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Professional Certificate

Graphic Design Professional Certificate Program

Looking to launch your career as a graphic designer? The Sessions College Graphic Design Professional Certificate program introduces students to the fundamental technical and aesthetic skills necessary for a career in this exciting industry.

Program Overview

Graphic Design Professional Certificate students learn the software programs that every pro needs to know: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. You will learn how to produce digital images, illustrations, and layouts, addressing foundational design theory topics such as color, typography, and composition. Class assignments involve hands-on photo editing, logo design, poster design, magazine covers and layouts, and many other important practices. Review the goals of the program.

What do employers look for in a designer? A future client or employer wants to know that you understand the whole process of graphic design. It is not about making something look cool, but rather selling a product or an idea visually in a creative and memorable way. Graphic design is about visual problem solving and meeting the client's need, and a certificate in design can help build these skills.  

How It Works

The Graphic Design Professional Certificate program includes eight core classes and you can complete in nine months or less.

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Curriculum

Students are required to complete eight courses:

• Level 1

• 4218 photoshop basics
• 4017 color theory
• 4226 illustrator basics
• 4221 fundamentals of typography

• Level 2

• 4020 design and composition
• 4228 indesign basics
• 4019 the study of graphic design (or 4211 fundamentals of logo design)
• 4013 graphic design I

View a syllabus for any of the courses listed in the above Graphic Design Professional Certificate curriculum by visiting the online Certificate Courses page, and explore how course materials and instruction work on our Course Tours page.

Do you already have some design experience? You may be able to customize your program by substituting courses with others from the same subject area. For example, you may be able to take Photoshop Advanced in place of Photoshop Basics.Your advisor can help you make the best course selections.

Want to take this program further? Look into the Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design.