Ignite your creativity and prepare for a career in graphic design. Learn how to think like a designer while developing the visual literacy needed to thrive in a professional setting. Feel confident in your skills through portfolio reviews, a capstone course, mentorship and internship opportunities. The Design Communication Arts (DCA) certificate can be completed online or in the classroom.
The Design Communication Arts (DCA) certificate program is designed to help you grow creatively while providing you with the skills to succeed professionally.
The curriculum gives a solid foundation in the fundamentals of graphic design, with elective courses in user experience, photography, and visual arts to choose from. At the end of the program, students participate in a mandatory portfolio review before being awarded their certificate.
You'll not only learn the tools of graphic design, but how to think strategically and develop the visual literacy needed to thrive in a professional setting. If you pay attention and challenge yourself, you will leave the program with confidence in your creative and practical skills, and with a portfolio that reflects your unique lens on the world.
Formats: Online and In-Person. Can be completed 100% online.
Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.
While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.
Learn more:
Our course curriculum is developed in cooperation with UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts (DMA).
The program is equally conceptual and hands-on, fostering a unique approach to the intersection of art and technology.
The Design Communication Arts program not only helped me develop a good understanding of fundamental design principles, but more importantly, it helped me build a solid portfolio that I can now use to begin my career in the graphic design industry.
View a selection of outstanding web portfolios created by students who have successfully completed the Design Communication Arts (DCA) Certificate.
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
This 8-unit intensive bootcamp course can be taken in lieu of taking these 3 required courses:
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.
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.
Design Communication Arts certificate candidates may earn elective credit by enrolling in an internship or mentorship.
Internship
DESMA X 479.7F
Begin the transition from student to professional designer with an internship in a real world setting.
Mentorship
DESMA X 482.14
Work one-on-one with an instructor who guides your development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, design competition, freelance assignment, or other advanced goal.
When you're ready to take the next step in your graphic design career, apply to the Advanced Design Communication Arts certificate program, where you’ll dive deeper into special design topics and further refine your skills with master-level mentorship.
Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.
Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.
