Program Details

In the SMU Graphic Design Certificate program, you’ll learn to:

• Follow best practices for producing print and digital design pieces in different media and for various platforms.
• Create professional vector graphics using Adobe® Illustrator®
• Use Adobe® InDesign® to create documents for print or export as PDFs.
• Edit and retouch digital photos using Adobe® Photoshop®
• Employ design elements and principles like color theory fundamentals, form and space
• Utilize typography and images effectively in your designs
• Develop and receive feedback on your professional design portfolio
• Quickly and easily create content in Adobe® Express®

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring graphic design professionals seeking a strong foundation in the latest Adobe® software
• Seasoned professionals looking to transition from traditional hand-rendering to digital design
• Marketing, administrative or non-design professionals seeking to enhance their design skills and training
• Anyone who wants to strengthen their visual communication skills

The SMU Graphic Design Certificate program consists of over 100 hours of graphic design education through six courses completed over eight months.

Students complete the program as a cohort, structured so that you and your fellow students progress through the each class together, guided by expert instructors. Courses build upon one another with assignments and lessons, allowing you to hone your design skills with increasingly sophisticated projects. In the capstone course you’ll synthesize your knowledge by completing your portfolio to represent your skills and unique aesthetic perspective.

You may register for some Graphic Design Certificate courses individually and without an application. Apply and register for the full Graphic Design Certificate Program to receive 30% off the standard tuition of the individual courses.

Admissions Requirements

This program is open to applicants with relevant technology skills — including installing and managing software, working across files and folders and navigating the internet independently. No prior design experience or college degree is required. We'll teach you graphic design from the ground up; you just need to come in ready to learn new software with basic tech confidence already in place.

Not sure if your background fits? A Program Advisor can help you decide before you apply. 

Textbooks

Tuition does not include the cost of textbooks.

Required Textbooks:

Design Elements, Third Edition: Understanding the rules and knowing when to break them - A Visual Communication Manual
ISBN-13 : 978-1631598722

Software

You will need an Adobe® Creative Cloud account username and password.