design practices across different mediums.

Most websites typically have different primary purposes. For one company, the main goal of a website may be to convey a positive brand image and encourage consumers to make a purchase or book services. For a nonprofit organization, the main purpose might be to attract donations or spread the message about the organization’s mission. While each organization varies, skilled web designers and developers are universally required to assist them in reaching their objectives. Web design plays a crucial role in facilitating connections between organizations and their target audience, aiding them in fulfilling their mission.

Bring Your Ideas to Life

Transform your creative passion into a purposeful future by exploring our digital web design degree. Complete the form on this page to delve into the exciting possibilities at GCU.

1 A working laptop and a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud are required to take web design classes at GCU. Additional supplies or software programs may also be required. 

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Web Developers and Digital Designers as of May 2023, retrieved on May 10, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as web developers and digital designers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to become a web developer or digital designer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2023. 

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). What Web Developers and Digital Designers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 8, 2023. 

5 Coursera. (2023, June 15). Web designer vs. web developer: how the jobs differ. Coursera. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2023. 

6 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers and Digital Designers, retrieved on Nov. 9, 2023.

7 Kutev, Cassie (2023, July 14). Graphic design vs. digital design: what’s the difference? Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2023. 

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
76 credits
Open Elective Credits:
4-10 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Requirements

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Course Options

  • UNV-103, University Success: 4
  • UNV-303, University Success: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.

Course Options

  • ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
  • UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
  • ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
  • COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.

Course Options

  • CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
  • CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.

Course Options

  • MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Course Options

  • PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
  • INT-244, World Religions: 4
  • SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4

Core Courses

Course Description

This survey course introduces students to basic design thinking, including principles and elements of design, and concepts of composition. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

This foundational studio course focuses on developing visual style and production workflows in the creation of raster- and vector-based graphics using industry-standard technologies. Students apply color theory and composition skills to create complex illustrations and advertisements. Multiple input sources are combined to create both original and derivative content: camera, scanner, mouse, tablet, traditional media, and stock photography. Students practice acquiring work at the correct PPI, retouching, tonal correction, and color profiling to create images compliant with industry standards. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate imagery by analyzing audience needs, which is then applied to developing creative and original work. Students also learn how to legally acquire stock imagery and the ethical obligations in its manipulation. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

This survey course reinforces the use of design elements and principles of composition to create compelling, marketable designs. Structures, grid systems, and more informal freeform techniques are investigated to solve hands-on design problems. The role of typography, color, and hierarchy for effective communication is explored. Students use rapid visualization to iterate and prototype multiple solutions using the design thinking process and learn how to document their processes for presentation. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments.. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-100 or DDN-101.

Course Description

This foundational motion course examines the basics of 2D motion design as it relates to graphic design. Students examine 2D motion in the context of the 12 Principles of Animation, the foundation of motion. This course teaches students how to view graphic design with the addition of a timeline. Students are introduced to the production pipeline as it relates to 2D graphic design in the context of motion. During preproduction, students strategize how to complete 2D motion graphics. Students then start crafting the assets and 2D motion of their projects in production and present a finalized motion graphic during post-production. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-110 or DDN-115 or GMC-110.

Course Description

This course explores the fundamentals of User Experience as it applies to mobile applications through the use of prototyping and user testing. The historical context of User Experience is explored and as well as how it evolved into modern application design. During this course, students apply the Laws of UX to their designs. Various usability testing methods are implemented. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

During this course students will apply the concepts of production management, including structuring and preparing electronic files through production for a variety of mediums. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-110 or DDN-115.

Course Description

This course explores fundamentals and traditions for designing with type, as well as corporate design with an emphasis on typography with integration of vector designs and photography into promotional pieces. Students propose and create solutions for visual problems with type. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-120. Co-Requisite: DDN-120.

Course Description

This course focuses on the web design prototyping process including research, wireframes, design comps, and interactive mock-ups that address a creative brief. Students learn website production, as well as Search Engine Optimization as it applies to design assets. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

This course exposes students to a variety of artistic methods to generate concepts and content off-screen, using traditional rapid visualization and mixed media. Structures for experimentation -- both planned and spontaneous -- are explored. A focus on concept development and rigorous hands-on practice helps students develop their artistic voice. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

This course requires students to research and build a self-marketing plan and curate a portfolio of work to use in a job search. Students examine their current work in order to accurately develop personal promotional assets, be introduced to design communities, identify industry networking opportunities, and begin to build a professional social network. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Course Description

This writing intensive course focuses on the history of visual arts, graphic design, and animation; genres of design; and the influence of artists, graphic artists, and animators through the ages. Emphasis is placed on the history of and current developments in the digital and information age. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments.

Course Description

This course focuses on the web design prototyping process including research, wireframes, design comps, and interactive mock-ups that address a creative brief. Students learn website production, as well as Search Engine Optimization as it applies to design assets. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.

Course Description

In this course, students learn web design production and development. Web layouts, style, artistic quality, performance, navigation, and accessibility are explored in the development of websites using HTML and CSS. The focus of the course is to develop a core foundation in HTML and CSS, with an understanding of JavaScript. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Students also must purchase their own domain name and Internet-hosting services.

Course Description

This studio-intensive course introduces a new dimension to typographic foundations through the inclusion of motion and interactivity in type. Students learn how to source web-compliant typography for inclusion in their own creative, strategy-driven design projects. Students explore grids, hierarchy, style, contrast, and basic animated transformations. Students apply the 12 Principles of Animation to kinetic typography compositions. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-210.

Course Description

In this course, students learn how to use various content-management systems including, but not limited to websites, blogs, e-mail marketing, and social media. Students design and produce strategic assets, and learn how to set up hosting and populate content inside an industry standard CMS. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Students also must purchase their own domain name and internet hosting services. Prerequisite: DDN-336.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course focuses on the essential business skills necessary for the design professional. Personal branding and marketing, networking, industry landscape, professional advancement and career scaffolding, ethical and legal issues, project management, teamwork, professional communication, and other industry issues are explored as they relate to the design profession. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Course Description

During this course students will forecast new technologies in order to enhance user experience. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-351.

Course Description

This course requires students to implement a self-marketing plan and portfolio of work to launch a job search in their preferred industry. Students examine the current market, audit and improve past work to meet industry standards, then identify additional self-directed projects that help them reach their employment goals. Students refine their digital portfolio and publish all the assets needed to launch a personal brand complimented by a set of self-promotion materials, including a print portfolio. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Course Description

During this course students will create self-directed web projects to meet client business needs. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, a graphics tablet, external hard drive, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Students will also purchase their own domain name and internet hosting service. Prerequisite: DDN-455.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.