What Is Digital Design?
Digital design is a dynamic specialization among the technological professions. It encompasses practices of designing for web, kiosks, and mobile devices, with the principles of graphic design, user experience and communications strategy. The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design degree at Grand Canyon University provides a pathway for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the digital design field.
This Bachelor of Arts in digital web design degree, offered by the College of Fine Arts and Production, gives students a thorough grounding in all aspects of digital design conceptualization and implementation. Its coursework blends theory and application to graduate students who are well-versed in contemporary models of interactive design, front-end web programming and design for mobile applications. Students are inspired to become creative thinkers as they develop their technical expertise. Experienced digital design faculty members guide students through the latest software design tools and introduce students to best practices in branding and social marketing.
Study Curriculum for a Digital Web Design Bachelor of Arts Degree
GCU seeks to graduate well-rounded students who have a keen understanding of business practices and the essential elements of graphic and web design. Along with design concepts, students explore issues such as business development, legal matters related to design and project management. In courses such as Designing for New Technologies, User Experience, Programming for the Web and Designing with Motion Graphics, students will acquire these core competencies:
- The design and creation of animated graphics across multiple mediums to meet the needs of client businesses
- The enhancement of the user experience through the use of new technologies
- Theories of user experience and interaction as applied to the design of mobile and web products
- The integration of music, sound, video and animation to produce interactive web applications and dynamic websites
During their senior year, students create their own professional portfolios to showcase their skills and talents to prospective employers. Throughout this digital web design BA degree, students develop their design skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities and critical thinking capabilities. They explore the fundamental principles of ethical leadership, keeping the Christian worldview in mind.
As a modern school, GCU is pleased to provide flexible learning options, including on-campus and online degree programs. This digital web design bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Students taking online courses can expect the average length of a class to be seven weeks. Due to the technical and hands-on nature of this degree program, digital design students are required to have a working laptop available, along with an active subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Explore a Future in Web Design with a BA in Digital Web Design
Graduates who possess the technical and design skills necessary to create websites may pursue work across virtually any industry, including private companies, the public sector and nonprofit organizations. Some of the jobs that may be related to this Bachelor of Arts in digital web design include the following:
- Web designer
- Graphic designer
- Art director
- Creative director
- Content creator
- Front-end web developers
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, crosscultural 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
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This survey course introduces majors to theoretical foundations of the visual arts and cultures. Modes of cultural production are explored—including art, photography, film, and design—with focus on influential artists, critics, and theoreticians. Students begin to identify, form, and critically support their own visual interests and opinions in relation to the diverse and changing nature of contemporary culture. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
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
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.
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 theories of user experience and interaction to the design of web and mobile products. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, a graphics tablet, external hard drive, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
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 permission of instructor.
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 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.
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
In this course, students will learn to use various content management systems for websites, blogs, e-mail marketing, and social media. 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 services. Prerequisite: DDN-300.
Course Description
In this course, students shoot RAW and apply advanced photography techniques (e.g., corrections, masks, blends, filters and composites) to create visual art. Studio lighting and high dynamic range imaging are explored to create styles and various uses of photography. This course requires Web-based presentations, competitions, and the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Students must provide their own digital SLR camera for this class. Prerequisites: DDN-215. Technology requirement: Students provide their own 35mm DSLR camera and tripod. Personal laptop and Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are recommended, however computers are available in the Design Lab for processing images.
Course Description
This course focuses on the planning, design, and implementation of dynamic websites. Using modern content management tools, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the course explores how to manage and distribute digital content, videos, photos, animations, and articles. Students explore website creation tools such as Wordpress, Joomla!, and Drupal, with a strong focus on creating and managing digital content for multiple platforms. Lastly, the course covers how to keep data safe and secure using cyber security best practices. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Prerequisite: DDN-300.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to Web programming, Web server technologies, HTTP/HTTPS servers, Web security, PHP and ASP.net, and Unix/Linux open-source-based applications. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Additional programming tools will be assigned at the start of the course. Prerequisite: DDN-350.
Course Description
During this course students will create animated graphics in a variety of mediums to meet client business needs. 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 subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud, external drive for back-ups, mouse and/or graphics tablet for input.
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 and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Course Description
This course focuses on advanced Web programming. Students work in a production environment resolving code issues, providing “work-arounds,” and improving Web design. Prerequisites: DDN-430. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Additional programming tools will be assigned at the start of the course.
Course Description
During this course students will forecast new technologies in order to enhance user experience. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, a graphics tablet, external hard drive, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Course Description
This writing intensive course focuses on the essential business skills necessary for the design practice and professional. Business development, legal issues, project management, finances, human resources, and other management issues are explored as they relate to the design profession. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Course Description
This course explores the use of interactive Web and rich Internet applications, The integration of music, sound, video, and animation is considered in design. Students use object-oriented scripting language and standard Web tools to create dynamic Web sites. Prerequisites: DDN-430. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Additional programming tools will be assigned at the start of the course. Prerequisites: DDN-430. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Additional programming tools will be assigned at the start of the course.
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
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.
Program Locations
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.
Online and Evening program disclosures (4 years) On-campus program disclosures (4 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.