Bellevue University

Graphic Design Degrees at Bellevue University

Bellevue University appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Affordable Web Development Online Degree Programs.

With an emphasis on adult learners, the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design program at Bellevue University is structured to be completed online. Potential students who are interested in a Graphic Design Fundamentals Certificate of Completion also will be able to complete all of their studies online.

The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design prepares graduates to enter diverse fields such as marketing, product packaging design, advertising or communications. The primary goal of graphic design is to create designs that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and that ably convey a message. This is the goal that all courses in this program are designed to support.

Students are challenged to use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges. The basic elements of design are first introduced so that students understand the influence that typography, color, layout and images have on viewers. This understanding enables students to create design strategies for any audience. Moreover, students learn to work in print and digital mediums so that they will be prepared for the cutting-edge technology that is used in the graphic design workplace.

Forty-two credit hours are required to complete the major. These include fundamental courses such as Problem-Solving and Idea Generation, Design Basics, Fundamentals of Print Design and Fundamental of Web Design. Students progress to more complex subject matter with classes such as Interactivity Basics, Branding, Identity Design and Publication Design. By the end of their education, students are prepared for the capstone course, which involves the completion of a print- and web-based portfolio.

With 15 credits, students can complete the Graphic Design Fundamentals Certificate of Completion. The required courses are Problem-Solving and Idea Generation, Design Basics, History of Contemporary Graphic Design, Fundamentals of Print Design and Fundamentals of Web Design. Many students are able to substantially enhance their resume with the completion of this certificate.

Students who do not want to major in graphic design but are interested in the field may want to consider a minor. Two options are available. These are a minor in Graphic Design – Web and a minor in Graphic Design – Print. Each minor requires the completion of 21 credit hours.

About Bellevue University

Established as Bellevue College in 1966, the institution’s initial purpose was to offer a flexible education for local working adults. The campus was located in Bellevue, Nebraska, and it now boasts more than 50,000 graduates located around the world.

It only took until 1974 for the school to become the fourth largest private college in the state. To accommodate the exploding student population, the campus added a library, student center and gymnasium the same year. Full accreditation was achieved in 1977, but difficult years were ahead. A slew of competitors emerged in the 1980s, causing the school to flounder and nearly close its doors. New president John Muller took charge in 1985, instituting new programs that helped to revitalize the school.

The 1980s also brought the school’s first accelerated undergraduate degree program, and the first master’s degree program was offered in 1990. In 1994, the school was given its current name. This new era also saw the campus expand to Omaha when the Lozier Professional Center was established. Other additions included the Lakeside Center and the Riley Technology Center.

Bellevue University now enrolls approximately 10,000 students each academic year. Some programs are offered on campus or are cohort-based. However, much of the curriculum is offered online so that students may learn from wherever they live. U.S. News & World Report routinely names Bellevue University’s online undergraduate degree programs as being among the 10 best in the country. Additionally, OnlineU.org named the undergraduate graphic design program as one of the most affordable in the country.

Bellevue University Accreditation Details

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Bellevue University as a whole. Several of the university’s programs also have received specialized accreditation.

Bellevue University Application Requirements

Prospective students are asked to complete an online application form which is submitted with a non-refundable $50 application fee. No application deadline is imposed, so students may apply whenever they wish.

Admission requirements include completion of a program at an accredited high school or equivalent. Official transcripts from high school and any college courses should be submitted to Bellevue University for consideration. This is especially critical if the student hopes to transfer previously earned college credit to Bellevue.

Transfer students are required to be in good standing with their prior college, and only courses that have a grade of C- or better will be transferred. If the student already holds an associate or bachelor degree, then that entire credential may be transferred.

Once completed application materials are submitted, an admissions counselor from Bellevue University will contact the applicant. They will confirm submission of all required documentation or provide notification regarding any outstanding items. The admissions counselor also may advise the applicant whether or not they have been accepted. After acceptance, students will be asked to participate in New Student Enrollment or New BRUIN Academy to fulfill the orientation requirement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Online undergraduate students pay $415 per academic credit hour. Active duty members of the military and their spouses may qualify for a discount to approximately $250 per credit hour.

Several options are available to help students to pay for their education. Some students may pay cash, but this is rare. Others will receive financial assistance from the employer as compensation for gaining academic credentials that will serve them on the job. Members of the military and military veterans may be qualified for numerous assistance programs that make a higher education far more affordable.

A variety of scholarships is available to Bellevue University students. Some scholarships are merit-based while others are a result of participation in certain activities. Alternatively, some degree programs offer scholarships that are specific to that program. Bellevue University is a part of Community Force, a cloud-based scholarship and grant database. Students may review the entries here to determine which scholarships and grants might be appropriate for them.

Students also may seek education loans from the government or a private source to fund their education.

Applicants who are interested in Bellevue University’s graphic design programs may learn more at their website.