Graphic Design Certificate Program
Design your future in two semesters
Today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world relies heavily on digital and visual forms of communication. In just two semesters, the SMFA's Graphic Design Certificate curriculum provides everything you need to succeed as a graphic designer—from foundational skills in graphic design principles to substantial experience in applying technical and theoretical skills to industry-level assignments. Over the course of four courses, gain a comprehensive understanding of design practices while developing an extensive portfolio of graphic design projects and earning a certificate to support your professional goals across a vast variety of industries.
Become Proficient
Build Your Portfolio
Gain Experience
At a Glance
Program Dates
Rolling admissions
Location
Hybrid
Please note: Each of the 4 required classes will rotate between online and on-campus sessions. Individual courses meet two nights per week; 1 night on-campus and 1 night online. Students must be able to attend weekly class
Application info
No application required! Register for your first class to begin
Credit
Not for credit
Program fee
Annual Academic Year Registration Fee: $65
Per course tuition: $995
Financial aid
Not financial aid eligible
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Certificate Curriculum
This flexible accelerated program is designed for students looking to add skills to their resume while building or enhancing a portfolio. The program is part-time and runs in a flexible hybrid format with both on-campus and online course sessions. Interested students should expect to commit 2-week nights per week for class attendance, as well as 4-5 hours of outside of class work time. Students take just one class at a time, back-to-back in a semester, for 2 semesters to complete the graphic design essentials certificate.
Certificate Timeline
This program is designed to be completed in two semesters, or approximately 8 months. For example, students starting in a fall semester would take courses 1 & 2 between September and December, and courses 3 & 4 between January and May.
| Session |
1st |
2nd |
| 1st Session - 6 Weeks |
Text & Image I |
Text & Image II |
| 2nd Session - 6 Weeks |
Pictograms & Symbols |
Advanced Typography |
Sample Student Work
Advanced Studies in Graphic Design
Further develop your graphic design skillset by adding advanced courses to your resume! Connect with us to hear more about upcoming advanced course opportunities in areas such as web design or animation.
Hear From Our Students
I enrolled in the SMFA CE Graphic Design certificate because their program welcomed people of all skill levels. Also the classes are at night which allows me to work during the day. I feel like I am at an advanced level in the Adobe Creative Suite. I also have enhanced my ability to think creatively and outside the box
Caroline Fallon, SMFA Graphic Design Certificate
While I've always known that the right font can strengthen the message, this course has opened my eyes to just how powerful typography is, and the myriad of ways it has been and can be used.
SMFA CE Student
I wondered if design was a talent or a learned set of rules, and the design rules I have learned in this class has made me see my design ideas differently and I feel more competent using the rules to evaluate my design and others.
SMFA CE Student
This course definitely allowed me to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with designing for publication. Thinking about visual consistency, how to break that, and at what moments to break that was really great.
SMFA CE Student