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

Is it worth getting a BA 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.

Can you be a graphic designer with a digital media degree? ›

The focus of digital media arts certificates at Santa Ana College is to prepare students for graphic design jobs in print and web.

What is BA in digital media design? ›

A Bachelor of Digital Media Design is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the creation and design of digital media content, including graphics, websites, animations, videos, and other multimedia projects.

Is a bachelors in digital media worth it? ›

Is Digital Media A Good Major? For those who want several career options in a number of industries, a digital media degree may be a good choice. Digital media is the study of using creative strategies to communicate with others through modern media.

Is graphic design a stressful job? ›

Graphic design can be a stressful job, especially when working on tight deadlines, managing multiple projects, or dealing with difficult clients. However, managing stress through effective time management, communication, and self-care practices can help mitigate these challenges.

Is graphic design hard major? ›

“Is graphic design hard?” — this is a common question that many aspiring designers ask. The answer is both yes and no. The level of difficulty in graphic design varies depending on various factors, including your ability to break down complex processes into simple, manageable steps.

What is the highest paid graphic design job? ›

High Paying Graphic Designer Jobs
  • Graphic Engineer. Salary range: $140,000-$159,000 per year. ...
  • Graphics Artist. Salary range: $127,000-$152,000 per year. ...
  • Mac Artist. Salary range: $127,000-$152,000 per year. ...
  • Brand Designer. ...
  • Design Checker. ...
  • Senior Designer. ...
  • Marketing Designer. ...
  • Senior Graphic Designer.

What degree do most graphic designers need? ›

Education. Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field. People who have a bachelor's degree in another field may complete technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.

What is the difference between graphic design and digital media degree? ›

Graphic design is only one component of creative digital media: Though creative digital media utilizes graphic design principles and techniques, it also includes a range of other disciplines such as motion graphics, audio, and social media.

What degree do you need to be a digital media designer? ›

How Can I Become a Digital Media Designer? Qualifications to become a digital media designer often include a bachelor's degree in graphic design, animation, or digital media design.

What is a BA in media arts? ›

A Media Arts degree provides a strong, theoretical education combined with hands-on experience utilizing the same tools used by industry professionals. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree, you can earn certificates in television news producing, media management and Spanish language media.

Where can I study digital media design? ›

BA in Digital Media Design - University of Johannesburg.

Do digital media jobs pay well? ›

The estimated total pay for a Digital Media is $79,399 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $62,050 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Is digital media difficult? ›

The perceived difficulty of learning digital marketing varies from person to person. Several factors can influence how challenging the learning process may seem. These factors include your prior knowledge of marketing concepts, familiarity with technology, and your ability to adapt to rapidly evolving digital trends.

Is digital media design in demand? ›

The shift to online platforms for almost all traditional media means skilled designers with an eye for the digital are in high demand. Of course, most graphic designers will feel they are skilled in digital design if they don't already call themselves digital designers.

Should I do a BA or BFA in graphic design? ›

A student who knows exactly what they want to do with their art-based career and who wants to hone their artistic abilities should consider a BFA program, whereas a student still looking to explore their options within the creative fields may be best suited to a BA degree.

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.

Do I really need a degree in 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.

Is it smart to major in graphic design? ›

Benefits of having a graphic design degree

Learn new coding languages: Many graphic design programs offer courses to train you on programming and coding languages, which you can use to design web pages and other programs. Listing these languages on your resume can make you stand out from other candidates.

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