There are three stackable Communication Design Certificates.

LEVEL 1  Provides a solid grounding in design and typography skills that can be applied in a variety of design-related jobs and endeavors. Level 1 can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or as a foundation for Level 2.

LEVEL 2 Pushes students to advance their skills in brand design, gain UX/UI design skills, and build a portfolio suitable for obtaining a paid internship or junior designer position.

LEVEL 3 Challenges students to conceive of and design complex design systems at a highly creative and sophisticated level. Students graduate with skills and a portfolio suitable for launching a career as a professional designer.

Our program offers three start dates throughout the year to fit your schedule.

• Fall Start: Apply between February 1 and June 15 for a September start.
• Spring Start: Apply between September 1 and November 1 for a January start.
• Summer Start: Apply between February 1 and April 15 for a May start.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis during each cycle.

Schedule SCENARIO A – FALL START

SCENARIO B – SPRING START

SCENARIO C – SUMMER START

The following outcomes represent completion of Level 3; completion of Levels 1 and 2 represent significant progress towards these outcomes. 

• Design complex visual communications systems including consumer brands, print and digital publications, promotional and information campaigns, websites, apps, packaging and signage.
• Develop and apply original, engaging design concepts that effectively communicate an intended idea and/or message to a defined audience
• Apply visual design skills (including composition, color, and type/image integration), information design skills, professional typesetting techniques, and creative typography to a variety of communication design projects
• Apply principles and processes of UX and UI design to the planning and design of interactive experiences for desktop, mobile, and other screen-based media
• Identify a community problem or need and research, develop, and design an effective solution.
• Employ skills in collaboration by effectively providing critical feedback to others and integrating feedback from various sources into one’s own designs.
• Practice professional design process including research, idea generation, design iteration, presentation, incorporation of feedback, technical execution, and craft to a variety of communication design projects.
• Utilize industry-standard design software and art media in creating designs, mock-ups, and prototypes.
• Create an entry-level portfolio suitable for job search in professional Communication Design, UX Design and Graphic Design