Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Certificate Programs
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PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
Our intensive Undergraduate Certificate programs help you develop skills and build a portfolio of art/design work in our scheduled classes. Advance your career as you learn through projects, discussions, and critiques that prepare you for a professional environment. Graduates gain skills credit, a credential, and college credit in a two semester program.
Choose from an exciting range of stackable credentials.
Graphic Design
Undergraduate Certificate in Graphic Design
Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of color, typography, and composition and how to apply them using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students apply current production methods and techniques to exciting projects that include poster design, magazine layout, identity design, and packaging design. (24 credits)
Web Design
Undergraduate Certificate in Web Design
Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of digital imaging, color, and typography and how implement them using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn graphic design and coding skills practiced by front end designers, applying them to projects to develop the concepts, layouts, images, and code for responsive websites. (24 credits)
Filmmaking
Undergraduate Certificate in Filmmaking and Digital Media
Build a foundation for entry-level work in filmmaking and digital media or further study. Immersed in a project-based curriculum, you will explore the art of filmmaking from various professional perspectives, acting as cinematographer, screenwriter, director, and editor. Learn how to start with an idea, develop a screenplay and production plan, fulfil the role of director, cast and lead a team, light and shoot scenes, and edit your ideas into a compelling visual story.
(24 credits)
Digital Media
Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Media
Gain experience in creating digital images and illustrations, and making movies using Adobe Premiere, Animate, and After Effects. Students gain essential skills in visual design and apply them in animation, motion graphics, and video production and editing. (24 credits)
Illustration
Undergraduate Certificate in Illustration
Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of vector graphics, still life and figure drawing, color theory, composition, painting, and how to implement these concepts using today’s digital arts software tools Photoshop and Illustrator. Students gain a valuable introduction to the practices and workflows of commercial illustrators. (24 credits)
Advertising Design
Undergraduate Certificate in Advertising Design
Develop an understanding of design fundamentals—color theory, composition, type, and layout—and how to apply them using today’s design software tools Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students learn the fundamentals of creating advertising and marketing messages that connect with consumers, including concept development, campaigns, and copywriting. (24 Credits)
Digital Photography
Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography
Gain experience in commercial photography scenarios and develop proficiency in using Photoshop and Lightroom for digital editing and asset management. Students explore typical photography assignments, including portraiture, event photography, and product photography, learning how to adjust for lighting and location for professional results. (24 credits)
Truly Affordable Education
Our Fall 2024 tuition is:
50% lower than the average annual cost of tuition at 4-year colleges in the United States.
Significantly more affordable than other online design / digital media colleges.
So affordable that 100% of tuition costs may be covered for eligible students.* Learn more.
*Federal student aid and military education benefits available for eligible students.
Program Features At a Glance
Advance Your Creative Career
Advance your creative career in a focused 2-semester program.
By Creatives, For Creatives
Collaborate with a community of creative learners and industry professionals.
Enhance Your Portfolio
Enhance your portfolio with creative projects that put you through your paces.
Structure and Flexibility
Weekly deadlines keep you on track, but with no set login times you can build your studies around your schedule
Education You Can Afford
Affordable programs with low per credit tuition, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
Open Enrollment Program
Open enrollment with a convenient application process.
TUITION AND FEES
Truly Affordable Tuition. Since our founding in 1997, we have been committed to making the highest-quality design and digital media education available at the lowest cost.
Our truly affordable Fall 2024 tuition is:
| Undergraduate Certificate - Fall 2024 Tuition |
|---|
| $200 registration fee* |
| $300 per credit tuition |
| $3,600 per semester tuition |
| $7,200 total program tuition |
Per-credit tuition is the same full-time and part-time students. Federal financial aid available for eligible students.
A $200 registration fee is required to process your enrollment in the program. Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from the scheduled beginning of program orientation.
Program Fees
The following general fees may be applicable to Undergraduate Certificate students:
| Undergraduate Certificate Fees | |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | $200 |
| Late tuition fee | $250 |
| Per exam proctoring fee - payable to ProctorU | $22.50 |
| Leave of absence fee | $150 |
| Course retake fee (on third attempt) | $150 |
| Program change fee | $150 |
| Program reenrollment fee | $150 |
| Transcript fee | $20 |
| Credit transfer evaluation fee | $75 |
Payment of Tuition and Fees
Program Registration. Payment of the $200 registration fee is due within 5 business days upon receipt of acceptance offer. Failure to remit the registration fee may result in the withdrawal of acceptance into the program. The first tuition payment is due no later than 30 days after issuance of the acceptance letter. Students will not receive orientation materials or be allowed to participate in orientation events prior to payment of the tuition.
Continuing Students. For continuing students paying tuition by semester, payments are due on the following schedule:
- November 1 for January semester
- March 1 for April semester
- July 1 for August semester
Payments not received within 30 days will be subject to a late tuition fee of $250. If payments are not received by start of semester, payment of a late registration fee will also be required. Course access will not be provided until accounts are up to date.
2023-24 Tuition and Fees
| Undergraduate Certificate |
|---|
| $200 registration fee* |
| $510 per credit tuition |
| $6,120 per semester tuition |
| $12,240 total program tuition |
FINANCIAL AID
Federal Student Financial Aid
Students who are eligible for Federal Student Financial aid may be able to use grant and loans to help cover the cost of their education. View our Financial Aid section to learn about utilizing Federal Student Financial Aid and be sure to speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Military Students
If you are an eligible military servicemember or veteran, you may be able to fund your program using your education benefits. Ask an Admissions Advisor for more information.
Tuition Assistance
Active U.S. military service members can fund their programs using Tuition Assistance (TA).
GI Bill
The GI Bill® provides education financial support to U.S. military veterans and their families.
GETTING STARTED
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
Students are responsible for access to a computer, Internet connection, and any required supplies or software programs for specific classes. Software discounts for Adobe Creative Cloud are available for enrolled students. Some programs will require additional art supplies, such as a digital camera, video camera, or drawing/painting supplies.
Please check program pages for information on specific requirements:
Graphic Design, Web Design, Filmmaking, Digital Media, Illustration, Advertising Design, Digital Photography.
Do I Need to Purchase Textbooks?
Welcome to the digital age, where no textbooks are required. All coursework and materials required to complete vocational programs are provided in an online learning environment, including orientation materials, lectures, exercises, discussion forums, videos, and multimedia tools.
How Long Does the Program Take To Complete?
The Undergraduate Certificate program is a 2-semester, 24 credit program. Students can graduate in under eight months and part-time schedules are available.
When Can I Start?
Classes start in January, April, and August—or you can take advantage of mid-term start options in February, June, and August.
Can I Transfer In Credits?
Our policy accepts up to 50% of credits from equivalent courses at accredited institutions. Credit transfer can accelerate your program and lower your tuition payments. Transfer credit evaluation is subject to a $75 fee.
How Do I Apply?
The Undergraduate Certificate program has an open admissions policy. Applicants are expected to have graduated high school or home school/GED equivalent. Students under 18 years of age will need to provide the signed permission of a parent or guardian.
We have a convenient and student-friendly online application process. You can begin your creative journey by completing our online application today. There is no charge and no obligation to enroll.
Ready to start?
You can begin your application here.
