Advanced Graphic Design Certificate
Ready to launch a new career? In our Advanced Graphic Design Certificate you can become job-ready in as little as 24 weeks.
Length & Frequency
6 Months (approx) | 2 sessions per week
Delivery
Online with 100% live instruction
Tuition
$5,995
Scholarships
Available! Avg: $2,000
Why Digital Workshop Center?
average increase in salary of
certificate program students *
average months to find
employment after graduation ^
graduation
rate *
career coaching and
mentoring included
*Profile report data based on 2020-2023 Employment and Wage survey submissions
^Based on 2021-2023 data only | *Based on 2021-2023 data & does not include Blueprint, WP/PS/ILL/ID/ bootcamps or B.Admin data
Advanced Graphic Design Certificate Curriculum
Module 1 - Design Fundamentals
In Module 1, students will learn the principles and elements of graphic design in order to understand how we create beautiful compositions. Examining graphic design begins with exploring the theories behind successful designs. Our program dives deep into these visual frameworks and essential concepts. By the end of this module, students will have a foundation of design language to be able to build upon throughout the rest of their program.
- Introduction & overview of program
- Fundamentals, vocabulary, tools 101
- Discussion of Project One. The homework for each week will allow students to generate elements of their final project.
- Discussion of Final Project and our Portfolios (Due at end of course).
- Art vs Design
- Why we “need” design
- Principles and Elements of Design
- Proportion & Golden Mean
- Layout structures
- Designing on a Grid
- Color theory
- Creating a color scheme
- Typography
- Gestalt Principles, Color, and Composition
- Low-Fidelity vs. High-Fidelity
- Imagery, iconography, and proper ways to source
- Effective techniques for collaboration and project management
- Accessibility
Module 2 - Adobe Photoshop
In Module 2, students will explore the industry-leading Adobe Photoshop software and Creative Cloud suite. Photoshop remains as the gold standard for employers seeking to hire for design skills. By the end of this module, students will have created complex visual compositions that could be used for marketing, design, and more.
- Overview and Introduction to the PS environment
- Determining Graphic Type and Resolution
- Discussing raster vs vector graphics
- Using the PS workspace
- Navigating & managing documents
- Working with selections
- Exporting files for web vs print
- Advanced selections
- Layer Basics
- Layer Effects
- Using visual aids such as guides, grid, rulers
- Blending mode, opacity, and adjustments
- Photo Corrections
- Quick Fixes
- Masks
- Channels
- Working with advanced type
- Using Generative AI
- PS Project (e.g. composition for professional ad, poster, or related)
Module 3 - Adobe Illustrator
In Module 3, students explore vector graphics with Adobe Illustrator. An industry-leader for professional designers, Illustrator is essential for any serious designer trying to advance in their career field. From logos to branding, students will have the opportunity to create their own designs by the end of this module.
- Getting to know the work Illustrator area
- Uses of Illustrator vs Photoshop
- Best practices of vector artwork, logos, and branding
- Working with multiple artboards
- Techniques for selecting artwork
- Creating basic shapes
- Exporting files for web vs print
- Using complex shapes
- Grouping
- Isolation Mode
- Transforming artwork
- Basic logo and branding design concepts
- Using the drawing tools
- Drawing with the Pen tool
- Blending colors and shapes
- Exploring effects and graphic styles
- Using visual aids such as guides, grid, rulers
- Working with type
- Creating Point Type
- Organizing work with layers
- Using Symbols
- Using AI tools in Illustrator
- Illustrator project (e.g. Logos, branding assets, tri-fold brochure)
Module 4 - Adobe InDesign
In Module 4, students examine the role of InDesign for design of complex documents. Our program helps to create well rounded designers, and InDesign is a skill that is valued across countless job opportunities. By the end of this module, students will know why InDesign is a proven leader in creating longer documents, as well as the differences from other design tools.
- Getting to know the InDesign work area
- Best practices for use of InDesign vs PS/ILL
- Setting up a document
- Working with pages
- Work with color, objects and images
- Flow and edit text
- Working with type
- Story editor and reviewing work
- Using Styles
- Complex Styles
- Creating complex layouts for longer documents
- Advanced character and paragraph formatting
- Adding tables to display data effectively
- Adding layer effects and transparency to graphic objects
- Integrate with Adobe PS and Adobe ILL for easy image handling
- Collaborate with coworkers and clients through Adobe Creative Cloud
- Export work for professional printing, websites, social media, eBooks, interactive PDFs, and more
- Incorporating AI tools for InDesign
- InDesign project (e.g. multi-page print project, interactive PDF, etc)
Module 5 - Portfolios & Capstone Project
In Module 5, students have an opportunity to put their finishing touches on their portfolio. In addition, as students begin to look after graduation and to the next step of their career path, our instructors will provide extensive mentorship on what the job market trends look like, and how to prepare to find work as a graphic designer and content creator. At the end of this module, students will present their final Capstone project and receive critique from their peers.
- Planning Capstone projects
- Finding work as a graphic designer
- Design Interviews
- Portfolio: further planning, review designer portfolios, critiques
- Work sessions with other students, with instructor, and solo to work on portfolio & final project
- Final Presentations and Critique
Have questions?
Upcoming Schedule
Advanced Graphic Design Q1/2025 | Start Date: 01/06/2025
Advanced Graphic Design Q2/2025 | Start Date: 04/08/2025
Advanced Graphic Design Q3/2025 | Start Date: 07/14/2025
Advanced Graphic Design Q4/2025 | Start Date: 10/07/2025
Yes you can.
Become a Graphic Designer today.
For students of all levels, our Advanced Graphic Design Certificate will teach you the high demand skills of visual design. Every step of the way you will have a mentor in your instructor and career coaching to help you thrive.
Our programs focus on real-world skills taught by industry experts. You will learn how the latest technologies design tools, essential design principles, how to develop creative problem-solving strategies, and most importantly, how to design, learn, and adapt.
Possible Career Paths
Graphic design skills remain in high demand with over 22,000 job openings on average for every year over the decade.
Content Manager
Using graphic design skills and software like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, content designers sketch and create visually compelling materials for marketing strategies.
User Interface Designer
User interface designers are focused on the look and feel of how a digital product works for its users and are concerned with how accessible the visual aesthetics are.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers can be found in a variety of industries as they are experts at planning and projecting ideas and experiences through the creation of visual and textual content.
Web Designer
Web designers contribute to the development of websites through the creation of individual web pages, page layouts, navigation menus, and the overall website structure.
Over $750k Awarded in Scholarship Funds
Average award of DWC scholarships is $2,000 for those who qualify. Apply today for tuition assistance.
Tech Skills Scholarship
For those who are unemployed and looking to get into a career in tech
Women & Tech Scholarship
For women looking to
enter or advance in a technology career
Veterans Skills Scholarship
For active or retired military service members seeking a tech career
Student Success Stories
Support every step of the way
Guidance from pre-enrollment to graduation
Admissions Advisors
From pre-enrollment through your first day, talk to our advisors to learn all the important details about your program
Mentoring
Instructors are here to be your mentor before, during & after class. Working with an expert as a mentor will help you become industry-ready.
Student Support
Our dedicated student affairs manager will be there to help you get your accounts setup, assess your technology, download the proper files and more.
Career Coaching
Meet with a career coach to review your updated resume, portfolio & LinkedIn profile, as well as job search and interview techniques.
Tech Support
While in your program, if you are stuck and need help you can reach out to our tech support for guidance. Whether through Slack, email or phone.
Internships & Alumni
Sign up for our micro-internship network and explore new opportunities. Our alumni network is also available to all students.
Tuition
We want you to focus on your education and career path. We offer several options help ease the burden of your tuition costs. Additional scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
Tuition Net Cost Example
Program Tuition¹: $5,995
Average Scholarship Amount²: $2,000
Amount Financed³: $3,995, as low as $155/month
3 Easy Ways To Pay
- Pay up front & in full
- Pay with a traditional loanˆ
- Pay with a payment planˆˆ
¹Actual price of program varies. ²Average award shown as an example only. Scholarships are reviewed and awarded individually. Scholarship award amount may vary. No amount of scholarship funding is guaranteed. ³Subject to lender terms and loan approval. This is not an offer for a loan. These loans are not offered or made by Digital Workshop Center but are made by the loan provider. These terms are representative and may not be the exact terms of your loan. ˆAvailable to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and loan approval. ˆˆPayment Plans available to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and payment plan approval.
Over $750k Awarded in Scholarship Funds
At Digital Workshop Center, we offer three accessible scholarships to help you take the next step of your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start?
Program cohorts begin quartlery (Jan, Apr, July, Oct). All programs follow a specific schedule of dates/times. Classes are 100% synchronous with a live instructor and attendance is mandatory.
Pre-requisites
Basic Digital Literacy knowledge is required. You must be able to organize files and perform basic literacy functions.
Review the basic digital literacy checklist to understand more about what is expected before enrollment.
If you are not comfortable with these tasks, speak to our Admissions Team to discuss options.
It is also required that you have purchased and installed the Adobe Creative Cloud suite before the start of your first class. Refer to the System Requirements page for more details.
How long is this program?
The average length to complete the Advanced Graphic Design Certificate program is 6 months.
This program is comprised of course work and a Capstone project. Once you have completed all the necessary course work, you will earn your certificate.
What's included?
Each Certificate Program is comprised of course work and a comprehensive Capstone Project.
Support and mentoring a huge part of all of our full length programs. Your instructor will be there as your mentor every step of the way through the program.
All materials including textbooks are included in your tuition cost.
All data files will be provided as needed.
Enrollment includes access to tech support via Slack, phone or email. Additionally, each student has access to career coaching and more.
Attend an upcoming info session to speak to a student advisor and learn more details of this program.
Payment & financial aid options
DWC offers several flexible financial aid options including payment plans and traditional loans to help you finance your education.
We partner with Climb Credit to offer several flexible payment plan options that fit your monthly budget.
If you are interested in scholarship or financial aid opportunities, attend an upcoming info session to speak to a student advisor and learn more.
Homework expectations
Homework varies from class to class, instructor to instructor. It is recommended that you set aside 1-2x the class duration for homework/assignments (e.g. if in class 7 hours per week, expect 7-14 hours needed to complete homework/assignments).
What career services or internships do you offer?
For full length programs, support and mentoring is included and you will be eligible to work one-on-one with a career coach.
Workshops for job search and resume writing are included in the cost of your program. Our expert career coaches will help you prepare for the next steps of your career path. Your success is our success.
Click here to learn more about career coaching
DWC also partners with Parker-Dewey to offer micro-internships to our students. These project-based internships are a great way for students to build real-world experience. Learn more
Attend an upcoming info session to speak to a student advisor and discuss career coaching & internship options today.
Terms & conditions
Enrollment in all programs requires each student to read and agree to our Terms and Conditions before you register.
Still curious?
If you have more questions, view the full FAQ page or contact us today.
Transform Your Career in Just 3 Simple Steps
1. Easy Enrollment
Begin your journey effortlessly with our straightforward online application. It’s fast, easy, and your first step towards a brighter future.
2. Discover the Digital Workshop Center Difference
Experience our unique approach before you commit. Attend our mandatory program orientation to get a feel for our hands-on, practical teaching style.
3. Adapt Learning to Your Life
We offer accommodating class schedules and a variety of financial options to ensure our courses fit into your life, not the other way around.
Get Started Today!
Fill out the online application today.