online bachelor's degree of graphic design
Summer term classes start in June.
100% online learning.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$459 per credit hour.
$250 military preferred cost per credit
127 total credit hours.
turn your creativity into a career in visual communication.
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Bellevue University is a 100% online program designed to help you master the strategy of visual communication. You’ll learn how to combine creativity with critical thinking to develop effective design solutions for print and digital media. Through hands-on coursework, you’ll gain proficiency with industry-standard tools and techniques, from layout and typography to branding and visual storytelling. Whether your goal is to design for businesses, agencies, or your own creative pursuits, this program prepares you to bring ideas to life with clarity and impact.
Build a professional portfolio that showcases your design talent.
In this program, your learning experience is also your portfolio. From your first course to your final project, you’ll create a collection of professional-quality work that demonstrates your design range and creative vision. Along the way, you’ll become fluent in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Figma—industry-standard tools used by professional designers worldwide. By graduation, you’ll not only have a degree but also a body of work that helps you stand out to employers and clients alike.
Develop the skills to think critically and design strategically.
Graduates of Bellevue University’s online Graphic Design program are equipped to approach design as both a creative process and a problem-solving discipline. You’ll learn to evaluate visual challenges, develop effective design solutions, and communicate ideas with precision and purpose. Through this combination of creative practice and strategic thinking, you’ll emerge with the confidence and skills to succeed in the evolving field of graphic design.
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll learn to think creatively, solve visual problems, and build a professional portfolio that showcases your design skills and communication expertise.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Utilize critical thinking in the graphic design process.
- Effectively discuss graphic design as a visual communication language.
- Evaluate creative problems and develop effective solutions.
- Develop a portfolio that represents a wide range of projects produced at a professional level.
Awards
Bellevue Stories
Graphic Design degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (49 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course explores methods for generating original solutions to creative problems faced in graphic design. The importance of research and research methods is also emphasized. Prerequisite: None
This course analyzes the fundamental elements and principles of design necessary to solve graphic design problems. Topics including various elements and principles are studied and practiced. Problem solving and critical thinking are developed through discussions and exercises.
This course introduces students to key Adobe software applications. The course addresses the individual tools each application offers, techniques associated with each tool or set of tools, and the proper application of each technique. Students will also be familiarized with various skills necessary for a designer including time tracking, invoicing, and contracts. Prerequisite: None
This course examines the history of contemporary graphic design. Students evaluate and discuss current design issues while emphasizing the evolution of visual communication and its impact on today's design. Students study famous designers and design movements and develop the ability to compare and contrast their work. Prerequisite: None
This course examines basic fundamentals specific to print design. Topics explored include typography, grid implementation, layout, balance, and color. Students are introduced to the design process and employ it taking a project from initial idea to final print. Prerequisite: GD116, GD210, GD211
This course examines basic fundamentals specific to web design. Topics include web standards, user interface design, pattern libraries, HTML and CSS. Prerequisite: GD116, GD210, GD211
This course analyzes how typography is used effectively in graphic design—in both print and web. The development of type, classification, terminology, and proper visual manipulation are explored as students create type focused projects. Prerequisite: GD 116, GD 210, GD 211
This course applies fundamental concepts of graphic design through the creation of projects ranging from posters to business stationery and from one-color to multiple color projects with real-world specifications and issues. Prerequisite: GD 215, GD 332, GD 362
This course provides an in-depth study of interactivity, including the elements of user experience and methods for designing and developing effective interactive interfaces. Prerequisite: GD 230, GD 220, GD 260
This course focuses on brand identity. Processes are explored by designing print- and web-based projects related to brand strategy development and implementation. Research methods specific to design problem solving are utilized. Presentation techniques are stressed and developed. Prerequisite: GD 215, GD 362, GD 332
This course focuses on the creation of effective identity solutions (logos, logotypes and marks), typographic sets, and color palettes. Research of the client's needs, the stakeholders and the audience are utilized to establish solutions. Prerequisite: GD 350, GD 320, GD 430
This course analyzes how typography is used effectively in graphic design. The development of type, classification, terminology, and proper visual manipulation are explored as students create type focused exercises and projects. Prerequisites: GD 220, GD 260, GD 230
This course explores advanced methods and techniques with a focus on page layout and publication design. A variety of projects enable students to further develop their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. Prerequisite: GD 320, GD 350, GD 430
This course applies concepts in user experience and user interface design that reflect modern delivery systems. The application of course content is through exercises and an in-depth project that reflects contemporary issues faced by today's web designer. Prerequisites: GD 215, GD 362, GD 332
This course explores advanced elements of web design. Through creating a multiple-page website, students will apply current web standards, design techniques, and develop various assets as they employ an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories. Prerequisite: GD 430, GD 350, GD 320
This is the capstone course for Graphic Design majors. Preparation for future employment or graduate study through a finished portfolio (both print- and web-based) of work for potential employment in the graphic design industry is emphasized. Resume development and self-promotion is also covered. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Graphic Design program-specific courses.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 total credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
About general education requirements >Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
learn on your own time, from anywhere.
Flexible schedule.
Study on your own time with courses designed to fit your busy life—whether you're working, raising a family, or serving in the military.
Reliable technical support.
Access 24/7 tech support to keep you connected and focused on learning, no matter where you are.
Dedicated online student support.
From coursework access and connectivity issues to tutoring and resume assistance, we've got you covered.
Engaging online learning.
Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.