Independence University

independence-university

Independence University Computer Design and Development Degrees

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

Independence University offers an Associate of Applied Sciences in Graphic Arts that transforms passion into a career. Students gain an understanding of the skills and software used in both print and web design. The program includes information on planning and creating visual solutions used to address communication challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers in graphic design settings, including ad agencies, communication departments or as freelance designers. Students are provided instruction in programs such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator along with information, page layout, web, logo, and identity design. Courses required include:

  • Advertising Design
  • Advertising Principles
  • Beginning Vector Illustration
  • Beginning Image Editing
  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Digital Animation I
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Graphic Design I & II
  • Information Design I
  • Internet Commerce
  • Layout Design
  • Logo and Identity Design
  • Marketing
  • Package Design
  • Page Layout Tools
  • Portfolio Design
  • Print Production and Color Theory
  • Psychology of Motivation
  • Professional Development
  • Typography
  • Web Design I & II

The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts provides students with an understanding of how organizations communicate messages using print and electronic media. The program is available online and guides participants through the use of illustration, type, photography, animation and other techniques used in graphic design. Graduates are prepared for careers in ad agencies, in-house production departments or as a freelance designer. Students gain an understanding of software such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash. They are also provided instruction in typography, information, page layout, web, logo, and identity, as well as package design along with internet commerce skills. Courses required include:

  • Advanced Advertising Design
  • Advanced Color Theory
  • Advanced Image Editing
  • Advanced Logo Design
  • Advanced Package Design
  • Advanced Print Production
  • Advanced Vector Illustration
  • Advertising Design
  • Advertising Principles
  • Animation Scripting
  • Beginning Vector Illustration
  • Beginning Image Editing
  • Branding and Identity
  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Digital Animation I & II
  • Digital Photography
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Graphic Design I, II & III
  • Graphic Design Business Management
  • Information Design I
  • Intermediate Color Editing
  • Intermediate Vector Editing
  • Internet Commerce
  • Layout Design
  • Logo and Identity Design
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Package Design
  • Page Layout Tools
  • Portfolio Design
  • Print Production and Color Theory
  • Psychology of Motivation
  • Professional Development
  • Typography
  • Web Design I & II
  • Web Portfolio Design

Independence University offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts with an information design emphasis that not only prepares students for careers in graphic arts but also with the skills to present information in the most effective way. Students learn to convey messages attractively and artistically while also developing skills in connecting with the right audience at the right time, encouraging them to take action. Courses required for the program include:

  • Advanced Advertising Design
  • Advanced Color Theory
  • Advanced Image Editing
  • Advanced Logo Design
  • Advanced Package Design
  • Advanced Vector Illustration
  • Beginning Vector Illustration
  • Beginning Image Editing
  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Digital Animation I & II
  • Digital Photography
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Graphic Design I, II & III
  • Graphic Design Business Management
  • Information Design I
  • Intermediate Color Editing
  • Intermediate Vector Editing
  • Internet Commerce
  • Layout Design
  • Logo and Identity Design
  • Organizational Design and Change
  • Package Design
  • Page Layout Tools
  • Portfolio Design
  • Print Production and Color Theory
  • Psychology of Motivation
  • Professional Development
  • Selling and Sales Management
  • Typography
  • Web Design I & II

About Independence University

Independence University is part of a family of nonprofit college and universities known as the Center for Excellence in Higher Education which began as far back as 1891. Originally, the school was known as California College for Health Sciences, offering distance programs as early as 1978. The school was renamed Independence University in 2005 in order to more accurately reflect the degree programs offered by the school. In 2010, Independence University merged with Stevens-Henager College, becoming a branch of that school’s main campus in Ogden/West Haven, Utah.

Today, Independence University focuses on online education with a mission to see each student succeed. Despite being an online university, Independence offers the same student support and service found in traditional on-campus learning.

Independence University Accreditation Details

Independence University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. This indicates that the school meets or exceeds standards that demonstrate excellence in higher education and that the school agrees to periodic review to confirm that those standards are still met. In addition, the Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Master of Science in Nursing Education are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Independence University Admissions Requirements

In order to apply to attend Independence University, applicants must either call or complete an online form. A short career questionnaire is required as is an interview with a financial planner. An admissions consultant reviews the career assessment and answers any questions the applicant may have. Finally, students must interview with the Director of Admissions who will determine if they are eligible for admission. Students who have earned college credit after graduation may be able to save up to 75 percent of the cost of their degree by transferring credits to Independence University. All transfer students must discuss what credits may transfer with an admissions specialist. In addition, Independence University may offer credit for qualifying military experience, advanced placement courses, college-level examination and college-recognized certifications, including Microsoft Office Specialist.

Independence University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Independence University is $16,968 per year. Tuition includes all books and supplies as well as a new tablet and laptop that the student keeps after graduation. Tutoring, career services and refresher courses after graduation are also included.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid, as well as student loans, which must be repaid upon graduation. In order to be eligible for financial aid, all students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be renewed annually. Independence University also accepts military and employment benefits.

Independence University offers several graphics design degrees that are available entirely online, allowing working adults to achieve their higher education goals so that they can move into a new career or advance in a current career.