certificate

Advanced Design Communication Arts

For graphic designers looking to take their skills to the next level. Receive master-level mentoring and instruction to create design solutions across a variety of outputs and mediums. Execute polished, portfolio-level projects that the design industry is clamoring for.

Who this is perfect for...

  • Graduates of the Design Communication Arts certificate who want to further refine their design skills
  • Professional graphic designers who want to dive deeper into special design topics

What you can learn.

  • Develop an advanced understanding of typography through historical context and contemporary applications
  • Create comprehensive portfolio projects in specific areas of design of your choosing
  • Expand and strengthen your design toolkit as you further practice solving problems with design solutions
  • Practice cross-disciplinary and collaborative design approaches across analog and digital technologies
  • Learn the business side of design, explore freelance best practices, and how to position yourself in the marketplace

What our students say about our certificates.

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required Course
DESMA X 479.4B
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
Elective Courses
Choose 3 of the following courses. 
DESMA X 482.14
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 479.7F
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 479.47AA
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
DESMA X 479.8B
Typically Offered: Winter
DESMA X 479.9D
Typically Offered: Winter
DESMA X 479.4D
Typically Offered: Spring
DESMA X 479.6BB
Typically Offered: Spring
DESMA X 479.6C
Typically Offered: Spring
DESMA X 479.6D
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
DESMA X 481.99QT
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
DESMA X 481.99QU
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
DESMA X 479.7K
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
DESMA X 480.11
DESMA X 480.22
DESMA X 481.24B
Typically Offered: Spring
DESMA X 481.99AF
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 479.8K
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 481.99FG
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 489.5F
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
DESMA X 489.5G
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
DESMA X 499C
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
ART X 429
ART X 438.9
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
ART X 439.90
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
ART X 440.21
Typically Offered: Fall
ART X 440.22
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
see all courses

A portfolio review is required for admission to the program, unless you have earned UCLA Extension’s Design Communication Arts certificate within the last five years.

How to Apply

Design Communication Arts Graduates:

  1. Click the “Apply Now” button below. You will be prompted to log into your student account.
  2. Simply fill out the application and pay the $125 candidacy fee

All Others:

  1. Click the “Apply Now” button below. You will be prompted to login or create a Student Account and Profile in order to complete the application.
  2. Complete the application.
  3. Schedule an appointment for your in-person portfolio review. 
  4. Upon notification of acceptance into the program, you will be required to pay a $125 candidacy fee. This fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. It establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of five years and allows you to access a variety of program benefits.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

125.00

Estimated Program Tuition

3200.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

400.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

An internship in design communications can provide you with practical experience in a variety of design job functions. Students must be registered in the Design Communication Arts (DCA), Advanced Design Communication Arts (ADCA), or User Experience certificate program and have earned a "C" or better in at least 50% of the certificate's coursework. 

Learn More

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

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