What is the difference between digital art and digital media degrees?

A degree in digital art focuses on creating static content like logos, journals and images using software or electronic devices, whereas a degree in digital media design emphasizes elements such as animations, interactive elements and movies integrating audio and sound effects with visual arts to blend artistry with technology.

Should I learn traditional art before a digital art degree program?

Learning traditional art before a digital art degree program is not required, but it can help prepare you with the necessary skills to start drawing digitally. Learning traditional art techniques can provide you with a deeper understanding of the materials and what they can do — but just like anything, learning a new skill takes practice, no matter what experience you have.

What is the difference between digital art and graphic design degrees?

These two degrees both require artistic skills — although there is some overlap in skills. A digital art degree focuses on art whereas a graphic design degree focuses on communicating a message using different fonts, graphics, images and sound. A digital art degree places more emphasis on visual stimulation, whereas a graphic design degree focuses more on visual communication.

Digital Arts Programs

Q: How do I start a career in digital art?

You may find a career in digital art to be exciting, challenging and rewarding. Start learning how to apply high design concepts in unique and creative ways by building your portfolio through digital art courses offered at GCU.

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Overview

Prepare for Creative Roles in Digital Arts

Explore the fundamentals of digital art within Grand Canyon University’s digital arts programs, where the realms of technology and art intersect. Immerse yourself in a creative environment to cultivate innovative skills, gaining proficiency in marketable technical skills. This educational journey can prepare you with the tools to harness your artistic talents.

Digital arts courses focus on:

Digital media
Graphic design
Photography
Web design
Animation

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Skills

Gain Creative Communication Skills as a Digital Arts Major

Use your passion to fuel education and potential career opportunities in areas such as advertising design, digital design and digital film. Explore the many bachelor’s and master’s digital arts degrees available to students interested in the fundamentals and artistic processes of technology needed to create art.

The digital arts degrees offered at GCU teach creative theories and principles to help equip you with skills in the following areas:

Artistic processes of technology

Innovative technology to create art

Strategic collaboration for portfolio marketing

Interactive art

Animation modeling

Design principles

$106,500

Average median annual wage for art directors, as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 2)}

$99,060

The median annual wage for special effects artists and animators as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Study Foundational Concepts in Graphic Design, Marketing and Relationships

At GCU, we recognize the critical role of interpersonal communication in networking for media, marketing and graphic design collaborations. A digital arts and design degree can help equip you with essential skills for advertising, graphic design, animation, screenwriting, game development and interactive media creation.

As a digital arts major, you will have the opportunity to build your digital portfolio to showcase your work by creating multimedia presentations, collaborating with other artists within the program and using the latest technology and software programs.

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

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10 Matching Degrees

Area of Interest:Digital Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design

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Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music

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Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music

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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design

with an Emphasis in Animation

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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design

with an Emphasis in Web Design

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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film

with an Emphasis in Editing and Visual Effects

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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film

with an Emphasis in Production

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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film

with an Emphasis in Screenwriting

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Bachelor of Arts in Game Design

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Careers

Careers in Digital Arts and Design

As companies continue to increase their digital presence, design and digital art majors are needed by employers seeking to create visually appealing and effective websites or continuously improve their social media content.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Whether in graphic design degrees, photography, dance or theatre, these programs teach skills that highlight creativity with technology which employers often look for in portfolios.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Earning your degree from GCU can demonstrate to employers that you can take a unique perspective and create a product or idea that shows innovative thinking.

You will study ways to integrate the latest technology into your artistic workflows within fields that include:

Digital design

Photography

Digital film

$92,750

Average median annual wage for web developers and digital designers, as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Why GCU

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

A digital arts degree from GCU can demonstrate to employers that GCU graduates are hard-working, goal-seeking, creative leaders and innovators who think critically with a Christian worldview. Additionally, GCU has held accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

GCU’s interactive digital arts and design courses are designed to help prepare you for the professional sphere. The courses integrate communication and business practices with interactive digital arts, offering an inclusive foundation for entering and navigating the workplace effectively.

Online Digital Design Program Options

GCU’s online digital arts programs can offer the flexibility you need while providing a quality education to help you in today’s complex world. From the comfort of your own home, you can benefit from GCU’s experienced faculty, known for emphasizing servant leadership and fostering an environment conducive to independent learners.

The flexibility and convenience of online digital design programs maintain a high standard of commitment to excellence by using powerful platforms and integrating principles of art as an effective tool of communication.

Commitment to Affordable Education

FAQ

FAQs for Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Uncover essential insights and find clarity on various aspects within digital arts and digital design degree programs through these frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between digital arts and digital media degrees?

Should I learn traditional art before a digital arts degree?

What is the difference between digital arts and graphic design degrees?

How do art degrees help prepare graduates for a future career?

GCU offers a number of bachelor’s degrees in digital art with the goal of helping to improve communication skills, build creative solutions and open your mind to different perspectives. Many careers in digital arts blend art and communication skills, such as GCU’s bachelor’s in social media and our bachelor’s in advertising and graphic design. GCU art majors have the opportunity to acquire skills that can prepare them for the ever-evolving job market.

What are the different types of art careers?

After earning a digital art degree from GCU, you may be prepared to use your artistic skills in careers, such as:

Postsecondary art, drama and music teacher (requires master’s or doctoral degree)
Secondary school teacher (except special and career/technical education)
Web and digital interface designer
Art director
Special effects artist and animator
Artist
Graphic designer
Photographer
Producer and director
Film and video editors

How do I start a career in digital art?

Is graphic design a good career?

Digital arts and design can be a strong career choice that can lead to opportunities in a variety of industries that may require skills such as digital photography, digital painting, videos, animation and moving images, software art or mixed media. In particular, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8,900 new jobs are estimated to open for graphic designers from 2022 to 2032,^{(See disclaimer 7)} with a median wage of $58,910 as of May 2023.^{(See disclaimer 8 )}

Start Your Journey Today

If you're an aspiring designer, animator or multimedia artist, discover how GCU's digital arts programs can help you on your career path.

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Includes students who have graduated or completed their program. Data represents degree-seeking graduates only. This does not include students in Bridge Programs, Certificate Programs, Post-Masters, Education Specialist Programs, High School Dual, Non-Degree Studies or Continuing Education.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Art Directors, as of May 2023, retrieved on May 7, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 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 art directors, 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.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Special Effects Artists and Animators as of May 2023, retrieved on May 7, 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 special effects artists and animators, 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.

Digital Arts Programs

Prepare for Creative Roles in Digital Arts

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Gain Creative Communication Skills as a Digital Arts Major

Study Foundational Concepts in Graphic Design, Marketing and Relationships

Digital Arts Degrees at GCU

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Careers in Digital Arts and Design

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

FAQs for Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

We're here to help.

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23^{(See disclaimer 1)}

FAQs for Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Gain Creative Communication Skills as a Digital Arts Major

Careers in Digital Arts and Design

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

Study Foundational Concepts in Graphic Design, Marketing and Relationships

Prepare for Creative Roles in Digital Arts

Digital Arts Degrees at GCU

Digital Arts Programs

Prepare for Creative Roles in Digital Arts

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23(See disclaimer 1)

Gain Creative Communication Skills as a Digital Arts Major

Study Foundational Concepts in Graphic Design, Marketing and Relationships

Digital Arts Degrees at GCU

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Careers in Digital Arts and Design

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

FAQs for Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

We're here to help.

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23(See disclaimer 1)

FAQs for Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Art Majors

Gain Creative Communication Skills as a Digital Arts Major

Careers in Digital Arts and Design

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

Study Foundational Concepts in Graphic Design, Marketing and Relationships

Prepare for Creative Roles in Digital Arts

Digital Arts Degrees at GCU

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23^{(See disclaimer 1)}

250+ students graduated from GCU’s College of Arts and Media in 2022-23^{(See disclaimer 1)}