Top Graphic Design Certificates & Certifications in Dallas

Obtaining a graphic design certificate or certification in Dallas offers aspiring designers a powerful edge in the competitive creative industry.

These programs provide comprehensive training in essential design principles, software proficiency, and artistic techniques. By becoming certified, individuals can showcase their expertise to potential employers, clients, and collaborators. A city of over a million people, aspiring graphic designers have a wide pool of potential clients and employers to pursue. Graphic designers in Dallas can expect to earn approximately $58,000 a year. 

Southern Methodist University: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: This program costs $2,999 with priority tuition, $3,249 with standard tuition. Live online classes meet every Thursday for seven months, while students will undergo 4 additional hours of self-study per week. 

Students will immerse themselves in the world of graphic design under the guidance of experienced instructors, who bring their vast expertise to every lesson. Leveraging SMU’s strong industry connections, they’ll stay up-to-date with the latest Adobe software versions, aided by real-time guidance from instructors during live classes. 

This program equips students with sought-after skills while affording them the opportunity to build their portfolio. As students near completion, they’ll undertake a brand identity design project that lays the groundwork for their portfolio. Upon successfully finishing the program, they’ll receive a digital badge showcasing their accomplishment, perfect for enhancing their resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Dallas College: Graphic Design

Key Information: This program consists of three classes: Digital Imaging I, Computer Illustration, and Digital Publishing I. 

Graphic designers have become essential in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. Through this program, students will acquire a diverse skill set covering key areas like visual communication, desktop publishing, web design, and multimedia applications. 

The curriculum encompasses a wide array of graphic design aspects, including the development of identity elements like logos and branding, the creation of impactful websites, and the art of designing compelling publications such as newspapers, magazines, and books. This comprehensive program not only equips students with a strong foundation, but also prepares them to enter a new professional realm and enhance their existing grasp of design principles, typography, layout, and related concepts. 

ONLC Training Center: Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 1 Course

Key Information: This class is $795 for early registrants, and $875 for other students. It takes place over two full days. 

Covering tools, panels, and workspace customization, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of the InDesign interface. Students will learn effective navigation, zooming, document setup, and preset saving. Building upon these basics, they’ll develop skills like creating text and graphic frames, incorporating text and images for professional layouts. Advanced techniques include using master pages, guides, grids, and placeholders for complex documents, and manipulating pages through the Pages panel. 

Furthermore, students will delve into text and paragraph formatting, as well as creating and applying paragraph and character styles. The course also imparts proficiency in color modes, application, custom color creation, swatch and gradient usage, handling missing fonts, spelling checks, and working with graphic objects. 

Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: This course takes place over 14 full day sessions, and costs $2,995. It’s open to anyone over the age of eighteen. The average class size is 15. It is an online classroom. 

In this graphic design class, students will acquire the skills crucial for crafting modern, visually captivating designs. This comprehensive course not only equips students with the expertise needed to construct an impressive portfolio, but also positions them to impress potential clients and employers with business-savvy creative tips. 

Students will delve into the essential Adobe Creative Cloud apps, gaining proficiency in tasks ranging from photo retouching and editing in Photoshop, to creating intricate vector graphics in Illustrator and designing captivating page layouts in InDesign. The curriculum extends to encompass fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and design theory. 

As students progress, they’ll have the opportunity to channel their newfound skills into tangible projects such as producing social media graphics, logos, and cover art that showcases their abilities. These assignments will then be used to compile a portfolio of work. This certificate program bears the official endorsement of the New York State Department of Education. 

Noble Desktop: Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp

Key Information: This class takes place over three full-day sessions. It costs $975. The average class size is 15. It’s open to students of all levels ages eighteen and older. It is an online classroom. 

Students will dive into the realm of enhancing visuals as they uncover techniques to erase unwanted elements from their images, master precision selections, and craft images optimized for both digital and print platforms. As their knowledge grows, students will be able to infuse life into their photographs and fashion stunning graphics. 

Throughout this immersive course, s students will engage in projects designed to cultivate their expertise. They’ll learn how to refine color palettes, enhance contrasts, and eliminate imperfections and distractions from each composition. Students will also learn how to seamlessly integrate disparate elements from various images to create unique collages. 

Students will also learn to master the intricacies of layers, explore masks and filters, and curate typography. By the end of this journey, students will have engaged insight into the intricate world of Adobe Photoshop. 

NYC Career Centers: Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

Key Information: This class takes place over five full day sessions, and costs $1,295. The average class size is eight students. It is open to students of all levels ages 18 and older. 

In this interactive graphic design bootcamp, students will have a hands-on opportunity to enhance their understanding of design principles and methodologies while actively creating projects for their portfolio. This course is centered around the art of design and assumes familiarity with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. 

Throughout the duration of the course, students will engage in the creation of various portfolio projects. These projects will encompass a diverse array of design elements such as logos, social media graphics, stationery, book/eBook covers, album covers, event posters, and email announcements. 

Students’ assignments will undergo constructive evaluation from both the instructor and the group. This feedback will be integrated into the work, allowing them to refine designs either within the class timeframe or as homework outside of class. Students will be able to showcase their work on their own portfolio website by uploading their creations to Adobe Portfolio. 

NYC Career Centers: Motion Graphics Certificate

Key Information: This class takes place across seventeen full day sessions. It costs $3,495. It’s open to students of all levels above the age of eighteen. The average class size is seven. Students must have a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. 

Students will embark on a comprehensive learning journey in this graphic design class, where they’ll gain valuable skills using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. The focus lies on video editing, motion graphics, and special effects, culminating in the creation of a motion graphics demo reel. 

Students will start by honing video editing skills, learning to manipulate music, voiceovers, and dialogue, as well as adjust video clip timing, placement, speed, and color. They’ll then explore motion graphics animation, bringing photos and videos to life through animation. 

Students will then master visual effects techniques, including greenscreen removal, background replacement, rotoscoping, and cell-phone screen replacement. They’ll finish the course with a portfolio-ready demo reel to showcase skills to potential clients. 

Computer Training Source, Inc: Photoshop Part 1 (Online)

Key Information: This class takes place over one full day. It costs $649. It is an online classroom. The average class size is ten students. It is open to beginners ages 18 and older. 

Students will become acquainted with the foundational aspects of Photoshop. They’ll discover the effective utilization of Adobe Bridge and gain insights into optimizing and personalizing the Photoshop workspace for enhanced efficiency. They’ll also delve into the realm of design principles, elements, and the art of graphic composition, all while examining their relevance across various digital devices. 

Students will acquire proficiency in employing selection tools and seamlessly navigating layers. They’ll dive into blending modes and refine their skills in modifying and repairing images. They’ll also elevate their expertise by delving into the intricacies of refining images using advanced tools. 

Lumenbrite Training: Illustrator Training: Corporate Marketing Bootcamp

Key Information: This class takes place over four full-day sessions. It costs $1695. It’s open to beginners over the age of eighteen. The average class size is eight. This is an online course. 

This Illustrator class is a comprehensive training that combines Corporate marketing I and II courses, suitable for beginners progressing to an intermediate level. Students will learn how to create professional corporate marketing materials using Illustrator, covering color, typography, and live features. They’ll be able to develop skills applicable to businesses of all sizes, working on diverse projects like logos, business cards, flyers and infographics. 

The class includes 3D object creation, symbol movie clips, and output file creation for web, print, and video. Prerequisites include basic computer skills on Windows or Mac. Students will receive Adobe Authorized training, a certificate, and access to exclusive events and discounts upon completion. 

TLG Learning: Photoshop CC—Part 1

Key Information: This class takes place over one full day. It is an online course. The price is $790. It is for beginner students aged 18 and over. The average class size is nine students. 

This is a foundational course emphasizing essential Phtoshop features for image manipulation, including Adobe Bridge and fire organization. It covers image creation, selection and layer management, enhancement and repair, advanced refinement, and efficient file handling. 

It’s tailored for photographers and those pursuing Visual Communications certifications with Photoshop CC. The curriculum encompasses workspace organization, design principles, selection and layer management, advanced refinement, and proficient file handling. This course provides a strong grasp of Photoshop’s capabilities and supports the journey to industry-recognized certification. 

FAQ for Graphic Design Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

The distinction between a certificate and a certification lies primarily in the process of attainment. A certificate is typically conferred upon individuals who successfully complete a specific training course, signifying their acquisition of knowledge and skills in a particular field. 

In contrast, a certification is granted to those who demonstrate their expertise by passing a formal examination, showcasing their comprehensive understanding and competence in a specific area of study. In essence, a certificate acknowledges the fulfillment of a structured learning program, while a certification validates a higher level of proficiency through rigorous assessment. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

The decision to pursue a certificate or a certification depends on your specific goals and aspirations. If you are looking to acquire practical skills and knowledge in a particular field or subject, a certificate program might be the ideal choice. Certificates often focus on imparting hands-on expertise and are designed to equip you with the tools needed to excel in a specific job or role. 

On the other hand, if you aim to validate your expertise and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a specific area, a certification could be more suitable. Certifications often involve rigorous testing and assessment processes that provide a recognized standard of competence in a given field. They can be particularly valuable if you are seeking to advance your career, stand out in a competitive job market, or transition into a specialized role. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

While becoming certified can certainly enhance your qualifications and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers, it is not always a strict requirement for finding a job. Many factors contribute to employability, including your skill set, experience, education, and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. 

Certifications can provide a competitive edge by validating your expertise and demonstrating your commitment to professional development. They can be particularly valuable in industries or roles where specific skills and knowledge are highly sought after such as in technical fields or specialized professions. However, in other cases, practical experience, a strong portfolio, and a demonstrated ability to excel in the job may carry more weight than certifications. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

The choice between in-person and online classes depends on your individual learning style, preferences, and logistical considerations. Each mode of learning has its own set of advantages and considerations. 

In-person classes offer the benefits of direct interaction with instructors and fellow students. You can ask questions in real-time, engage in immediate discussions, and receive immediate feedback. The in-person environment often fosters a sense of community and networking opportunities. 

On the other hand, online classes provide flexibility and convenience. You can learn from the comfort of your own space and create a schedule that suits your lifestyle. Online classes often offer a wide range of resources such as recorded lectures and discussion boards, that can enhance your understanding of the subject matter. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Deciding between live online and asynchronous classes depends on your personal learning style, schedule and preferences. Live online classes offer the advantage of real-time interaction with instructors and classmates. You can ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive immediate feedback. This format often mimics the experience of a traditional classroom, providing structure and accountability. 

On the other hand, asynchronous classes provide flexibility by allowing you to access course materials and lectures at your own pace and convenience. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule, work commitments, or other responsibilities. Asynchronous classes enable you to tailor your learning to fit your individual rhythm.