Have you ever judged a book’s cover before buying it? Do you only support certain brands because they match your personality? Somewhere, a professional graphic designer is smiling. If coming up with visual branding and designs sounds like your dream job, then you’re in luck. An online graphic design certificate may be the answer to boost your skills and expand your career prospects.
These professionals create visual aids to share ideas, capture attention, and transmit messages. Digital illustration, design software, and layouts are their daily tasks. It’s an inspiring field that includes UX designers, illustrators, and product artists. They can either work for media agencies or be their own boss.
In this article, we will discuss where to learn graphic design skills online. You’ll also learn about the best online graphic design certificate programs. Finally, we will cover the career outlook for workers in this field.
Keep reading to learn more!
Types of Online Graphic Design Certificates: Which is Right For You?
Here we’ll talk about the many types of available graphic design training online. It is possible to complete any of these certificates without attending in-person classes. Course load can vary between 15 to 30 credit hours. The majority of these programs offer plenty of hands-on training.
Learning Pathways in Graphic Design
Certificate of achievement: This is an introduction to graphic design. No prior experience is necessary. Students take a series of undergraduate-level coursework. They will learn basic design principles and an introduction to different software. Certificates of achievement can be stand-alone credentials or lead to an associate’s degree. For the most part, you only need a high school diploma or GED.
Undergraduate certificate: This certificate in graphic design online provides beginner-level training. Students take design coursework that can transfer to a bachelor’s degree. Students don’t need experience to enroll. Classes delve into the fundamentals of graphic design. The courses are often the same difficulty level as a certificate of achievement. A high school diploma or GED is the most common admission requirement.
GetEducated's Picks
- American Public University System Certificate in Visual Communications
- Penn Foster Undergraduate Certificate in Graphic Design
- Wake Technical Community College Graphic Design Certificate
Graduate certificate: A graduate certificate can be used to complete an advanced degree. Each graphic design course is intermediate-level. They are more involved than an undergrad certificate. Prior experience in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is often required. Since the subject matter is more advanced, this is one of the most versatile certificates you can receive. There are also stricter admission requirements. For example, applicants will need a bachelor’s degree, and often a statement of purpose and resume.
Before choosing a graphic design school online it is important their program aligns with your long-term goals. Take your time to decide which level of certificate is the best choice for you. Next, you should determine a focus area.
GetEducated's Picks
- Lindenwood University Graduate Certificate in Graphic Design
- Missouri University of Science and Technology Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction & User Experience
- Metropolitan State University Graduate Certificate in Design of User Experience
Graphic Design Disciplines
Graphic design: This certificate is ideal for those who wish to become graphic designers. It’s a well-rounded program that teaches the basic knowledge you’ll need to gain entry-level employment in the field. A typical curriculum may include courses in Photo Editing, Production, and Electronic Publishing. Many programs help students complete a professional portfolio of their creative projects.
User experience (UX) design: Similar to graphic design certificates, students gain in-demand technical skills. They will harness UX software like Figma to assemble appealing visual elements. You will learn about information architecture principles, mobile interface design, and responsive designs. Coursework for UX design often overlaps with graphic design. A big difference is you will gain more insight into creating a memorable user experience. Effective User Research and Creating User Personas are sample courses. HTML experience may be helpful in UX design.
Web & graphic design: Many online graphic design certificate programs offer web design coursework. Curriculums can teach skills in WordPress, Photoshop, and InDesign. Additionally, professors may teach web design languages like Javascript. These programs are beneficial for students interested in building stunning web pages. Possible careers include web developer and computer programmer. Students may need prior experience in HTML to apply.
6 Best Schools for Online Graphic Design Certificate Programs
Here is our list of the best online graphic design certificate programs. They were hand-selected based on affordability, flexibility, online capability, and school reputation. All programs come from accredited colleges.
Penn Foster
Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate in Graphic Design
Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $2399 flat rate, or $218 per course
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)Penn Foster offers a flexible undergraduate certificate in graphic design. The fully-online program is self-paced and you can start any day of the year. It’s also the most affordable on our list. The program lays the groundwork for students looking to break into the creative profession or get promoted at their current jobs. You will have the talents necessary to prepare for an entry-level design role.
Penn Foster’s online graphic arts certificate has timely course content to keep students engaged. Toward the end of the program, students complete a portfolio for potential employers. Graduates can transfer credits to an associate’s degree in graphic design at the university.
The curriculum consists of 11 core subjects. Each focus area delves into vital skills like color theory, image editing, and graphic design software. Instead of exams, each course includes challenging projects. Most students finish in 18 months. However, some learners fast-track their studies and graduate in only 14 months.
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Undergraduate Certificate in Graphic DesignLesley University
Degree(s): Certificate in Graphic Design
Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $229 – $260 per credit
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)Learn essential creative skills to launch a graphic design career at Lesley University. Lesley’s College of Art and Design is NASAD-accredited. This makes it a popular graphic design school online. You can pursue an 18 credit certificate in graphic design without leaving home. Lesley uses modern learning technologies to create a student-focused experience. Students sharpen their expertise in visual analysis, typography, as well as both print and digital media.
The program breaks down into 8 week terms. This structure helps you graduate quickly so you can start applying for jobs. It takes about a year to fulfill all the certificate requirements. Each class is self-paced, so you can keep your personal life balanced as well. Many courses employ a “learning by doing” policy. In addition, frequent labs and experienced faculty help students understand the course material.
Future graphic designers receive training alongside motivated peers in a supportive online student community. Meanwhile, advisors provide individual attention to ensure you achieve your goals. Keep in mind that this graphic design online certificate requires a bachelor’s degree.
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Certificate in Graphic DesignLindenwood University
Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in Graphic Design
Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $330 per credit
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)Open professional doors at Lindenwood University. This school provides a competitive graphic design program online. Their graduate certificate caters to working professionals. However, students from all educational backgrounds are welcome to apply. This graduate-level graphic design certificate program is versatile and offers tremendous value.
The program has 15 credits of advanced graphic design skills online. Coursework aligns with current industry trends. This makes graduates strong candidates for employment opportunities. You will develop technical skills in digital imaging, branding, graphic design software, and advanced graphic design industry techniques. An in-depth internship is the highlight of the program. Here, students put their knowledge to practice for a real organization. Dedicated professors have extensive professional experience and offer mentorship. Lab work instills team-building and growth among peers.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school for consideration. With this credential, you can qualify for interesting jobs like digital artist, communication manager, and graphic designer. In addition, credits are transferable toward completing a master’s degree.
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Graduate Certificate in Graphic DesignWake Technical Community College
Degree(s): Advanced Graphic Design Certificate / Web & Graphic Design Certificate
Tuition: $87 per credit (in-state), $279 per credit (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is one of the top destinations for online learning. It offers multiple online graphic design certificate programs for working professionals or students interested in gaining new skills. Both certificates offer transferrable credits towards a related associate’s degree at Wake Tech.
The school’s graphic design certificate online features five courses and a 17 credit workload. Practical experiences are a fundamental element of the certificate. For each hour of class, students complete nearly two hours of lab work. Layout design, problem solving skills, and computer software practice are core competencies of the program. Students gain knowledge to compete for entry-level graphic design or advertising jobs.
The 18-credit web and graphic design certificate has a six-course curriculum. Similar to its counterpart, there is a heavy emphasis on lab work to complete the program. You will collaborate with peers while completing detailed design projects. Web development and web-based design are core aspects of the program. Graduates qualify for entry-level IT positions.
Student-led organizations build a sense of inclusion. For instance, the Graphic Design Association (GDA) offers community, networking opportunities, and creative inspiration for Wake Tech students. All the while, dedicated staff offer support and mentorship.
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Advanced Graphic Design Certificate
Web & Graphic Design CertificateUniversity of Baltimore
Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design
Tuition: $299 per credit (in-state), $299 per credit (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MECHE)Learn graphic design online with the University of Baltimore (UBalt). This institution has a comprehensive graduate certificate to equip you with advanced skills in UX design. It consists of four dynamic courses and requires one year to complete. The program gives you invaluable master’s-level experience at a fraction of the cost and time commitment of a traditional degree.
You will gain expert knowledge of interaction design, usability analysis for websites, and human-computer interaction. With assistance from dedicated faculty, students design and manage multiple digital resources during their studies. Its courses for graphic design are innovative and focus primarily on projects. Not only does the curriculum help you grasp modern concepts, but you can learn from peers.
The online graphic design certificate is accessible from anywhere. Students can receive all course materials from the comfort of their home. Graduates will earn core competencies to become future UX designers. Graduates can leverage their credits towards a master’s at UBalt. Applicants must already have a bachelor’s degree and pass an HMTL proficiency exam.
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Graduate Certificate in User Experience (UX) DesignMiami Dade College
Degree(s): Certificate in Graphic Design Support
Tuition: $133 per credit hour (in-state), $408 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)Miami Dade College (MDC) offers an accelerated pathway to a new career. Their graphic design support certificate is fully online. You can complete this 15 credit program in as little as 16 weeks. MDC’s graphic design certificate online can benefit all students. Those with work looking to supplement existing work experience or individuals new to the field can apply.
It’s cost-effective and provides four in-depth courses. Illustration, web design, and digital images are some of the covered topics. You will learn to create print material, web multimedia, and effective production techniques for appealing visual content. Students attend live virtual lectures and work in collaborative settings.
Graduates qualify for roles like graphic design assistant or graphic design production artist. Once you earn a certificate, you can apply credits to an associate’s degree in graphic design technology at MDC. The program is one of many stackable credentials offered at the college. Students can complement their graphic design training with other study areas like business or STEM.
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Certificate in Graphic Design SupportGreat Basin College
Degree(s): Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Communications
Tuition $108 per credit hour (in-state), $160 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)Great Basin College (GBC) makes distance learning accessible and affordable. It has an accelerated online graphic design certificate to help make your creative passion a rewarding career. You will learn the core competencies needed to become marketable to employers. The program features 30 credits of foundational knowledge needed to launch their next career. Full-time can complete their studies in just two semesters.
The program includes seven graphic design course offerings and three general education classes. You will get a working knowledge of computers and industry standard software. In addition, you will become versed in basic design principles, typography, and various digital media. GBC students interact in a fully online environment. Throughout the program, you will complete immersive design challenges. Expert faculty serve as beacons for feedback, assignment critiques, and guidance. The program structure balances flexible scheduling and relevant coursework.
Certificate recipients qualify for entry-level jobs like graphic and logo designer. However, you can leverage what you’ve learned and continue your education. All credits can immediately transfer to either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in graphic communications at GBC.
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Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Communications
Online Graphic Design Certificates vs Certification: Which is Best?
You can receive graphic design training with certificates and certifications. Both can set you apart from other job seekers, teach new skills, and grow your professional network. There’s a wide range of certificates and certifications available. Although they look and sound the same, they’re quite different.
Accredited universities and colleges typically provide certificates. Graphic design colleges online can offer either undergraduate, master’s, or even postgraduate certificates. Prospective students must meet strict education requirements to apply. For instance, a bachelor’s degree is necessary to enroll in a master’s certificate program. Continued education is beneficial since credits remain on your transcript forever. However, trends change and coursework eventually becomes outdated. Since certificates often provide basic introductions to graphic design topics, they might not be enough for certain jobs, and you may need more education.
Conversely, online graphic design certification programs come from independent organizations. They aren’t accredited, so coursework can’t transfer to a degree-issuing school. However, they do come from industry-respected entities. Admission requirements vary, including whether you need work experience. Certifications must also be renewed every few years.
Popular Graphic Design Certifications
There are many certifications available. For example, the Professional Association for Design (AIGA) offers the self-paced AIGA Professional Designer (PD) Certification, with various tier levels based on work experience. You’ll need to commit 30 to 50 hours and have at least one year of professional experience to apply. It must be renewed every two years unless you are an AIGA member.
Similarly, Adobe offers Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams to prove your Adobe Photoshop or Adobe After Effects expertise. Qualified applicants should have at least 150 hours of experience with their desired application.
Since certificate programs offer broad graphic designer training, they don’t usually include certifications. None of the certificate programs on our list include certifications.
Which Accreditation is Best for Online Graphic Design Certificate Programs?
Your graphic design education online must come from a regionally accredited institution. This adds credibility, trust, and respect from peers. It assures students they are invested in a high-quality education. Without accreditation, employers will not consider your resume. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) are examples of regional accrediting bodies. All programs on our list are from accredited schools.
Online graphic design schools can have individually accredited programs. This is the next level of quality assurance for your education. A program with accreditation meets rigorous standards for excellence. Also, programmatic accreditation can add more weight to your resume. In effect, graduates from these programs have stronger proof they received enough training to get hired.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is the top accrediting authority for various graphic design postsecondary credentials. This includes undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Individual programs and entire departments can have NASAD accreditation. For example, Lesly University’s College of Art and Design is NASAD-accredited.
Licensure isn’t required after you graduate from a graphic design online school. Once you earn a certificate, you can look for jobs anywhere in the United States. As mentioned, you may need more than a graphic design certificate to land your ideal job. These programs offer an excellent foundation, but more education might be necessary. So, research the job you want to guarantee you’re on the right track.
Fortunately, all the featured online graphic design certificate programs in this article give college credits. You can apply many of them toward a degree. Even better, many schools like Miami Dade College offer both certificates and degrees in graphic design. These institutions make it easy for students to transfer their certificate credits to a related degree.
Online Graphic Design Certificate Admission Requirements
Besides an online graphic arts certificate being a quick way to boost your skills, there are fewer admission requirements compared to a traditional degree. Most undergrad certificate programs require just a high school diploma or GED. Transcripts are required. For graduate certificate, on the other hand, you’ll need an accredited bachelor’s degree. A statement of purpose, resume, and transcripts are often required as well. And of course, many programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA.
Is Getting an Online Graphic Design Certificate Worth It?
A graphic design online certificate is a stepping stone to many rewarding, in-demand, and high-paying jobs. We collected 2022 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to highlight a few interesting career paths. following closely behind.
Careers with a Graphic Design Certificate
Employment for graphic designers has a three percent projected employment increase, matching the national average. They earned a median of $57,990 per year. New graphic designers and designer assistants can earned around $35,430 per year, while the most experienced earn $100,920.
The states with the highest employment include California, New York, and Texas Meanwhile, the best median annual salaries are found in Washington DC ($87,980), New York ($81,370) and California ($80,240).
Web developers are in demand, with a 16 percent projected employment boost over the next ten years and a median salary of $80,730. Entry-level web developers earned $78,580, while the most experienced made $144,690. We should point out, however, that many employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
California (8,950), New York (8,070), Washington (5,890), had the highest employment rates for this role. On the other hand, Washington ($135,490), Delaware ($109,720), and Washington DC ($109,350), offered the best salaries, on average.
Advancing Your Graphic Design Career
The earning potential within these design fields goes beyond the base salaries listed.
As you gain experience in your chosen field, you can qualify for promotions within your company. For example, a junior graphic designer might progress to a mid-level designer role with increased responsibilities and a higher salary.
The design industry also offers a wide range of specializations. With additional training or focused experience, you can become an expert in areas like user experience (UX) design, motion graphics, or web design. Specialization can increase your value to employers and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
Lastly, earning a bachelor’s degree in design or a related field can qualify you for leadership positions like Art Director or Creative Director. Art directors oversee design teams, manage projects, and often have a significant influence on a company’s creative direction, and can earn upwards of $150k per year.
Geographical Considerations
While some states offer a higher number of design jobs per capita, others boast higher median salaries. However, there’s another factor to consider: the remote work potential within these design fields.
One key advantage of a graphic design career is the large number of remote work options. With the required design software and a reliable internet connection, many design tasks can be completed from anywhere. This opens up a wider range of possibilities when considering your job search.
In other words, you’re not limited to searching for jobs in high-volume areas. You can explore jobs nationwide, or even globally, depending on the employer. This can be especially appealing if you desire a specific lifestyle or can’t move.
Start an Online Graphic Design Certificate Today!
Build your potential in little time and without hurting your bank account. An online graphic design certificate can be your gateway. In this article, we give you some of the best program options in the country. The programs on our list only take a year to complete and are fully online. You can study on your own terms thanks to their flexibility. They can help you hone your talents and discover new passions. Many creative jobs are waiting. Take the next step forward towards becoming a graphic designer today!