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.
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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Best 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.
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.
*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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