If you work in a visually creative field, the Certificate in Visual Design could be an ideal addition to your resume. By pursuing this certificate, you will gain a basic understanding of design principles and valuable practical knowledge. This flexible 250-hour certificate allows you to tailor the program to your own specific needs.
Students choose one of three programs: a general certificate, the Specialization in Art Theory and Practice, and the Specialization in Interior Design.
Whereas the general program spans many aspects of design, including interior design and decorating, photography, graphic design, fine art, and landscape design, the specializations are more focused.
General program (without specialization)
In this specialization, students complete the four core courses that are common to all programs for 120 hours. To fulfil the 250-hour requirement, you will choose a minimum of 130 hours of options.
Like all Continuing Education certificates, this program is a great way for you to build on your education and work experience. You will learn with like-minded mature students who pursue their professional development with determination while, at the same time, tending to their family, work and community commitments.
At a professional level, this program is an excellent opportunity for individuals who already have some design knowledge and experience, but would like to expand that foundation, and formalize it within a certificate framework. At a personal level, this program will appeal to those interested in gaining knowledge and skills that can be applied to their creative interests, such as fine arts, home decorating and design, landscaping, or photography.
This program is perfect if you...
- Work, or aspire to work, in a visual design field
- Seek a solid foundation of knowledge leading to a general visual design credential
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 6 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
250 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Certificate in Visual Design is a 250-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 three years. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.
$4,459
The approximate cost to complete the Certificate in Visual Design is $4,459.
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 50 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 Visual Design, up to 120 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards certificates in Graphic Design, and Integrated Digital Media, Visual Design specializing in Art Theory and Practice, and Visual Design specializing in Interior 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.
Register online or by calling 403-220-2866 or 1-866-220-4992. Some restrictions may apply (i.e., all courses must take place within the current academic year).
Note: ICT courses within the Certificate in Visual Design are not eligible for the discount.