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 BA 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 Design and Digital Media, BA (Online)
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.
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.
*Based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your BA in Graphic Design and Digital Media (Online) at CBU?
Develop an extensive graphic design portfolio
The online BA 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.
Michael Berger, M.F.A.
Professor of Graphic Arts
Office Phone: 951-343-4675
E-mail: mberger@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W. E. James Building, Room 360
Brett Biermann, Ph.D.
Professor of Graphic Arts
E-mail: bbiermann@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Adams Suite B8
Dirk Dallas, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Dean of College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design
Office Phone: 951-552-8628
E-mail: ddallas@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building Room 332
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
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
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:
- Effectively present information orally and in writing.
- Examine the principles of professional typography.
- Apply the principles of professional design techniques and best-practices workflows.
- Use the principles of professional photography, imaging techniques, and best-practices workflows.
- Use the principles of professional web design techniques and best-practices workflows.
- Effectively present the initial concepts and final design implementation orally and in writing.
- Apply techniques to solve design problems from creation, through production, to final implementation.
- Work proficiently with the industry standard software.
- Integrate business concepts related to graphic design industry.
- Apply a Christian worldview to the moral and ethical questions inherent in the graphic design industry.
- Articulate the Christian graphic designer’s place in the Kingdom of God.
- Apply techniques of professional presentation and promotion in the graphic design industry.
- 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 employers to 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 information here.
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.
Online Semester | Classes Begin |
---|---|
Summer 2024 - Session 2 | July 1 |
Fall 2024 - Session 1 | September 2 |
Fall 2024 - Session 2 | October 28 |
Spring 2025 - Session 1 | January 6 |
Spring 2025 - Session 2 | March 3 |
Summer 2025 - Session 1 | May 5 |
Summer 2025 - Session 2 | June 30 |
Career Possibilities
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Illustrator
- Photographer
- Art Director
- Director of Creative Services
- UX/UI Designer
- Creative Director
- Web Designer
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Ready to See Differently?
Discover. Define. Ideate. Prototype. Test. Our demand of the student is simple. See Differently.