Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Graphic Design, Specialization in Digital Advocacy Branding

Academic unitHBIU College of Arts and HumanitiesTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Graphic Design

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Graphic Design core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Graphic Design, Specialization in Digital Advocacy Branding, provides a comprehensive education in visual communication, aesthetic theory, and digital strategy. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances technical proficiency in design software with the critical thinking skills necessary for modern digital storytelling. The program emphasizes the role of the designer as a communicator and steward of visual information within contemporary cultural landscapes.

By integrating principles of ethical visual communication with advanced branding techniques, the program prepares students to navigate the complex intersections of faith, culture, and digital media. The specialization in Digital Advocacy Branding focuses on the creation of persuasive visual narratives that serve non-profit organizations, community initiatives, and mission-driven institutions. Graduates leave the program equipped to leverage their creative talents in service to society, informed by a strong commitment to character and professional excellence.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Graphic Design combines a comprehensive general education foundation with intensive study in design theory, visual communication, digital media ethics, human development, cultural research, strategic messaging, and community-based branding strategies. The curriculum provides students with the critical technical skills and theological framework necessary to develop impactful visual narratives and communication platforms that serve organizational missions and community support objectives.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.A. in Faith-Based Graphic Design
Total program length: 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Four academic years
General education: 36 credit hours
Professional application courses: 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 6 credit hours
Academic unit: HBIU College of Arts and Humanities
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Apply advanced principles of graphic design, typography, and color theory to solve complex visual communication problems.
Evaluate the impact of digital media strategies on audience behavior and cultural perception.
Design comprehensive brand identities that effectively articulate the values and mission of advocacy-focused organizations.
Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into all phases of the creative production process.
Demonstrate servant leadership through collaborative design projects and community-focused advocacy efforts.
Communicate visual concepts effectively through both professional-grade digital artifacts and oral presentations.
Analyze the historical and contemporary intersections between faith-based initiatives and digital media landscape.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES101
Fundamentals of Design
4
None
ENG101
Academic Writing
3
None
SOC110
Foundations of Community Engagement
3
None
HIS105
World History I
3
None
DES101 — Fundamentals of Design: An introduction to the elements and principles of design. Students explore visual composition and basic artistic techniqueThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ENG101 — Academic Writing: Focuses on the development of critical thinking and effective communication skills. Students practice research and formal writingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC110 — Foundations of Community Engagement: This course examines the social dynamics and organizational structures that facilitate effective participation within local and global civil society. Students explore models of civic responsibility and the role of social connectivity in fostering sustainable community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS105 — World History I: A survey of global history from antiquity to the Renaissance. Focuses on the cultural shifts that shaped human civilizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 2 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES102
Typography and Layout
4
DES101
MAT110
Quantitative Reasoning
3
None
COM120
Introduction to Public Discourse
3
None
SOC101
Introduction to Sociology
3
None
DES102 — Typography and Layout: Covers the mechanics of font usage and page structure. Explores the hierarchy of information in digital and print formatsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning: Introduces statistical analysis and logic. Applies mathematical concepts to real-world problem solvingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM120 — Introduction to Public Discourse: Develops skills in oral communication and rhetorical analysis. Students learn to present ideas clearly in professional settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: Provides an overview of social structures and human interaction. Focuses on community dynamics and social engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 3 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES201
Digital Imaging and Illustration
4
DES102
BUS205
Principles of Marketing
3
None
PSY101
General Psychology
3
None
HUM210
Ethics and Values
3
None
DES201 — Digital Imaging and Illustration: Focuses on advanced software usage for image manipulation. Develops technical skills in professional-grade creative toolsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS205 — Principles of Marketing: Analyzes market strategies and consumer behavior. Discusses ethical approaches to business growth and outreachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY101 — General Psychology: A foundational study of human behavior and mental processes. Explores biological, cognitive, and social factorsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HUM210 — Ethics and Values: Examines moral frameworks and their application to modern issues. Encourages deep ethical deliberation and character developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 4 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES202
Brand Identity Design
4
DES201
COM250
Digital Storytelling
3
COM120
RES200
Research Methods
3
None
MIN220
Community Engagement
3
None
DES202 — Brand Identity Design: Focuses on the construction of brand systems and visual assets. Explores how imagery informs cultural identity and public trustThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM250 — Digital Storytelling: Explores the craft of narrative construction for digital audiences. Connects audience engagement with content strategyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES200 — Research Methods: Teaches systematic approaches to data collection and information synthesis. Prepares students for evidence-based decision makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MIN220 — Community Engagement: Analyzes practical methods for serving community needs through collaborative projects. Focuses on servant leadership in actionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 5 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES301
Interactive Design and UX
4
DES202
MGT310
Leadership and Organizational Strategy
3
None
BIO300
Environmental Stewardship
3
None
ELECT101
General Elective
3
None
DES301 — Interactive Design and UX: Introduces user experience principles and interface design. Focuses on accessibility and user-centered design strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MGT310 — Leadership and Organizational Strategy: Explores theories of leadership and team management. Discusses stewardship in the context of institutional governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BIO300 — Environmental Stewardship: Investigates the intersection of ecological responsibility and technology. Addresses global issues from a lens of sustainable practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ELECT101 — General Elective: Opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden academic expertiseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 6 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES302
Digital Advocacy Branding
4
DES301
COM330
Crisis and Strategic Communication
3
COM250
HIS350
Cultural History of Media
3
HIS105
ELECT102
General Elective
3
None
DES302 — Digital Advocacy Branding: Focuses on the application of design to support social advocacy and non-profit missions. Analyzes the power of visual persuasionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM330 — Crisis and Strategic Communication: Provides strategies for communicating effectively during complex social scenarios. Emphasizes transparency and ethical alignmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS350 — Cultural History of Media: Explores how visual media has shaped societal values over the last century. Analyzes the evolution of communication technologiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ELECT102 — General Elective: Opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden academic expertiseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 7 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
DES401
Advanced Portfolio Development
4
DES302
BUS410
Professional Ethics and Stewardship
3
MGT310
ELECT103
General Elective
3
None
ELECT104
General Elective
3
None
DES401 — Advanced Portfolio Development: Assists students in curating a professional portfolio. Focuses on industry presentation and technical career preparationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS410 — Professional Ethics and Stewardship: Explores the integration of business goals and social impact. Emphasizes character-driven decision making in the workplaceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ELECT103 — General Elective: Opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden academic expertiseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ELECT104 — General Elective: Opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden academic expertiseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 8 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CAP490
Senior Capstone Project
6
DES401
COM405
Integrative Communication and Social Impact
3
CHR101
ELECT105
General Elective
4
None
CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The final integration of design skills, ethical reflection, and advocacy planning. Students produce a comprehensive campaign for a community partnerThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM405 — Integrative Communication and Social Impact: This course focuses on synthesizing organizational messaging with public advocacy strategies to advance specific social and community goals. Students analyze how to align institutional branding with actionable communication frameworks to maximize impact and public visibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
ELECT105 — General Elective: Opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests and broaden academic expertiseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an official transcript, a personal essay detailing their commitment to ethical service, and a creative portfolio demonstrating foundational artistic aptitude. Admission decisions are made based on a holistic review of academic potential, creative readiness, and an alignment with the institution's values of community engagement and integrity. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, carrying a weight of 6 credit hours. It requires students to design and execute a comprehensive digital advocacy campaign for an approved non-profit or mission-based organization. This project encompasses the entire branding lifecycle, including research, visual strategy, content creation, and an impact analysis report that demonstrates professional proficiency. Beyond technical achievement, the capstone integrates spiritual formation by requiring a reflective portfolio that articulates the student’s growth in ethical reasoning and servant leadership. Students must evaluate how their design decisions reflect their commitment to biblical stewardship and the promotion of human flourishing. Through this synthesis of creative work and character reflection, students demonstrate their readiness to enter the professional world as informed, responsible, and faith-centered practitioners.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

The complete HBIU curriculum is protected.

Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.

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Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graduation is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all core design requirements, general education requirements, and the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project. Students must also fulfill institutional requirements for spiritual formation, which include documented participation in community service initiatives and verified attendance in university-sponsored chapel or community dialogue events.
Academic achievement is viewed as inherently connected to spiritual and character maturity. Therefore, students are expected to demonstrate personal integrity and a dedication to the principles of servant leadership throughout their tenure. By the time of graduation, students are expected to have cultivated the professional and ethical foundations necessary to pursue vocations that align with their call to serve others with excellence and humility.
Career Opportunities
Digital Brand Strategist
Creative Director for Non-Profit Organizations
Visual Communication Specialist
Advocacy Campaign Designer
Content Marketing Coordinator
Social Media Communications Manager
Digital Media Consultant
Important Notices
The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
Degree abbreviation | B.A. in Faith-Based Graphic Design
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years
General education | 36 credit hours
Faith-Based Graphic Design core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES101 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 | None
ENG101 | Academic Writing | 3 | None
SOC110 | Foundations of Community Engagement | 3 | None
HIS105 | World History I | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES102 | Typography and Layout | 4 | DES101
MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
COM120 | Introduction to Public Discourse | 3 | None
SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES201 | Digital Imaging and Illustration | 4 | DES102
BUS205 | Principles of Marketing | 3 | None
PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
HUM210 | Ethics and Values | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES202 | Brand Identity Design | 4 | DES201
COM250 | Digital Storytelling | 3 | COM120
RES200 | Research Methods | 3 | None
MIN220 | Community Engagement | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES301 | Interactive Design and UX | 4 | DES202
MGT310 | Leadership and Organizational Strategy | 3 | None
BIO300 | Environmental Stewardship | 3 | None
ELECT101 | General Elective | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES302 | Digital Advocacy Branding | 4 | DES301
COM330 | Crisis and Strategic Communication | 3 | COM250
HIS350 | Cultural History of Media | 3 | HIS105
ELECT102 | General Elective | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
DES401 | Advanced Portfolio Development | 4 | DES302
BUS410 | Professional Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | MGT310
ELECT103 | General Elective | 3 | None
ELECT104 | General Elective | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | DES401
COM405 | Integrative Communication and Social Impact | 3 | CHR101
ELECT105 | General Elective | 4 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Digital Brand Strategist
Creative Director for Non-Profit Organizations
Visual Communication Specialist
Advocacy Campaign Designer
Content Marketing Coordinator
Social Media Communications Manager
Digital Media Consultant

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

Important Notices

The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
Degree abbreviation | B.A. in Faith-Based Graphic Design
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years