The Certificate in Graphic Design combines art principles and industry standard design software techniques in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator to provide essential knowledge and skills required to begin designing and building professional graphics.
This program will provide you with a solid foundation in core design areas such as two-dimensional design, typography, colour and drawing, as well as digital drawing and design. You will learn to create print or web-based effective designs to get the audience's attention and get the intended message across.
Through applied projects and assignments, this program will challenge you to develop creative solutions to hands-on design problems aimed at preparing you for a variety of industry-related design experiences, and to help build your portfolio.
This certificate will be of value to those interested in the graphic design industry and wish to work in advertising, branding and corporate identity, signage, web design, and other related areas.
This program is perfect if you...
- Work, or aspire to work, as a graphic designer for print or web
- Are seeking a foundation of knowledge and software skills
- Are considering moving on to the Certificate in Integrated Digital Media or the Certificate in Visual Design
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate.
Program details
Online and In Class
Courses in this program are delivered online and in class. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.
You should plan on studying and working approximately 5 to 7 hours per week per course.
Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.
Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online
8 Courses, 240 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Certificate in Graphic Design is a 240-hour program.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program in two years. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.
$5,200 to $5,850
Depending on selected options and required prerequisites, the approximate cost to complete the Certificate in Graphic Design is $5,200 to $5,850.
This includes the $105 admission fee.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.
The admission fee is $105.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- Relevant work experience (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.
Apply for AdmissionPrior learning from other post-secondary institutions
Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 60 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTransferring credit from other Continuing Education programs
If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 120 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Upon completing the Certificate in Graphic Design, up to 120 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards the Certificate in Integrated Digital Media, and Certificate in Visual Design. The number of hours will vary based on certificate requirements and courses.
If you wish to pursue another program:
- Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
- Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits
The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.
Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.
To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:
It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
See Graduation for details.
This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.
International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.
Get a 5% discount
Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering for three or more courses at the same time. During checkout, be sure to select the 'Apply a discount' option next to each eligible course. Choose '5% Bundle Discount' from the menu. Some restrictions apply (i.e. all courses must take place within the current academic year).
Note: ICT courses are not eligible for the discount.