There are various ways to pursue and achieve your career goals as a graphic designer. One of those ways is by getting a graphic design certificate. Graphic design certificates range from beginner at the undergraduate level to advanced at the graduate level. The programs aim to equip you with industry-standard skills to increase your market value.
A graphic design certificate program can help entry-level and expert professionals boost their skills and attain career growth. This article contains in-depth information on some of the best graphic design certificates to help new professionals become graphic designers and experienced graphic designers achieve their career goals. Read on to see if a graphic design college certificate is the right choice for you.
What Is a Graphic Design Certificate College Program?
A graphic design certificate college program is designed to build the fundamental skills required to work as a professional in the industry. It can be used to enter the graphic design industry, upgrade your skills, or attain career advancement. There are various types of certificate programs and the purpose of the certificate will likely determine which one you pursue.
What’s the Difference Between a College Graphic Design Certificate and Professional Certification in Graphic Design?
The difference between a college graphic design certificate and professional certification in graphic design is that a certificate is used to prepare students for a job role, while a certification serves as evidence of skills, passing an exam, and meeting industry standards. Certifications are standardized as they are used mainly by national organizations.
Graphic Design College Certificate vs Graphic Design Certification: Key Differences
| Graphic Design Certificate | Graphic Design Certification |
|---|---|
| To earn a certificate, you typically don’t require any level of skill or experience. | Certifications may require you to have a certain level of experience or skills and, in some cases, degrees or certificates. |
| Certificates of completion do not expire and do not require renewal. | Certifications expire and require renewal based on the organization’s policy. |
| Certificates once completed don’t require you to take any further courses or achieve further expertise. | Certifications may come in different stages that demonstrate your level of experience, with the highest stage showing maximum expertise. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Graphic Design Certificate at College?
It takes less than a year to get a graphic design certificate at college. The specific duration will depend on the program, the school, and in some cases, the student. However, the standard time length is six months and may be divided into two semesters, three months each. Some programs may take longer, especially graduate certificate programs.
Best Graphic Design Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | Graphic Design Fundamentals | $135/credit (for students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) |
| Community College of Denver | Graphic Design Certificate | $247.35/credit (in state); $629.25 (out of state) |
| Frederick Community College | Graphic Design Certificate (Career) | $158.34/credit (in county); $311.34/credit (out of county); $411.34/credit (out of state) |
| Kellogg Community College | Graphic Design Certificate | $154.50/credit (resident); $233.75/credit (nonresident); $321.25/credit (out of state) |
| Mesa Community College | Certificate of Completion in Graphic Design | $85/credit (in county); $441/credit (out of county); $326/credit (out of state) |
| North Shore Community College | Graphic Design Certificate | $223/credit |
| Pickens Technical College | Multimedia Graphic Design Certificate | $1,646/semester |
| Pitt Community College | Advertising and Graphic Design Certificate | $76/credit (in state); $268/credit (out of state) |
| Springfield Technical Community College | Graphic Design | $190/credit |
| Tunxis Community College | Graphic Design | $174/credit (in state); $523/credit (out of state) |
Best Undergraduate Graphic Design Certificate Programs: Explained
This section includes the best undergraduate graphic design certificate programs. It has online, in-person, and hybrid programs offered in community colleges and four-year universities. Find more details below.
This program from Brigham Young University will help students build a strong foundation in graphic design and teach them to deliver effective products to their target audience. They will learn to deliver using industry-standard tools and software and follow an effective design process. The curriculum covers graphic design, typography, user experience design, and online media.
Graphic Design Fundamentals Details
- Cost: $135/credit (for students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Be at least 17 years old, computer requirements
This program is designed to prepare students to begin careers in graphic design. They will learn the skills necessary to join the workforce and pursue employment in fields like web design, branding, publication design, advertising, package design, and environmental graphic design. Some of the courses include typography, visual concepts, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.
Graphic Design Details
- Cost: $247.35/credit (in state); $629.25 (out of state)
- Length: 30 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid, online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This program is designed to equip students with the core skills needed to function in the graphic design world. It trains them to become experts in using relevant industry-standard software to create exceptional designs and gain entry-level or intermediate job roles. The curriculum covers topics like mass communication, graphic design, web design, digital photography, and digital video production.
Graphic Design Certificate (Career) Details
- Cost: $158.34/credit (in county); $311.34/credit (out of county); $411.34/credit (out of state)
- Length: 25 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: ACT/SAT, placement tests
This program from Kellogg Community College is designed to prepare students to join today's fast-paced world. Students who take this certificate program will be equipped with the creative skills and essential tools necessary to become professional graphic designers and land entry-level roles.
The program’s curriculum includes web design, 2D design, digital color photography, graphic design, typography, and digital imaging. Students who get this certificate can transfer credits toward an associate degree in graphic design.
Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $154.50/credit (resident); $233.75/credit (nonresident); $321.25/credit (out of state)
- Length: 33 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: English proficiency
This certificate program from Mesa Community College will help students build the relevant knowledge and skills required to become professional graphic designers. Graduates can find employment as art directors, graphic designers, and production artists. The curriculum includes courses like digital arts, graphic arts, 2D media design, digital photography, and art marketing.
Certificate of Completion in Graphic Design Details
- Cost: $85/credit (in county); $441/credit (out of county); $326/credit (out of state)
- Length: 34 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: ACT/SAT or placement tests
This program will build students’ technical and non-technical skills to help them join the graphic design community. Students will explore their creativity and style and become well equipped to land entry-level roles upon completion of this North Shore Community College program.
At the end of the program, students will have a portfolio of designs to showcase to potential employers and have a competitive edge in the job market. The curriculum includes electronic imaging, web design, and digital illustration.
Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $223/credit
- Length: 28 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This Pickens Technical College four-semester certificate program is designed to prepare students for different design and multimedia careers, including graphic and digital design. Students who take this program will learn various software programs, web design, illustrations and animation, logo design, and poster design, among other topics.
Multimedia Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $1,646/semester
- Length: 47 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This Pitt Community College program curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to find employment in the graphic design field. It covers graphic design courses like typography, graphic design, illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Advertising and Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $76/credit (in state); $268/credit (out of state)
- Length: 14-15 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: ACT/SAT, placement testing
This one-year program prepares students for entry-level job positions as graphic designers. Those who complete the program can work in graphic design, publishing, prepress, and web design as they would’ve built skills in typography, layout, digital prepress, and production. The curriculum consists of digital publishing, layout design, digital imaging, and digital illustration.
Graphic Design Details
- Cost: $190/credit
- Length: 25 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Students enrolled in this program from Tunxis Community College will be prepared to join the workforce and land entry-level roles or transfer into an associate degree program. At the end of the program, students will be skilled in visual literacy and creative expression, visual communication, and critical thinking.
They will also have media and technical skills, understand project management, and be fully prepared to practice as professionals in the field. The curriculum will include design principles, digital imaging, and digital illustrations.
Graphic Design Details
- Cost: $174/credit (in state); $523/credit (out of state)
- Length: 30 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Course placement test
Graphic Design College Certificate Program vs Graphic Design Associate Degree
A graphic design associate degree is earned through a two-year academic undergraduate program that can be taken after high school. A certificate program is a specialized on-year program that awads students a certificate instead of a diploma. Below are the differences between a graphic design college certificate program and a graphic design associate degree.
- Program length. A certificate program takes less than a year to complete while an associate degree takes two years or four semesters.
- Purpose. A graphic design certificate program is primarily used to enhance your skills, pursue career growth, and attain your career goals. An associate degree is earned to join or transition to a new field or get a chance to pursue a bachelor’s degree. It is rarely used for the purpose of career growth as a higher degree would be required for that.
- Number of credits/units. The total number of credits required to graduate with an associate degree is a minimum of 60 while a certificate program will require significantly less than that. Some certificate programs require just 15 credit hours while others may require as much as 35 or 40.
- Transfer of credits. The credits earned in certificate programs taken at community colleges may be transferred to an associate degree in the same field or school. The credits earned in an associate degree program can be transferred to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Graphic Design Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate graphic design certificate is worth it because it can be used to pursue entry-level graphic design jobs. It can also be used to upgrade your skills and boost your resume. Having many certificate programs on your graphic design resume demonstrates hard work and dedication to your craft. It will also serve as evidence of skills to your potential employer.
Best Graphic Design Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pratt Institute | Graphic Design Certificate | $8,000/certificate |
| Red Rocks Community College | Graphic Design-Advanced Web Design Certificate | $153.35/credit (resident); $629.25/credit (non-resident) |
| Sessions College | Professional Certificate in Graphic Design | $2,750 (Professional Certificate); $3,750 (Professional Certificate PLUS) |
| Southern Methodist University | Graphic Design Certificate | $3,995/certificate |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Graphic Design Certificate | $3,899/certificate |
| University of California-San Diego | Graphic and Web Design Certificate | $14,500/certificate |
Best Graduate Graphic Design Certificate Programs Explained
This section covers the best graduate graphic design certificate programs. You will find here brief information on each program, including the cost, duration, admission requirements, and program description. Read on for more.
In this Pratt Institute program, students will learn and master Adobe CC. They will learn to communicate as professional graphic designers through typography, layout, color, and image. The program includes multiple electives for students to choose an area of focus, like web design, UX/UI design, digital product design, branding and digital marketing, and photography and video production.
Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $8,000/certificate
- Length: N/A
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This Red Rocks Community College program is designed to make students professional graphic designers. They will explore their creativity and gain many opportunities to forge rewarding career paths, including in web design. The program covers basic design elements and helps students build the skills necessary to work with professional organizations, become seasoned entrepreneurs, or advance in their careers.
Graphic Design-Advanced Web Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $153.35/credit (resident); $629.25/credit (non-resident)
- Length: 21 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, placement test or ACT/SAT scores
This program from Sessions College will train students to use the latest industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. It will build their in-demand skills and make them experts in typography, color, composition, illustrations, layouts, digital images, photo editing, logo design, poster design, and magazine layout.
Professional Certificate in Graphic Design Details
- Cost: $2,750 (Professional Certificate); $3,750 (Professional Certificate PLUS)
- Length: 9 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This Southern Methodist University program is designed for those looking to start a career in graphic design and professionals looking to upgrade their skills. It will teach students to follow industry best practices and use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.
They will also learn to use design elements and principles, typography, and images in their designs. At the end of the program, students will have a professional portfolio suitable to showcase to their potential clients.
Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,995/certificate
- Length: 9 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
This program from The University of Texas at Austin is designed for those with beginner and intermediate-level graphic design skills. It will teach them to design fixed and motion graphics, implement color theory and principles of design, use basic web development skills, and create and verify access to PDFs and ePubs. Students eligible for this program should have basic Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop skills.
Graphic Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,899/certificate
- Length: 13 weeks
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: Proficiency in Adobe software
This UC San Diego program aims to prepare students for a rewarding career in graphic design. The program trains students using hands-on experience by allowing them to work on multiple real-world projects. Through these projects, they will learn to use Adobe software, digital photography and illustration, HTML coding, web design, and more. Students will finish with a comprehensive portfolio to share with employers.
Graphic and Web Design Certificate Details
- Cost: $14,500/certificate
- Length: 1 year
- Learning Format: Live online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Attend the school’s Graphic and Web Design Workshop
Graphic Design Graduate Certificate Program vs Graphic Design Master’s Degree
The main difference between a graphic design master’s degree program and a graphic design graduate certificate program is the duration. Certificate programs can be earned quickly and used to advance your career. A master’s degree takes more time to complete and will typically require a thesis at the end of the program. Below is a closer look at the differences between a graduate certificate program and a master’s degree program.
- Coursework. A certificate is designed to allow students to specialize in a certain area. Master’s programs are also specialized but also include general education courses, electives, and a thesis or capstone project.
- Duration. Master’s programs typically take a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. Certificate programs can usually be completed in a few months.
- Admission requirements. Acceptance into a master’s degree program requires you to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and doesn’t require any work experience. Certificate programs typically don’t require a bachelor’s degree, just a high school diploma.
- Cost. Master’s degree programs provide extensive education and are therefore typically more expensive than certificate programs. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average master’s degree program costs $19,792 per year.
- Award received. At the end of a master’s degree program, graduates will receive a master’s degree, while certificate candidates at the end of their program will get a certificate of completion. A master’s degree has a higher market value than a certificate of completion in most cases.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Graphic Design Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate graphic design certificate is worth it. These certificates can be earned even after a master’s degree program. They are used not only to attain career growth but also to prepare for certifications. In the graphic design world, certifications are one of the fastest ways to grow in the field and these certificate programs can help you get them.
Graphic Design Certificate Program Coursework
Listed below are a few courses that may be included in the coursework of a graphic design certificate program. These courses are essential to building your skills as a graphic designer and are in demand by prospective employers. These courses can help prove your work readiness to potential employers in the graphic design industry.
Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is a software application that is used for desktop publication and page layout. Designed by Adobe, it is one of the most commonly used software applications by creatives in many fields, especially graphic designers. It can be used to create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, and books. Learning InDesign is essential for graphic designers and is taught in most graphic design programs.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is another software program designed by Adobe. It is a graphics editor used by graphic designers and other creatives for creating designs, drawings, illustrations, and artwork. These are essential skills for graphic designers to have and students learn Adobe Illustrator in many certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Photoshop Advanced
Also known as Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Advanced is another software program created by Adobe. It is used by web designers and developers, photographers, graphic designers, and other creative professionals to create and edit images and graphics. Advanced Photoshop is typically taught in graduate certificate programs but may also be covered in undergraduate programs.
Typography
Typography is the arrangement of letters and texts in a way that makes them attractive and easy to read. It includes arranging the font size, style, spacing, length, structure, and appearance to bring texts to life. This skill is important to graphic designers as their work thrives on making products appealing to end-users as well as promoting legibility in communicating a message.
Web Design
Web design is the creation of the design and layout of a website. It involves the front end or client-side of the website and encompasses the webpage layout, graphic design, content production, and other visual elements. Knowledge of web design helps to increase the range of skills of a graphic designer and makes it easy to work on websites and web pages.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Graphic Design Certificate from College?
With a graphic design certificate from college, you can start a career in the field, gain career advancement, and achieve your financial goals. Certificates provide you with in-demand and modern skills required by employers in the industry, giving you an advantage when looking for a promotion or finding new employment.
Best Graphic Design Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Creative Director | $90,761 |
| Web Designer | $77,200 |
| User Experience Designer | $75,895 |
| User Interface Designer | $66,074 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
Best Graphic Design Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
This section contains some of the best graphic design jobs you can get with a graphic design certificate. While the certificates don’t guarantee that you’ll land these jobs, they put you one step closer and ahead of your peers without one.
Creative directors are in charge of the creative department of an organization. They are in charge of the advertising and marketing of a business and plan advertisements, monitor promotion campaigns, and shape brand standards. They work with a team of graphic designers, copywriters, sales reps, and other creatives.
- Average Salary: $90,761
- Job Outlook: 11% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Five years of work experience in the field, at least a bachelor’s degree
Web designers are creative professionals in charge of planning, designing, building, and coding websites, web pages, and web apps. They work on the web text, pictures, sounds, and graphics. They also work to maintain and upgrade existing websites.
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Job Outlook: 13% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: High school diploma, undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree
User experience designers are responsible for designing websites and applications such that users have a pleasant experience. They do this by ensuring that a website or app is easy to use, solves users’ problems, and provides an excellent user experience thereby satisfying the goals of the client.
- Average Salary: $75,895
- Job Outlook: 13% from 2020 to 2030*
- Required Education and Experience: High school diploma, undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree
User interface designers work to create interactive, attractive, and convenient interfaces for the end-users of websites, applications, and video games. They work closely with UX designers, developers, graphic designers, and other professionals to bring their designs to life.
- Average Salary: $66,074
- Job Outlook: 13% from 2020 to 2030*
- Required Education and Experience: High school diploma, undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree
Graphic designers are creative professionals who design aesthetically pleasing images and visual texts for web pages, logos, billboards, and other advertising media. They are in charge of the overall planning, layout, and production design of the product.
- Average Salary: $50,710
- Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree
*These jobs are listed under the same umbrella of Web Developers and Digital Designers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and have the same job outlook.
Should I Also Get a Graphic Design Certification?
Yes, you should also get a graphic design certification. Certifications are regarded more highly than certificates. Not only do they show job readiness, but they also serve as evidence to employers that you can carry out the specific tasks that are required to earn the certification. There are various graphic design certifications and a few of the best are listed below.
Best Graphic Design Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA). This certification is designed to prepare students to become Adobe Certified professionals by equipping them with the relevant skills. Students who complete the program will have to take a final online or in-person exam before getting the certification as evidence of their design skills.
- Certified in Adobe Photoshop. This certification proves a professional’s skills in using Photoshop. The program will help students identify and build their job-ready and in-demand skills through hands-on experience. Students will have to complete a 50-minute exam at the end of the program.
- Autodesk 3ds Max Certified. This graphic design certification course is offered by Autodesk. It is designed to make candidates certified in using the Autodesk 3ds Max software. It will prepare them for the final examination, which will test their knowledge of the software.
- Adobe Illustrator Certified. This graphic design certification can serve as evidence of your skills in using the Adobe Illustrator software. The program will prepare you to become a professional using the software and leads to a final 50-minute examination.
- Master Certified Web Professional-Designer (CWP). This certification is designed for professionals with up to five years of experience working in the field as a practitioner, reviewer, or supervisor. The certification serves as evidence of experience and skills and enables career advancement.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Graphic Design Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for graphic design is worth it. It shows that you understand what it takes to be a professional graphic designer. It also serves as a document displaying your skill level to your potential employer. With a certificate, you bring credibility to your craft, gain the trust of employers, and increase your career opportunities.
Graphic Design Certificates FAQ
The best certificate for graphic design is one that includes relevant coursework and teaches the use of industry-standard software applications. Some programs are offered in community colleges, while others are offered in four-year universities.
No, graphic designers are not paid very well. According to PayScale, the average annual earning of graphic designers is $47,532. This is around the national average and many tech-related careers pay much more. The exact amount will differ based on the person’s skills, experience level, and job.
The qualifications you need to be a graphic designer are a high school diploma, an undergraduate degree, an undergraduate certificate, a graduate degree, a graduate certificate, and/or an industry-recognized certification.
Yes, you can learn graphic design in six months. There are many programs designed to equip you with the necessary skills needed to become a professional, and they typically range from three months to nine months.
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