Everywhere you look graphic design is around us, in countless forms, but it is always made up of images and words to communicate a message. Graphic design is a critical tool used in a wide variety of industries that include advertising, marketing, public relations, web design, technology, publishing, and non-profits.
Graphic Design - Technology Essentials focuses on the technical applications most identified in graphic design job postings. In this 90-hour program you will gain a skills-based, employable and recognizable credential that can be completed in a short period of time.
If your job requires any type of visual communication this micro-credential is for you. The employment outlook for graphic designers and anyone with design skills indicates consistent growth over the coming years, with an increasing need for effective visual communication.
This program is perfect if you...
- Work in almost any industry or business, and play a role in creating visual communication
- Create visual concepts and products
- Want to improve your technical skills using the Adobe applications that are used in graphic design businesses and industries
- Want a marketable edge in a growing and competitive workforce
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Digital Badge.
Program details
Online
Courses in this program are delivered online. 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 hours per week per course in addition to online class time.
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
3 Courses, 90 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. Graphic Design - Technology Essentials is a 90-hour program.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one or two courses per term, you will likely complete the program in as little as 8 months. You will complete the program faster if you take more courses per term.
$2,517
The approximate cost to complete Graphic Design - Technology Essentials is $2,517.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program.
To join this program, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Students will be automatically admitted when they register for ICT 436 Adobe Photoshop, ICT 437 Adobe Illustrator, or ICT 578 Adobe InDesign.
Prior 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 30 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 30 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Upon completing Graphic Design - Technology Essentials, up to 60 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards the Certificate in Visual Design. All 90 hours may be transferred towards the Certificate in Integrated Digital Media and Certificate in Graphic Design.
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.