Bachelor’s in Advertising and Graphic Design Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design

Offered By: College of Arts and Media

Prepare to Use Graphic Design in the Advertising Industry

Advertising and graphic design may be an ideal field for creative thinkers who are also effective problem solvers.1 Advertising and design professionals collaborate with their co-workers and clients to present brands in a desirable light across multiple mediums. Nurture your love of art and creativity with the Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design degree, offered by the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University.

This advertising and graphic design program offers a progressively challenging curriculum, focusing on core concepts and skills. You will conceptualize creative advertising and lead comprehensive campaigns with hands-on, collaborative studio classes involving real client projects. 

BA in Advertising and Graphic Design Student Smiles in Front of GCU Portfolio

Delve Into Advertising and Graphic Design

Our knowledgeable instructors are committed to supporting your progress by providing opportunities for hands-on practice and encouraging you to develop job-ready skills. This bachelor’s degree in graphic design and advertising helps nurture creativity and innovation within a collaborative environment. You will be immersed in a well-rounded, distinctly Christian education, with faith-integrated courses that encourage you to explore the Christian worldview.

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To facilitate greater access to education regardless of geographic location or current work commitments, GCU is pleased to offer this graphic design and advertising degree entirely online. Connect with your peers and instructors on our intuitive e-learning platform while you work through the curriculum from anywhere with internet. All our online courses maintain the same academic standards as our on-campus courses.

Traditional on-campus students will be immersed within a supportive learning environment. Enjoy face-to-face class lectures and discussions with your fellow classmates during practical class activities. Attending classes in person offers you the opportunity to take advantage of our extensive campus life — from clubs and activities to sports and more.

Examine Skills in Image Creation and Manipulation

This degree program is designed to teach you a versatile skill set, covering creative design with images, typography, textures, color and shape, as well as production methods, photography, illustration and emerging technologies. Some of the skills and knowledge covered by this graphic design degree program include the following:

  • Creative concept development: Refining your artistic ideas
  • Image creation and manipulation: Designing and editing image files
  • Creative copywriting: Implementing techniques for digital media, social media, printed products and broadcast 
  • Typography: Understanding the fundamentals and traditions of designing with type
  • Production management: Structuring and preparing electronic files for a range of mediums
  • Software usage: Mastering software required in the industry

Students are responsible for meeting the technical requirements of the courses, including having a working laptop that will run industry-standard software. 

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
[More Info]
Online: 7 weeks
[More Info]
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

Build a Diverse Portfolio for Your Career

As an advertising graphic design major, you will have the opportunity to create a portfolio of polished work that will showcase your ability to blend detailed attention with a broader strategic vision, featuring compelling and memorable brand experiences. You’ll gain expertise in design strategy and brand promotion, developing a professional portfolio that highlights your proficiency in creating impactful visuals and strategies that represent a broad spectrum of industries and project types.

This portfolio will be a key asset throughout your career, demonstrating your skills to potential employers and clients while adapting to the evolving digital landscape. A professional portfolio is often required or expected for the purpose of demonstrating career qualifications during the job search process.2

Earn Your Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University

GCU strives to thoroughly prepare our students to become career-ready graduates who are capable of tackling modern challenges in their respective industries. As an institutionally accredited university, we prioritize academic quality. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

Graphic Design and Advertising Degree Career Paths

Companies often rely on advertising and graphic design professionals to further the success of their brands. With diverse industries needing advertising, graphic designers have a variety of possible work settings. You may choose to pursue work at a corporate advertising department, in a marketing agency or in the media. Some graduates may decide to pursue an entrepreneurial path.3 Potential career paths that may be related to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and advertising include the following:

  • Graphic designer
  • Art director
  • Web and digital interface designer
  • Special effects artists and animator
  • Artist

Aspiring graphic designers may decide to enhance their career qualifications by earning one or more voluntary certifications in graphic design software. These are typically available through the software vendors.2

$58,910

Median annual salary for graphic designers as of May 20234

Frequently Asked Questions

While considering your career options in visual communication, you may find it helpful to explore the following frequently asked questions and answers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers had a median annual wage of $58,910 as of May 2023.4 Of course, salary can vary considerably, depending on a graphic designer’s years of experience, employer, areas of specialization and geographic location.

Graphic designers in advertising collaborate with other designers, marketing departments and stakeholders to develop effective, content-rich material. In addition to creating eye-catching designs and page layouts, graphic designers in advertising may also use creative strategy to design logos and create print advertisements for campaigns. The goal is to promote branding awareness and encourage sales for the company.

To be an effective advertising designer, it’s essential to have robust competencies in design principles and techniques.1 Graphic designers can benefit from being creative individuals who understand brand promotion and audience targeting.1,3 Communication skills, time management, problem solving and strategic thinking are also important, as are technical skills. For instance, graphic designers are generally expected to be proficient in the use of design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.1

Graphic design can be a meaningful and fulfilling career for individuals who are creative and artistic. With a background in graphic design, you could potentially pursue work across a variety of industries. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you might even establish your own graphic design business, such as by freelancing in a work-from-home arrangement.3

A degree in advertising and graphic design can be worth it if you're passionate about artistic techniques and visual communication. If you have a solid foundation in computer literacy and a keen interest in learning technical skills, such as using graphic design software, this path could be ideal for you.

Pursue Your Passion for Design

Prepare for an artistic career in graphic design and advertising.

1 BrainStation. (2024). What Skills Do Graphic Designers Need? Retrieved July 31, 2024.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a Graphic Designer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 31, 2024.

3 Coursera Staff. (2023, Nov. 29). What Does a Graphic Designer Do? And How Do I Become One? Coursera. Retrieved July 31, 2024.

4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Graphic Designers as of May 2023, retrieved on July 31, 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 graphic 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.

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
68 credits
Open Elective Credits:
12-18 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 course introduces the fundamentals of the advertising industry including basic elements of campaign strategy and design. Students learn the foundational communication and writing skills necessary to create effective campaigns. Contemporary legal and ethical issues in advertising are also addressed. 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 course is an introduction to the basic elements of design and processes of visual communication using graphic tools standard in the industry. The focus is on mastering pixel, vector, and layout tools to demonstrate two-dimensional graphics, images, symbols, color theory, typography, and composition. 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

In this introductory digital photography course, students explore basic camera operation, digital capture, photographic principles, lighting, and visual design elements. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student photography. This is not a photo manipulation course. 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. Students are required to provide their own DSLR camera and tripod.

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 builds on design fundamentals by increasing students’ understanding of content development and production methods within the advertising design process. Students will create and produce advertising campaigns and products of various scope and size. 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: ADV-110, 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 writing intensive course focuses on creative copywriting techniques to develop advertising campaigns for print and multimedia channels. Students enhance persuasive writing skills to create compelling and ethical advertising campaigns that are competitive in the industry. 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

In this course, students learn visual design for the Web, building structure and presentation. Web layouts and style, artistic quality and performance, and navigation and accessibility are explored in the development of Web sites using HTML and CSS. The focus of the course is to develop a core foundation in HTML and CSS before the evaluation of other Web development tools. 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, or permission of instructor.

Course Description

Students learn methods of image creation, including vectors, typographic, and pixel-based imagery manipulation, for the purposes of aligning image production with advertising campaign strategy. Emphasis is placed on selection of appropriate imagery through analysis of audience needs, historical representation of ideas, stereotypes, and cultural iconography. 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 writing intensive course provides an overview of the laws and regulations that apply to advertising, marketing, and media organizations with emphasis on business organization, intellectual property, and regulatory processes. Ethical practices and theory as they apply to the mass media industry are also addressed. 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 course focuses on intermediate Web design from concept development—including roughs and wireframes—to design comps and interactive mock-ups. Students create sitemaps, flow diagrams, and basic user tests to help determine nomenclature, as well as wireframes that represent working models with page elements and functional specifications. Students learn to evaluate web site usability, as well as to conduct accessibility testing. 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. Students will also purchase their own domain name and internet hosting service. Prerequisite: DDN-300.

Course Description

This writing intensive course explores integrated marketing communications and the development of marketing and advertising messages across digital platforms. Students focus on current trends in online advertising, social media platforms, and relevant emerging technologies. 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, ADV-260.

Course Description

Students work with industry-based projects within a highly collaborative environment to develop strong strategy and concept development methodologies. Projects focus on production methods for print, web, and digital media. 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. Prerequisites: DDN-120 and DDN-210.

Course Description

In this course students use the principles of user experience and user interaction to improve client-brand relationships within industry-based projects. Students create client and consumer profiles and develop projects within a highly collaborative environment. 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: ADV-371.

Course Description

In this advanced design course, students incorporate their personal style into the development of a portfolio. Professional design projects for a variety of campus and studio-based projects provide opportunities for students to fine-tune solutions for customer-driven, reality-based design problems. Students propose design solutions, practicing their communication and presentation skills while exploring career opportunities. The ethics of business practice is incorporated into studio projects. 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: Senior standing.

Course Description

Working with industry-based projects, students act as art directors to concept, develop, and produce interactive and multi-platform advertising solutions within a highly collaborative environment. Working in teams, students strengthen their process of collaboration from initial project identification through to final production. 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: ADV-350, ADV-456.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • 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

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.