Graphic Design Certificate

"There are three responses to a piece of design - yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for." - Milton Glaser, Graphic Designer

image of a woman sitting at a desk using a computer to create digital graphics and art

Create stylish designs that have great impact.

Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and captivate customers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines and corporate reports.

Green River's new Graphic Design Certificate prepares you to create professional projects for the industry of your choice. It emphasizes design and creativity while providing the technical training to create impressive designs.

This Certificate is Recommended for Individuals

  • Who are looking for experience with industry level design programs
  • Who want to discover ways to improve digital images, create illustrations, develop professional layouts and learn design fundamentals
  • Who are looking for the skills needed to create strong, eye-catching portfolios
  • Who want to increase their value to their employer or their marketability in the job market

Program Features

  • Curriculum is developed and taught by graphic design professionals
  • Courses are offered in the evenings, so they don't interfere with work
  • Complete the Certificate in as little as three quarters or at your own pace
  • Register for the courses individually, or register for a series and save

Information Session

To learn more about our Graphic Design Certificate, attend our free Graphic Design Certificate Information Session.

Certificate Overview

The Graphic Design Certificate consists of six required courses totaling 87 hours of course work. Most people are able to complete the Certificate in three quarters. You may register for courses individually, or you can save money by registering for a series of courses.

Click on the courses listed below for current offerings, prerequisites, recommended software, recommended textbooks, prices and to register online.

Required Courses Hours Quarters Typically Offered
Graphic Design Certificate Part 1 (2 Class Series)  30 Fall 
Graphic Design Fundamentals  12 Fall
Photoshop CC  18 Fall
Graphic Design Certificate Part 2 (2 Class Series)  27 Winter
Working Designer  9 Winter
Illustrator CC  18 Winter
Graphic Design Certificate Part 3 (2 Class Series)  30 Spring
InDesign CC  18 Spring
Graphic Design Certificate Capstone  12 Spring
Parts 1, 2 and 3 87  

Homework

Homework assignments will be given in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and the Graphic Design Certificate Capstone course. Plan on spending approximately 2-6 hours per course on these assignments.

Program Completion

To earn the Graphic Design Certificate of Completion, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Take all six required courses
  • Attend 80 percent of each course (based on number of sessions in each course), except the Capstone course, where 100% attendance is required. Please note: Saturday courses lasting longer than four hours will count as two sessions.
  • Participate in class
  • Successfully complete the Capstone project by the deadline given.

Additional Information

For additional information, please call Green River Continuing Education at 253-833-9111, ext. 2535.

Certificate Terms and Conditions