Graphic Design
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in graphic design equips you with skills in Adobe Creative Cloud programs, interactive media and coding techniques so you can channel your creativity into meaningful digital design and marketing solutions. Through project-oriented curriculum that leads to a professional portfolio, you’ll be prepared to analyze and respond to graphic design and digital marketing needs in a variety of business settings.
Program Benefits
- Graduate with the skills you need to be competitive in the job market.
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and jobs available in the exciting Nashville market.
What to Expect
As a student in Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in graphic design program, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to make your mark in our increasingly digital and visual world. Companies of all kinds, from large organizations to schools to non-profits, need graphic designers to help with branding, visual communication and design strategies. Your degree prepares you to meet these needs and develop user experience solutions for websites and web applications.
This program equips you to capitalize on your creativity, taking classes that balance hands-on technical skills with communication and branding strategies for maximizing design impact. You’ll learn to use programs from Adobe’s Creative Cloud such as Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. You’ll also gain experience in sound design, animation, interactive media, coding techniques and typography as part of your core courses. And you can tailor your education to match your interests and goals by choosing from one of the following specialization tracks:
- Web Design and Development
- Rich Media Design
- Social Media and Digital Marketing
- UX Design
- Game Design and Development
- Specialized Computing
Throughout the program, you’ll also compile your many projects into a professional portfolio that can provide potential employers with tangible evidence of your skillset and work.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your graphic design degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and your goals.

Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreCareer Opportunities
With a degree in graphic design from Trevecca, you’ll be ready to enter an exciting career or continue with graduate studies. Your degree prepares you to succeed in roles like these:
- Graphic designer
- UX designer
- Video game designer
- User interface designer
- Video and film editor
- Art director
- Creative director
- Drafter (architecture and engineering)
- Industrial/product designer
- Marketing manager
“Trevecca prepared me with a solid foundation in design and software skills. I’ve been able to use my design skills to bring the gospel to people in a powerful, visual way.”
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
English Composition I
ENG 1020
Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.
English Composition II: Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking
ENG 1080
Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.
Speech Communication
COM 1010
A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.
Financial Stewardship
BUS 2010
Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.
Introduction to Health and Wellness
HPE 1500
Designed to assist the student in their understanding and development of a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on the components and behaviors that promote lifelong, positive outcomes in the five dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Includes a fitness laboratory component. Fee charged.
Problem Solving: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach
MAT 1080
This course is designed to promote students' understanding and appreciation of mathematics and to develop quantitative and problem solving skills. The course will further introduce students to a wide range of applications of mathematics to modern life. Topics will be selected from linear and non-linear models, logic, sets, probability, counting techniques, statistics, matrices, and game theory.
Issues in Science
SCI 2600
An introduction to themes in the natural sciences that have significantly impacted our world. Among the themes discussed are relativity, modern cosmology, evolutionary thought, biotechnology, advances in modern medicine, biodiversity, and the use of natural resources. Scientific discoveries will be approached with both a historical perspective and a consideration of current and future applications. Interactions of scientific thought and the Christian worldview are considered. Lecture.
Life Science
SCI 1500
A study of biological concepts including the chemistry of life, principles of inheritance, evolutionary theories, biological organization of various organisms, and relationships between organisms and their environment. Issues related to current advances in biotechnology and medicine are also considered. The process of scientific inquiry is emphasized and practiced in both the lecture and laboratory. Fee charged.
World Literature
ENG 2000
Designed to engage students in dialogue with a variety of Western and Non-Western world literature, past and present. ENG 2000 is a recommended prerequisite for all upper-level literature courses.
Introduction to Biblical Faith
REL 2000
An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.
Christian Tradition
REL 3000
An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.
Christian Life and Ministry
REL 4000
An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society.
Fine Arts
MUS 1500
Designed to give students a historical perspective of music, art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
BUS 2300
Designed to teach the student concepts and skills needed to succeed in an entrepreneurial venture. It will include understanding unique characteristics an entrepreneur should possess, and it will view marketing, economics, finance, accounting, management, communication and legal issues from a small business perspective.
Applied Logic and Mathematics for Computing
ITI 2540
The symbiotic relationship between the computing disciplines and mathematics has a long history. The foundations of hardware, software, networks, security, and digital multimedia rooted in theoretical and applied mathematics. This course will explore the mathematics of basic algorithm analysis, data structures, Boolean logic, sets, relations, functions, countability, computability, and complexity as applied to the computing domains. Special emphasis will be given to the practical applications of the binary and hexadecimal number system across the computing disciplines and the development of the theoretical finite state automation.
Business Analytics and Intelligence
ITI 3250
Enterprises today gather massive amounts of data that are archived using a variety of storage systems and technologies. Organizations now realize the value of accessing, synthesizing, and analyzing that vast data store to create business value. The ability to transform this data into business information that will enable managers and executives to make informed strategic business decisions has now become essential to business competitiveness. Using a variety of innovative analytical tools, the student will learn to harness the power of data to solve business problems as well as suggest new directions to create value for business.
Foundations of Software Design and Development
ITI 2160
Technology is all around us. It is deeply embedded and integrated into our daily lives. More than ever technology and design is the fabric of our culture, society, and core for modern business. Not only is technology the key enabler for strategic growth in today's digital economy but it is also a foundational pillar of communication around the world. From social media to online commerce, programming is the core foundational tool that organizations use to run their businesses. More than ever businesses need creative problem solvers to help expand their reach through technology enablement. You will begin your journey here in this course to empower modern businesses to succeed in our digital economy. You will begin to learn the fundamental principles that are the underlying framework for technology. That is to say that programming is the key element that drives the capabilities of simple to advanced systems. In this course, you will be learning a creative approach to problem-solving with code that is both scalable and timeless.
Foundations of Web Design and Development
ITI 2170
The ubiquitous aspects of the web are at all intersections of modern life. Instead of having social and business communications and applications walled off and only accessible as desktop applications, the Internet provides a development environment and ecosystem to facilitate serious and powerful computing, accessible to people around the globe. In this course students will learn the core fundamental principles and tenets of web technologies and development methodologies. This course is designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and scripting web sites. Major web scripting languages are covered in detail. Students will also learn how to implement visual design principles and digital design software. Through a project-based approach, students will develop the skills needed to develop web sites in a business environment.
Foundations of Data and Database Management
ITI 2180
Computers in all visible and hidden forms, from embedded chips to supercomputers, must input, output, store, and process data. Foundationally critical is the understanding that the digital world is binary data in all forms, including computer instructions we call software. The characteristics, structure, and meaning of this data must be understood by the computing professional to adequately protect and transform it into meaningful information and appropriate uses. Digital representations of our world requires professionals to accurately and efficiently store, search, retrieve, classify, analyze, and report this information. In this course the student will lay a foundation of understanding to accurately interpret what "digital" means and how binary data is stored, retrieved, and moved in software applications, operating system file subsystems, communications networks, and more complex relational and non-relational databases. Through problem sets and hands-on exercises, students will apply concepts to practice. There is no area of study in computing technology that is not touched by the storage, retrieval, and manipulation of binary data.
Foundations of Cybersecurity and Forensics
ITI 2380
Because of increased cyber threats on financial, health, and other information, securing what is important to us has become a priority to companies and individuals. This course is designed to provide an in-depth introduction to wide range of cybersecurity issues confronting organizations today and the methods by which practitioners can secure a business environment. Since significant investments are being made in the security of networks and the IT infrastructure today, specific emphasis is placed on global network based threats and vulnerabilities. Other topics include physical security, access control, authentication, authorization, data security and integrity, encryption, recovery, computer forensics, penetration testing and business continuance. Students will learn about and work with firewalls, network security, application security, email security, and tools for securing, monitoring, and auditing the IT environment.
Portfolio Assessment I
ITI 3975
The Portfolio I course is designed to prepare students to create a digital online presence in order to competitively position themselves in the marketplace. Students are prepared to develop a communication and presentation strategy that best suits their career goals.
Information Technology Internship I
ITI 4900
The IT internship offers deep learning and mentoring in an IT-related applied setting for which students receive academic credit under the guidance of the University "Learning Contract". The applied experience is onsite at an outside employer. The internship requires the onsite supervisor to establish written expectations for a project-based experience, meets regularly with the student, and provides a written evaluation using a format provided by the university. At 55 hours per credit hour a 3 credit hour work experience will result in 15 hours per week per semester (165 hours total), or 4 weeks of full time.
Portfolio Assessment II
ITI 4975
This senior presentation course is the culmination of your studies, meant to help you demonstrate talent, skills and presentation, and communication abilities. This experience will not only provide you the opportunity to begin honing your skills in presenting your work to be used for expanding your career, but it will allow you to receive feedback from experienced designers and developers from the industry on ways you can improve your portfolio as you begin your job hunt. While it is critical to show finished work which reflects strong concepts, design and technical abilities, it is also important to be able to demonstrate the process used to create the work along with the reasoning which led its final form. Each senior is allowed to present 4- 5 projects. These projects can have multiple components but, in total, can't exceed a total of 10. Presentations are to be, at least, 10 minutes and no longer than 15 and are to be made digitally online or with a projector. The presentation should cover your creative process from beginning to end.
Senior Seminar in Computing
ITI 4980
The senior seminar is a learning space where students actively evaluate and critique the questions, controversies, and complexities of the information technology, information systems, computer science, and graphic design disciplines. While developing disciplinary and research skills, students lead discussions that explore current topics and challenges of intellectual importance. The seminar is facilitated by the faculty member with the goal of preparing students for academic research and professional success.
Entrepreneurial Marketing for Small Business
BUS 2410
Marketing today for small business is more dynamic and more challenging than ever before. What should one do when starting a new business? In this course students will learn the successful strategies that often propel successful businesses. From the foundational principles of marketing for a small business to the guerrilla marketing tactics that are employed to help it succeed the student will be involved with the complete range of marketing activities to help a business startup to succeed.
Foundations of UX Design
ITI 2140
Deeply rooted in the success of digital experiences is a key intersection between psychology and sociology. User Experience design (or UX Design) is the study and practice of the psychological and design principles of how users interact with interactive systems. This course is a formal study of human computer interaction, information architecture, and usability design. Students will learn analysis and design techniques that will help them to evaluate users, styles, tasks and other factors of the human-computer interface. The course provides a foundation for students to be able to build effective computer interfaces that support human needs and improved productivity. Students are also introduced to UX History and current research. The total spectrum of human-computer interaction is contained within the field of User Experience design. This course focuses on the interactive design process in order to generate rapid prototypes that are used to steer business and product design decisions. This course will teach students how to take a concept from prototype to digital product. Students will learn how to transform ideas into tangible reality. Students will learn how to develop user stories and user tasks that will be utilized for the shaping of the product definition and functionality, while at the same time learning how to build a design and a development road map.
Graphic Design and Imaging I
ITI 3800
Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing graphics and images primarily for Web-based use. Students will gain experience with industry software used for design and imaging such as PhotoShop and Fireworks. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and developing images in the business environment.
Graphic Design and Imaging II
ITI 3810
Designed to be a continuation of ITI 3800, Graphic Design and Imaging I. In this advanced studio-based class, students implement creative solutions for the fields of advertising and marketing. Students further their knowledge of corporate identity, trademarks, and visual presence while gaining an understanding of the cultural impact of their work. Emphasis is given to typographic implementation for challenging projects.
Digital Typography
ITI 4830
A study of the design and use of basic letter forms, typographic contrast, hierarchy of information, major type families and characteristics, history of design and typographic grids. Students build skills for the art of typesetting and typographic layout, and for expressive typography and conceptual thinking.
Corporate Identity and Advertising Design
ITI 3840
In this advanced studio-based class, students implement creative solutions for the fields of advertising and marketing. Students further their knowledge of corporate identity, trademarks, and visual presence while gaining an understanding of the cultural impact of their work. Emphasis is given to typographic implementation for challenging projects.
Choose a Track
Game Design and Development
TRACK
In this course students learn and apply game design principles for real-world projects. Students engage in the core principles of game systems and logic through the design and creation of finite state machines. Students learn how to create project documentation in order to analyze business products and needs in conjunction with technical and design solutions.
Game design is one of the fastest growing and largest sectors of online digital products. During this course, students learn how to create game design solutions that fully integrate 3D modeling, materials, and Lighting in real-time 3D environments. Students develop their skills in creating immersive experiences through the implementation of core principles. Students learn advanced 3D software applications while developing solutions for digital products and consumption by international audiences.
Throughout this advanced game programming course, students execute a level design plan and perform the necessary programming to bring a level design fully to life. Students engage in optimization and performance issues and differentiate technical solutions for a variety of game platforms. Students learn how to program user interactions and animations in a real-time 3D game engine through the translation of design documents created in prior courses.
This hands-on course is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate all that they have learned through their course of study. In a world that is driven by results it is imperative for students to clearly demonstrate their skills and knowledge through portfolio materials. In this course students will build on their prior experience in order to create a final capstone project. Their final project will demonstrate their abilities in user experience thinking, product design and development, and problem solving with game design. Additionally, students will work with their professor to create and refine a resume that targets their career of choice. All efforts are aligned to the task of assembling an online portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to solve complex problems in game design and development.
Rich Media Design
TRACK
Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing multimedia applications for Web-based use. Emphasis will be on video and sound. Students will gain experience with industry software used for designing and developing multimedia such as Flash, Director, and Dreamweaver. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and developing multimedia applications for the Web in the business environment.
Designed to teach students the necessary skills to effectively communicate using the time-based medium, sound. During the course students learn the technical aspects of sound production while developing creative abilities to portray concepts in business and entertainment environments. Students will learn all the major aspects of digital sound production with a special emphasis on Web related work including multi-track recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and adding dynamics and effects.
Designed to teach students how to use video as a creative means of communication. Students learn camera and lighting techniques and non-linear video editing. Rigorous formal studies into the history of video art prepare students to create technically sound and creatively charged projects in the fields of business and entertainment.
Designed to teach students the necessary skills to effectively create and use digital animation and motion graphics. In addition to animation history and theories, students will learn all the major aspects of creating three dimensional animation and motion graphics for business and entertainment. Hands-on lab work with industry leading tools is a significant part of this course.
Social Media and Digital Marketing
TRACK
Determining why customers act and behave in certain patterns can help business leaders make informed decisions for their companies. In this course students learn the core fundamental tenets of user experience design and the role of psychology in creating immersive and rewarding user experience. Students conduct applied research and data analysis for real-world business solutions in order to implement strategies for creating world-class customer experiences with increased customer retention and engagement.
This class focuses on the creation and refinement of graphical assets. Using the elements and principles of design, students refine their personal workflows to efficiently create meaningful assets. Students will create graphical assets that are in line with industry expectations, applying their unique voices to those assets. Emphasis is put on the development of a personal, artistic style.
Digital marketing has become a pillar for modern business owners in order to attract new customers, gain new leads, and maintain relationships with an international audience. This course build on the time-tested practices with traditional marketing including the practices established by direct-response marketing. In today's digital economy having a website is no longer the only digital tool required in order for companies to grow, drive, and survive. As the number of product offerings grow on an exponential basis, companies need targeted methods to attract their target customers and to maintain relationships and maintain them as viable paying customers. Social media provides the technical ecosystem and framework that allows companies to target their ideal customers while implementing a scalable framework that can be implemented to build and nurture relationships at scale. Additionally, search engine optimization mechanisms allow companies to become findable online for customers who are searching for their offerings. By coupling digital social media strategies and search engine optimization companies are able to attract more customers and scale their sales initiatives to new heights.
During this course students work directly with business owners to be their marketing strategy and implementation team. Students select a company that needs a digital marketing presence and create the marketing strategy based on business strategies. Students employ digital literacy skills in the process of creating marketing automation and sales funnels.
Specialized Computing
TRACK
General Electives — 7-8 hours
*ITI 4900: 3 hours required.
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.