Graphic Design Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design

Launch your creative career with a flexible, hands-on B.A. in Graphic Design degree-no portfolio required.

Design your future at the Jersey Shore’s only Catholic university, just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia.

At Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, our B.A. in Graphic Design degree program is designed for students who want to turn creative passion into a professional edge. Whether you’re interested in branding, visual design, creative computing technologies, illustration, user-centered communication, web design, or motion graphics, you’ll gain the skills, experience, and connections needed to succeed in today’s creative industries.

Why Choose GCU’s B.A. in Graphic Design Degree?

Strong Curriculum

Explore a comprehensive range of graphic design courses—from traditional foundations to cutting-edge innovations.

Flexible Pathways

Enhance your major with electives or a minor in business, marketing, psychology, computer science, or art. Double majors are welcome!

Guaranteed Internships

Every student completes a real-world internship-at agencies, studios, or in-house teams in New Jersey or New York City.

No Portfolio Required

We welcome all skill levels. If you’re passionate about design, you belong here.

Interdisciplinary Projects

Work alongside business, education, or computer science students on collaborative projects.

Mercy-Driven Values

Use design to promote equity, sustainability, and positive change in your community.

Prime Location

Enjoy campus life close to the beach, with easy access to major creative hubs.

Affordable Investment

99% of freshmen receive financial aid, with average awards over $39,000 per year.

Small Classes, Personalized Support

Benefit from an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention, close mentorship, and a supportive creative community.

B.A. in Graphic Design Career Opportunities

A bachelor’s in graphic design degree from Georgian Court opens doors to creative careers in New Jersey, New York, and beyond. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio, hands-on experience, and the confidence to launch your creative career-or continue your studies at the graduate level.

Median Salaries for Graphic Design Careers (NJ/NYC):

Graphic Designer: $65,000–$72,000 per year
Entry-Level Graphic Designer: $48,000–$55,000 per year
Senior Graphic Designer: $80,000–$95,000+ per year
Web Designer: $63,000 per year
UX/UI Designer: $80,000 per year
Art Director: $105,000 per year
Freelance Graphic Designer: $30–$75 per hour

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, Salary.com (2024–2025)

Career Growth & Job Outlook:
Graphic design jobs are projected to remain steady through 2032, with higher demand for digital, web, and UX/UI skills. The NYC and Philadelphia metro areas are among the top five U.S. regions for graphic design job opportunities.

Academic Excellence

Small Class Sizes
Experience personalized learning and mentorship with an average undergraduate class size of just 14 students.
100% Faculty with Terminal Degrees
Learn from leading experts in their fields.
Minor in Graphic Design or Design Thinking & Innovation
Strengthen your résumé in just 18 credits. (six courses)

Student Success & Support

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B.A. in Graphic Design degree FAQs

Do I need a portfolio to apply?
No portfolio is required. We value your potential and passion for design-no matter your experience level.

What kinds of internships are available?
Our students intern at design agencies, marketing firms, nonprofits, and in-house creative teams throughout New Jersey and New York City.

Does the Graphic Design Program offer any minors?
Yes! The Graphic Design degree program offers two minors:

Minor in Graphic Design: Ideal for students in business, marketing, communications, computer science, or any field where visual storytelling is essential. This minor provides a structured foundation in graphic design and web design.
Minor in Design Thinking & Innovation: Ideal for students in business, marketing, communications, computer science, or any field where strategic thinking is essential. This minor introduces Design Thinking as a research-driven set of tools and methods, preparing students for careers and advanced study in areas where creativity, innovation, and leadership are highly valued.

Can I double major or add a minor?
Absolutely! The B.A. in Graphic Design degree is flexible, making it easy to combine with other majors or minors.

What software and tools will I learn?
You’ll train with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, XD), Figma, Wix, WordPress, and Procreate-plus emerging tools in digital and motion design.

Is financial aid available?
Yes-99% of freshmen receive aid, and the average award is over $39,000 per year.

How close is campus to New York City and Philadelphia?
GCU is about an hour from both cities, and just minutes from the Jersey Shore.

B.A. in Graphic Design Program Highlights

Core Design Skills & Learning Experience

54 Credits of Studio Training: Build a strong foundation in typography, web design, UX/UI, motion graphics, video, and design thinking.
Hands-On Technology: Master industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, XD), Figma, Wix, WordPress, and Procreate.
Global & Ethical Focus: Learn to design with cultural awareness, guided by GCU’s Mercy values.

Career Preparation & Community

Guaranteed Internships: Gain real-world experience at New Jersey and New York City agencies, studios, or in-house design teams.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work on cross-disciplinary projects with students from business, education, and computer science.
Industry Connections & Networking: Build professional relationships through GCU’s partnerships with local creative firms and alumni network, helping launch your career.

B.A. in Graphic Design Program Information

Curriculum - B.A. in Graphic Design

To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design program features a curriculum that encompasses 24 credits of foundational and intermediate major courses (100-200 level), complemented by 21 credits of advanced major courses (300-400 level). To graduate with a BA in Graphic Design, students must complete a total of 45 credits in major-specific courses.

Major Sequence

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
GD111	Introduction to Design	3.0
GD112	Drawing for Designers	3.0
GD113	Computer Graphics	3.0
GD114	Graphic Design I	3.0
GD213	Typography I	3.0
GD214	Graphic Design II	3.0
GD220	Digital Photography	3.0
GD226	Video & Sound Editing I	3.0
Select one of the following:		3.0
GD314	Graphic Design III
MM326	Video & Sound Editing II
GD430	Professional Practices
GD322	Web Design I	3.0
GD324	Typography II	3.0
or GD225	Packaging & Pattern Design
GD327	Motion Graphics I	3.0
GD328	3D Animation I	3.0
GD422	Web Design II	3.0
AR220	Modern Art	3.0
Total Credits		45.0

For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Graphic Design Course Rotation

COURSE ID#	TITLE	FALL	SPRING
GRAPHIC DESIGN MAJOR
AR220	Modern Art
AR228	European & U.S. Art
GD111	Introduction to Design	X
GD112	Drawing for Designers	X
GD113	Computer Graphics	X
GD114	Graphic Design I		X
GD212	Illustration for Designers		X
GD213	Designing with Type	X
GD214	Graphic Design II	X
GD220	Digital Photography		X
GD225	Packaging & Pattern Design	EVEN YEARS ONLY
GD226	Video & Sound Editing I	ODD YEARS ONLY
GD314	Graphic Design III		X
GD322	Web Design I		X
GD324	Typography I		X
GD327	Motion Graphics I		X
GD328	3D Animation I	X
GD422	Web Design II	EVEN YEARS ONLY
GD428	3D Animation II		X
GD429	Internship	X	X
GD430	Professional Practices		X
GD440/MM440	Special Topics I	X
or GD441/MM441	Special Topics II		X
MM214	Multimedia & 2D Interactivity		X
MM314	Game Design & 3D Interactivity I	X
MM326	Video & Sound Editing II	ODD YEARS ONLY
MM429	3D Animation III		X
GRAPHIC DESIGN MINOR
GD113	Computer Graphics	X
GD114	Graphic Design I		X
GD214	Graphic Design II	X
GD322	Web Design I		X
GD324	Typography I		X
GD422	Web Design II	EVEN YEARS ONLY

Curriculum - Minor in Graphic Design

The graphic design minor consists of six core courses from the B.F.A. in Graphic Design. It can be taken by any major. This is an 18-credit minor that enables students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in graphic and web design.

Minor Sequence

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
GD113	Computer Graphics	3.0
GD114	Graphic Design I	3.0
GD214	Graphic Design II	3.0
GD322	Web Design I	3.0
GD324	Typography II	3.0
GD422	Web Design II	3.0
Total Credits		18.0

For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Curriculum - Minor in Design Thinking & Innovation

Information coming soon

Department of Communication & Graphic Design Faculty

Internships

Before you begin your internship, schedule an appointment at georgian.as.me/?calendarID=2795200 to meet with Theodora Sergiou, Internship and Student Development Coordinator for the School of Business and Digital Media (SBDM).
Complete the Internship Registration and Contract using CareerLink.
- Go to georgian.edu/careerlink.
- Select “I am a Student.” If this is your first time signing in, enter your GCU password and select “Activate” account to complete your profile and create a Careerlink password. If you have already set up a CareerLink profile, sign in using your GCU username and the CareerLink password you created for this account (not your GCU password).
- Once logged on, select “Experiential Learning” from the action menu.
- Complete the SBDM Approval Form online. Once approved, you will receive e-mail confirmation.
Students register for the internship course by first requesting permission from Professor Sergiou in Self-Service, and then going back into Self-Service and completing registration.
- Business majors will register for BU351.
- Digital communication majors will register for CM405.
- Graphic Design and Multimedia majors will register for GD429.
During the internship, you should maintain a weekly journal of hours worked, tasks performed, and personal reflections. Regularly review your progress with the internship coordinator and employer.
Toward the end of your internship and at least two weeks before the end of the semester, go back into CareerLink to submit the Internship Evaluation Form online.
At the conclusion of the semester, you will prepare a PowerPoint presentation on your internship experience containing:
- an overview of the enterprise;
- a job description;
- an explanation of how you achieved your learning objectives; and
- and a self-reflection on the impact of the internship on your career choice, goals, and plans.

Have questions? Contact us

Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Campus Map

Contact Information

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2700
E-mail: admissions@georgian.edu

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: *By appointment only
Sunday: Closed

*Check tour schedule for specific dates/times.

Graphic Design Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design