Bachelor’s in Advertising & Graphic Design Degree
What Is a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design Degree?
Advertising and graphic design is a field for creative thinkers who are also effective problem solvers. 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 program, offered by the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University.
This advertising and graphic design degree guides students through a progressive development of knowledge and skills, which increase in complexity throughout the program. Students examine the conceptualization of inventive advertising and learn to execute their ideas to spearhead fully developed advertising campaigns. GCU emphasizes a hands-on style of learning within its advertising and graphic design degree program. In the studio classes, students collaborate with their peers to work on active client projects.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Graphic Design Degree with Advertising Background?
The BA in Advertising and Graphic Design teaches students to become both detail-minded and “big picture” thinkers. You will know the importance of a brand then design strategy and produce advertisements. Students learn to develop ideas that make brands, products and ideas memorable to the consumer, with technical skills that are geared for today’s digital workflow. Graduates of this graphic design degree will have a portfolio of polished work that represents a broad spectrum of industries and project types. A professional portfolio is required to demonstrate career qualifications during the job search process.
This bachelor’s in advertising and graphic design degree is available on GCU’s campus and online. It requires a total of 120 credits for graduation.
What Will You Learn During a Graphic Design and Advertising Degree Program?
The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design degree equips graduates with a versatile skillset. Students will engage in the creative process of conceptualization and then learn to design with images, typography, textures, color and shape. Students will also examine various production methods and work with photography, illustration and emerging technologies. Some of the skills and knowledge covered by this graphic design degree program include the following:
- Creative concept development – how to come up with those great ideas
- Image creation and manipulation
- Creative copywriting techniques for digital media, social media, printed products and broadcast
- Core foundational knowledge of print, packaging, web and social media design
- Core principles of design and the concepts of composition
- The mastery of software required in the industry
What Jobs Can You Get With an Advertising and Graphic Design Degree?
Companies rely on advertising and graphic design professionals to further the success of their brands. Since all types of companies across all industries rely on advertising, there are many possible career paths that a graduate might choose. 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. Potential career paths that may be related to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and advertising include the following:
- Graphic designer
- Production artist
- Creative services specialist
- Art director
There are no licensure or certification requirements to pursue work as an advertising and graphic design specialist. Students are responsible for meeting the technical requirements of the courses, including having a working laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud.
Bachelor’s in Advertising and Graphic Design Degree FAQs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in arts and design, such as graphic designers, see a median annual wage of $49,600 as of May 2020.2
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 also create print advertisements for campaigns and design logos. Additionally, graphic designers find it essential to their success by staying up-to-date with the latest consumer trends.
To be an advertising designer you need a strong understanding of marketing and public relations and an expert level of digital and print design. Some of these skills in digital design include production, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and strong interpersonal communication skills to work with clients through completion of a project. While not required, having knowledge in HTML and CSS will get your resume noticed when applying for jobs.
1 Retrieved from Intelligent.com
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Graphic Designers, as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Graphic Designers. It does not reflect workers’ earnings in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. The 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. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
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, 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-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. Prerequisite: ENG-106.
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. Each student will need a laptop computer with the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. 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.
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.
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.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* 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.