Getting Your Certificate in Graphic Design
A certificate is usually the lowest level of education you can attain in a given field. Rather than a degree, you earn a certificate of completion or certification in a certain area. Most certificate programs take about a year to complete if you’re attending school full-time.
Certificate programs in graphic design are a little harder to come by than full-fledged degree programs in the field, but they’re still out there. They’re also a good way to jump-start your education and your career by learning the basics of graphic design and jumping right into the work force. They also allow you to begin working as a graphic designer will allowing for an expanded education down the road.
The goal of a certificate program is to give you a base of knowledge in the field. That means taking a variety of graphic design courses that cover everything from the history of design to the way modern technology is being used to transform job opportunities on an almost daily basis. You’ll receive basic training in graphic design software like Photoshop, used to manipulate images, and InDesign and Illustrator, programs used in the creation of design layouts for everything from newspapers to Web sites. Even though a certificate program is shorter than other educational options, you’ll need to learn about the digital components of graphic design to secure a good job.
You’ll also study certain basic graphic design areas that are used in every type of career associated with design and that are taught across almost all degree programs. For instance, a certificate in graphic design will teach you about typography, which will cover everything from the history of written language to the way letters and fonts can be used to evoke emotion and style in contemporary design. You’ll also learn the rules of composition that govern things like color use, balance, and more.
Even though a certificate program is a short educational journey — usually done in 12-15 months — it’s still important to make sure the program has been accredited, whether regionally or nationally. The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation are great resources to see if your certificate program passes muster. You can also check by contacting the program or searching the site for accreditation information. If they’re accredited, they’ll want you to know about it, so finding out shouldn’t be too difficult.
Although often viewed as a stepping stone to higher education, a certificate in graphic design is a worthy accomplishment in its own right and can be a smart way to quickly start your career.