BFA in Graphic Arts
Create. Design. Compel. Earn a Graphic Arts Degree.
You’ve got an eye for design and are ready to take your skills to the next level. Regent’s graphic arts degree teaches you the technical foundations, industry-leading skills, and design software needed for careers in graphic arts, marketing, advertising, and media integration. Study the fundamentals of design, digital photography, illustration, drawing, web design, logo development, corporate branding, and more—all from a Christian worldview.
FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY
Explore art history along with the latest in design technologies.
BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
Develop a professional portfolio highlighting your skill mastery and artistic talents.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Be mentored by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach and online. Meet the faculty.
Explore Scholarships
Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships. Explore all scholarships.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). It is also one of only 24 universities nationally “A” Rated for comprehensive liberal arts curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), 2022. Experience the Regent difference through the BFA in Graphic Arts degree program.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the BFA in Graphic Arts degree, you can:
- Create compelling visual communication.
- Develop industry-standard materials for interactive media and multi-platform campaigns.
- Evaluate visual communication strategies based on data-driven outcomes and popular culture.
Career Opportunities:
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Logo designer
- Layout artist
- Photoshop artist
- Creative/art director
Fundamentals of motion graphics including basic motion graphics principles and elements, design and composition, timing and effects, storyboarding and planning, sound and music synchronization. Industry-standard computer applications introduced and applied.
Provides a critical look at the development of art and design styles, from pre-historic cave paintings through the middle ages.
Provides a critical look at the development of art and design styles, from the Renaissance through to today’s top artists and designers. Prerequisite: ARTA 100.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the hardware systems, design applications and industry practice for graphic design. The lectures and class demonstrations cover the basic techniques and processes of graphic design. Basic fundamentals of professional practice, including: systems, processes, common documents; OSHA guidelines; legal issues pertinent to the creative professions; budgeting; project management: marketing will be introduced.
Students will learn observational skills and drawing techniques to enhance technical abilities and creative responses to materials and subject matter. In-depth investigation of line, perspective, space, atmosphere, erasure, and other key components of animation in a wide range of drawing media will be covered. Weekly group critiques and sketchbook assignments are integrated.
Concept and creation of two-dimensional imagery. Practice in basic principles of design, color and visual organization in traditional, digital and lens-based media. Explores the context of imagery in the larger culture and the future of art and design.
Explores the possibilities of computer as an artist tool to create images and illustration in Adobe Illustrator. Students will develop concept and sketches, generate a number of expressive solutions, and explore illustration techniques with various styles or media, with an emphasis on computer art. Prerequisites: ARTA 100, ARTA 110, ARTA 121.
Introduces basic knowledge and skills in Adobe Photoshop. Students learn the terminologies, concepts, methods and techniques in image manipulation. These skills will be used as a tool for analyzing and creating various images for design. Prerequisites: ARTA 110, ARTA 120, ARTA 121.
Introduces the techniques for taking digital photography, editing and manipulating photos in Adobe Photoshop and Camera Raw. Focuses on photographic effects and techniques used as tools for analyzing and creating various images to be used in design.
Intensive practice in correct rendering of the human and animal forms through skeletal and muscular studies looking at stationary poses as well as figures in motion and basic gesturing. Prerequisite: ARTA 120.
Addresses various areas of typography, from the history of typography, font attributes and categories, to the technical and artistic use of type as a means of communication. Skills in digital typography, type hierarchy and figurative typography will be developed. Prerequisite: ARTA 121.
Addresses the creative solutions of layout composition and digital layout skills in Adobe InDesign. Grid theory, type and imagery in page layout, hierarchy and multi-page document creation explored. How to utilize principles and creative process to develop a concept from sketches to digital layout composition. Prerequisites: ARTA 110, ARTA 121.
Explores the idea of the iconography in graphic design. Logos and other symbolic images are examined in historic and cultural contexts. Various types of logos explored. Emphasis will be on visually representing appropriate forms as graphic symbols. Prerequisite: ARTA 210.
Basic understanding of web design concept, process and techniques. Introduces basic web design using HTML and CSS. Planning and designing effective web pages; implementing web pages by writing HTML and CSS code; enhancing web pages with appropriate design elements; and producing a functional, multi-page website. Prerequisite: ARTA 210.
Introduces basics of print production for graphic designers, including terminology and methods, print cost estimates, font management, color use in print production and current printing technology. Prerequisite: ARTA 220.
Investigates the current concepts, methods and technologies in the design of interactive media. The mechanics of 2-D animation with audio and interactivity will be explored. Prerequisite: ARTA 305.
Creation of original hand-drawn art using Digital hardware and software most particularly Photoshop. Prerequisite: ARTA 130.
Delves deeper into web-related concepts, methods and technologies. Continues to develop planning, usability, content, site management, interactivity, design and production skills for web design. Advanced and dynamic web page design will be covered. Prerequisites: ARTA 305 and ARTA 315.
Investigates the underlying principles of publication design, a mainstay in the study of graphic design, including hierarchy, grid, page layout, typography, sequence and pagination, and digital publishing. Explore concepts, technologies and practices in various areas of publication designs. Prerequisites: ARTA 210 and ARTA 220.
Involves designing and implementing a corporate logo in a branding package which includes stationery, signage, advertising, packaging, web page and other miscellaneous items. Explores concepts of branding and relating them to corporate marketing. Research of many of the famous brands and their impact on us. Prerequisite: ARTA 300.
Directs students to research and plan their own graphic design project through guided examination of some representative graphic design works and class discussion over various topics on art theory and criticism. Research, creative writing and concept development required at this stage. Prerequisites: ARTA 425 and ARTA 430.
Continuation of Senior Project 1. Students must have successfully completed Senior Project 1 before taking this course. The course focuses on the project design process, production and final project delivery and presentation. Prerequisite: ARTA 486.
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
- Submit your application at www.regent.edu/apply.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
- Email your unofficial high school or college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
- Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
- International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved company.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID if Applicable
- All online students and graduate level on-campus students are required to email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
- Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA
- Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent’s school code is 030913.
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,492.50 | 12 - 18 | $18,985 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Under 12 | $7,560 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Over 18 | $11,340 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $630 | N/A | $1,890+ |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,040 | 12 - 18 | $9,040 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $603 | Under 12 | $7,236 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $603 | Over 18 | $10,854 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $603 | N/A | $1,809+ |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $800 (Fall & Spring) $650 (Summer) |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $650 |
What is a graphic arts degree?
A graphic arts degree will teach foundational design through art history and theories while helping you learn industry-standard software needed to pursue a graphic art career. Throughout the program, you will build a portfolio that can be used for applications to internships and jobs.
What can you do with a degree in graphic design?
A degree in graphic design can help you work across industries in marketing, advertising, film, video games, technology, and more. Graphic design is multipurpose and valuable in various professions, including software development, user interface design, and product design.
