Bachelor’s in Advertising and Graphic Design Degree

female advertising student smiling in graphics hallway with laptop
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Find Your Purpose
Start your GCU journey today.
Request Info
Overview

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. 

female graphic design students working on computer
Why GCU

Delve Into Advertising and Graphic Design

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

Flexible Online Courses for Advertising Majors

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. All our online courses maintain the same academic standards as our on-campus courses. 

Experience In-Person Classes on Campus

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. 

Coursework

Examine Skills in Image Creation and Manipulation 

A female advertising and graphic design student working on tablet with color profiles on the table.

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

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

Build a Diverse Portfolio for Your Career 

Our knowledgeable instructors are committed to supporting your progress by providing opportunities for hands-on practice and encouraging you to develop job-ready skills. 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.
 

Develop Your Portfolio

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

Careers

Graphic Design and Advertising Degree Career Paths

As an advertising and graphic design professional, you may choose to work at a corporate advertising department, in a marketing agency or in the media. Aspiring graphic designers may decide to enhance their career by earning voluntary certifications in graphic design software. These are typically available through the software vendors.2 Some graduates may decide to pursue an entrepreneurial path.3

Career paths that may be related to this degree program include:

Graphic designer

Art director

Web and digital interface designer

Special effects artists and animator

Artist

$58,910

Median annual salary for graphic designers as of May 20234

Accreditation

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. 

FAQ

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.

male design student behind table showcasing his work

Pursue Your Passion for Design

Prepare for an artistic career in graphic design and advertising.

Apply Now

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.

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to Apply