Design and creative programs
Online design courses taught live, from graphic design to UX, video, and web
Live, instructor-led certificate programs for adults moving into a creative or digital role, or already in one and ready to build a stronger technical foundation. Every session meets in real time with a working designer, developer, or producer and a small class working toward the same goals. No self-paced videos, and every question gets answered in the session where it comes up.
- Training careers nationwide since 2006
- Live instructors, never pre-recorded
- WIOA and DVR funding eligible
What do you want to create?
Pick the work you want to do to see its program.
Design and creative certificate programs
Choose your design program
Every program is live, instructor-led, and part-time, so you can train around a job, a job search, or freelance work. Each one starts from fundamentals, includes the AI tools changing creative work, builds a professional portfolio module by module, and finishes with a live Capstone. Interested in campaigns and content strategy instead? See the Digital Marketing Certificate.
Advanced Graphic Design Certificate
Graphic designers create the visual language of brands and marketing. Build skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and brand identity design, with AI-assisted design workflows.
Prepares you for Adobe Certified Professional exams
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UX Design Certificate
UX designers shape how people experience digital products. Learn user research, wireframing, prototyping in Figma, and usability testing, plus how AI is speeding up design work.
No paid software: Figma free tier
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Digital Media Production Certificate
Digital media producers create the video and multimedia content organizations use to communicate. Learn video editing in Premiere Pro, motion graphics in After Effects, and storytelling.
Premiere Pro and After Effects
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Frontend Web Development Certificate
Frontend developers build the interfaces people use on the web. Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React through hands-on projects, no computer science degree required.
No paid software required
Explore the programWhich program fits?
Pick a design program by the work you want to do
The right program depends on the kind of work you want to do every day. Still not sure? Attend a free info session and talk with an instructor before you decide.
Compare
Design course cost, length, software, and outcomes
Compare the four programs side by side, from tuition and schedule to the software you need and the roles each one prepares you for.
| Program | Advanced Graphic Design | UX Design | Digital Media Production | Frontend Web Development |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | About 4.5 months | About 6 months | About 6 months | About 6 months |
| Live hours | 115.5 | 198 | 168 | 198 |
| Schedule | 2 sessions/week, 3.5 hrs each | 3 sessions/week, 3 hrs each | 2 sessions/week, 3.5 hrs each | 3 sessions/week, 3 hrs each |
| How classes start | Cohort dates | Cohort dates | Cohort dates | Small live classes, rolling |
| Tuition | $5,995 | $6,995 | $7,995 | $6,995 |
| As low as | $137/mo* | $171/mo* | $205/mo* | $239/mo* |
| Software | Adobe Creative Cloud, not included | Free (Figma free tier) | Adobe Creative Cloud, not included | Free, no subscriptions |
| Main tools | Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, Adobe Firefly | Figma, FigJam, HTML and CSS | Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, React, Node.js |
| Exam prep | Aligned to Adobe Certified Professional exams (fees separate) | Portfolio and UX case study | Optional Adobe Certified Professional review (fees separate) | Portfolio and live Capstone |
| Roles it prepares you for | Graphic designer, brand designer, marketing designer, production artist | Junior UX designer, UX researcher, UI designer, product designer | Video editor, motion graphics designer, content producer | Junior front-end developer, web developer, UI developer |
*Example only, financed through Climb Credit over 36 months at 13.99% APR, Climb's lowest current rate; $100 registration fee applies; subject to credit approval. Advanced Graphic Design, UX Design, and Digital Media Production show tuition less a $2,000 average scholarship (an example only; awards are reviewed individually and not guaranteed); Frontend Web Development shows the full tuition financed. Small live classes typically start within 2 to 3 weeks of enrollment; class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed.
Who these programs are for
Built for working adults, not a first job out of school
The students who do well in these programs have worked inside organizations, understand how decisions get made, and are ready to add a high-value technical skill to what they already bring.
Career changers from marketing, communications, education, healthcare, and retail bring domain expertise that complements the technical skills. Freelancers and small business owners bring real client problems to solve. Designers and marketers in adjacent roles bring professional context that makes the curriculum immediately useful.
No prior design or development experience is required. Each program starts from fundamentals. You need a reliable computer that can run the software, a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone, and DWC walks every student through a technology check before the first session. Advanced Graphic Design and Digital Media Production require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription that is not included in tuition; DWC students are eligible for Adobe student pricing.
What makes DWC different
Design training with a real instructor and real critique
Not a tutorial library: live classes, real projects, and support from enrollment to your first creative role.
Taught live by working creatives
Every session meets in real time with an instructor who does this work. Your questions get answered by someone doing the job, not a forum thread or a help doc.
Small classes, real critique
Your work gets seen and critiqued in class, and your instructor knows your background well enough to frame feedback around your goals.
A portfolio in every module
Each module adds portfolio pieces, and every program ends with a live Capstone you present and defend.
AI tools in every program
Adobe Firefly, the AI features in Figma, AI in video production, and AI-assisted coding, taught as tools of the trade.
Career coaching included
Resume, portfolio feedback, LinkedIn, and interview preparation with a career coach, plus admissions, student, and tech support.
Class recordings after every session
Recordings are available after each session for review, so a work conflict does not leave you behind.
Paying for design training
Five ways to pay for a design program
All four programs are eligible for WIOA, vocational rehabilitation, and DWC scholarships, and many students complete them at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Our admissions team helps people find the path that works for their situation.
MF
I just finished the Video Design course with DWC and feel safe to recommend any course they offer because each instructor I had was at the top of their field and very very professional.
Matthew F., Digital Media Production / Video Design graduate
FAQ
Design program questions, answered
Still curious? Attend a free info session or call 970-980-8091.
Which design program should I choose?
It depends on the work you want to do. To create visual assets for brands, marketing, and print, start with the Advanced Graphic Design Certificate. To design how people interact with apps and digital products, choose the UX Design Certificate. To produce video, motion graphics, and multimedia content, choose Digital Media Production Certificate. To build websites and write code, choose Frontend Web Development Certificate. If you are still not sure, attend a free info session and talk with an instructor before you decide.
Do I need prior design or coding experience?
No. All four programs start from fundamentals, and no degree is required. You need a reliable computer capable of running the software, a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. DWC walks every student through a technology check before the first session.
How much do the design programs cost?
Tuition is $5,995 for Advanced Graphic Design, $6,995 for UX Design, $7,995 for Digital Media Production, and $6,995 for Frontend Web Development. WIOA, vocational rehabilitation, scholarships, the Community Heroes Discount, employer billing, and Climb Credit payment plans can lower your out-of-pocket cost.
How long are these programs, and how much time do they take?
Advanced Graphic Design runs about 4.5 months at two 3.5-hour sessions per week, 115.5 hours in all. Digital Media Production runs about 6 months at two 3.5-hour sessions per week, 168 hours. UX Design and Frontend Web Development each run about 6 months at three 3-hour sessions per week, 198 hours. Plan for additional time outside class for project work.
When do classes start?
Advanced Graphic Design, Digital Media Production, and UX Design run on set cohort dates listed on each program page. Frontend Web Development runs as small live classes with rolling enrollment that typically start within 2 to 3 weeks of enrollment; class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed.
Is Adobe Creative Cloud included in tuition?
No. Advanced Graphic Design and Digital Media Production require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription that is not included in tuition, and you keep it active for the length of the program. DWC students are eligible for Adobe student pricing on Creative Cloud. UX Design uses Figma's free tier, and Frontend Web Development uses only free tools, so neither requires paid software.
Do these programs prepare me for Adobe certification?
Advanced Graphic Design aligns to the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and prepares you to sit for them. Digital Media Production includes optional ACP exam review in its final module. Taking an exam is optional, and exam fees are not included in tuition.
Are these programs taught live or self-paced?
Every session is live, with an instructor in real time through Zoom. There are no pre-recorded videos or self-paced modules, and class recordings are available after each session if you need to review or miss a class.
Will I have a portfolio when I finish?
Yes. Every program builds portfolio pieces module by module and finishes with a live Capstone you present and receive critique on. UX Design graduates leave with a full UX case study, which matters because UX hiring is primarily portfolio-based.
What credentials do graduates receive?
Each program awards a professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center, with documentation of learning objectives and program outcomes for employers, workforce case managers, and DVR counselors.
Are these programs eligible for WIOA funding?
Yes. All four programs are eligible for WIOA funding through local American Job Centers, which can cover part or all of tuition for eligible students. Eligibility is determined by your local center based on employment status and income. DWC provides case managers with full program documentation. Start with our WIOA-approved training programs guide.
Can I use DVR funding for these programs?
Yes. All four programs are eligible for vocational rehabilitation (DVR) funding for students who qualify. If you are working with a DVR counselor, DWC coordinates directly and provides the documentation needed for funding approval.
Is there a scholarship for veterans?
Yes. The Next Mission Scholarship takes 80% off tuition for qualifying veterans and service members and covers all four design programs. The Tech Skills and Women in Tech scholarships and the Community Heroes Discount are also available.
Do you offer digital marketing training?
Yes. The Digital Marketing Certificate covers SEO, Google Ads, analytics, email, social, and content, and includes the Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Certificate. It pairs well with Advanced Graphic Design or Digital Media Production if you want both the creative and the campaign side.
Ready to start your design career?
Meet an instructor at a free info session, see the work students build, and get every question answered before you commit. Or request program information and an admissions advisor follows up within one business day.
Program details are current as of publication and may change; each program page has the latest. Funding eligibility is determined by the funding agency. Adobe, Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Firefly are trademarks of Adobe; Figma is a trademark of Figma, Inc. Download the program guides to compare curricula and schedules.