Top Graphic Design Certificates & Certifications in NYC

Graphic design is the process of creating visual concepts using computer software or by hand.

Most graphic design projects are made to communicate ideas to others. Companies hire Graphic Designers to create visual media that can draw the attention of consumers. This is an effective way to advertise, inform, and entertain targeted audiences. 

Graphic design skills are in high demand. Graphic design positions are open in a wide range of industries, from insurance, to healthcare, to finance. Graphic Designers who work as part of a team may be responsible for creating marketing materials, packaging, and website graphics. If you’re interested in beginning a career in the field of graphic design, check out the graphic design certificate and certification programs available to you in NYC. 

Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Graphic Design Certificate is offered live online and at their NYC location. The certificate can be finished in one month (full-time) or three months (part-time). The cost of the program is $2,995, which can be paid in installments, following a 12-month 0% financing plan, or through Noble Desktop’s corporate invoicing option. The program is 84 hours long and requires you to complete class projects outside of class hours for one portion of the program. 

Learn graphic design concepts to prepare you for a job in the design field. In this class, you’ll work with Adobe Creative Cloud apps that are used by graphic design professionals. Photoshop will be used to edit and retouch photos; Illustrator used to create vector graphics; and InDesign used to design page layouts. Students will work on their portfolios as they progress through the course, adding projects like social media graphics, logos, and cover art to showcase to potential clients and employers. 

This program consists of four courses: Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, and Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp. The focus will be on graphic design concepts and processes as well as the elements of design. Students will also learn how to speak about their work and how to incorporate critique into their projects. 

Students will learn in small groups, allowing them the chance to ask questions and receive 1-on-1 feedback. With this program, you’ll receive six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where you can review your portfolio with experts, ask questions about challenging concepts, and receive professional advice. Noble Desktop allows free retakes for up to one year and provides students with a certificate of completion. 

Shillington School: Graphic Design Course

Key Information: TheShillington School of Graphic Design hosts a graphic design bootcamp that’s welcoming to beginners. The bootcamp can be taken online or at their NYC campus. The full-time program runs five days a week for three months and the part-time program runs three times a week for nine months. Course fees vary based on your program of choice. You can reach out to the Shillington School to find out about payment. 

Students who enroll in the program can expect to learn relevant industry skills that will prepare them for a successful career in the field of graphic design. This includes learning practical and technical skills. Major concepts focused on in the program are Design Theory, Design Principles, Design Thinking, Design Fundamentals, and Design Programs. Students will also learn how to successfully learn remotely so that they know how to apply these skills when they begin working in the industry.

This program is hands-on and practical. Students will work on more than 25 briefs to engage and practice their newly learned skills. Classes are run to mimic a studio environment, meaning that you’ll work in real time on briefs, deadlines, and feedback with your peers. Online classes have a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and on-campus classes have a 12:1 ratio. 

NextGen Bootcamp: Graphic Design Summer Program

Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp provides graphic design classes to high school and college students. Their Graphic Design Summer Program is a 60-hour live online program. Tuition is $1,299 when enrolling early and is due before the program begins. Included in tuition is a certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment.

Students will learn how to use graphic design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Expert instructors will guide them through the basics of these programs as well as graphic design concepts. By the end of the program, students will have mastered these tools and be prepared to level up their graphic design skills.

Students will work toward creating a graphic design portfolio. No prior experience is required for enrollment, but students should understand the basics of using a computer. Classes are small, so students can expect to learn in a small group of 8-15 people, allowing for ample opportunities to ask questions and receive direct feedback. 

NY Institute of Art & Design: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: The New York Institute of Art and Design offers a Graphic Design Certificate. This on-demand class comes with a 14-day refund policy. Reach out to the school to find out more about pricing and discount options. 

Students of this program can expect to walk away having built a solid proficiency inAdobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Graduates will even be prepared to take and pass the Adobe Certified Expert exam. Course topics include color theory, typography, editing vector and raster graphics, and developing assets for print and web. Students will also work on a design portfolio throughout the program. 

Upon enrollment, you’ll receive access to the online learning center. This allows you to access course materials whenever you’d like, at any time of day. Online course material includes videos and lessons prepared by experts that will help you work on a series of graphic design projects. Students will receive 1-on-1 feedback and have the contact information of the school’s team of professional graphic design experts that they can contact whenever they need help. 

The New School: Graphic & Digital Design Certificate

Key Information: The New School’s Graphic & Digital Design Certificate program is an online program that is typically completed in 18 weeks. Tuition is $7480. You can contact The New School to find out more about pricing and aid options that may be available to you.

This graphic design program aims to prepare students for a career in graphic design. Students will learn basic skills in concept, type, layout, and color. They will also learn how to use industry-standard software. The program is made up of eight courses that each run for nine weeks. Students will first take courses on color theory and introductory graphic design concepts before moving toward more specialized courses and electives. 

The New School recommends this program for students interested in visual communication, Graphic Designers looking to master best practices and software programs, and design professionals looking to learn new skills. Students will learn by engaging with video lectures and interviews with industry experts and through in-person and online collaboration. 

Pratt Institute: Graphic Design Certificate

Key Information: The Pratt Institute’s Graphic Design Certificate can be earned in-person or online. The cost of the program is $8,000 with financing options available. After completing the program, students will earn a certificate of completion. 

Learn how to communicate your message to others with typography, layout, color, and image. In this program, you’ll learn how to use Adobe CC, an industry-standard software. Students will learn about brand design and corporate identity as well as graphic design and typography fundamentals before learning about Adobe CC programs. After finishing core Adobe CC courses, students will then choose two electives centered around design concepts. 

Classes are small and interactive. You’ll receive real-time instruction and have the chance to ask expert instructors questions and get detailed feedback. The program includes free access to software and designated campus labs. At the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a certificate and a well-developed design portfolio. 

NYC Career Center: InDesign in a Day

Key Information: Learn the fundamentals of InDesign in NYC Career Centers’ InDesign in a Day course. This six-hour class costs $395, which is due before the class begins. The course is offered live online and in-person in NYC. 

This is a beginner-level class that teaches the fundamentals of InDesign such as text, pictures, and pages. Creating thoughtful and well-designed communications is important across fields. This course will teach you how to use InDesign to make letters, magazines, and brochures that stand out to consumers. By the end of the day, students will be able to elevate the look of their documents and export them properly to get them out to target audiences. 

Students will receive project-based instruction from expert instructors. Included in tuition is a proprietary workbook and a certificate of completion. No prior experience is necessary to enroll, but basic computer skills are expected. After completing the course, you’ll have up to one year to retake it for free. 

New York Institute of Art & Design: Online Graphic Design Course

Key Information: The New York Institute of Art & Design offers an online course in graphic design. This on-demand course offers students 24/7 access to online course material prepared by industry experts. Reach out to the school for tuition information including payment plans. 

This course is intended to prepare students for a career in print and web design. They’ll work toward proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Course content includes over 100 on-screen tutorials and a series of design projects. Projects will be reviewed by professional designers who are acting as mentors. After completing the course you’ll have in-depth knowledge of industry-standard design software, how to develop and edit vector and raster assets, and how to recognize what makes a great design portfolio. 

The course is made up of four units, which will cover the basics of design, visual communication, image/design, and practical design applications. Contact information for the school’s team of Academic Advisors will be provided to you so that you can reach out with questions. You’ll have 14 days to review this course risk-free. If you don’t love it and the content, you’ll receive a full refund. 

Noble Desktop: Digital Design Certificate

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Digital Design Certificate can be completed full-time, in seven weeks, or part-time, in five months. The total cost of the program is $4,495, which can be paid in full, in installments, or following a 12-month 0% financing plan. Included with tuition is 138 hours of hands-on training live online or at their NYC location. 

This program will shape you into a well-rounded Digital Designer. You’ll learn how to use essential Adobe applications, Figma for UI design, and key design concepts and theories. Adobe design applications will be put into practice as you learn how to design for web, print, and digital. Designing the user interface of websites and apps will be learned with Figma and Adobe apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. Finally, students will use this software to create print materials such as brochures, flyers, and business cards. 

Six units make up this program. Each unit is intended to build and strengthen your knowledge of design and your skills using essential software and tools. This is a project-based course, so you’ll gain hands-on experience in graphic design. Portfolio projects that are made throughout the program will be added to your design portfolio, which can be used to showcase your knowledge and skills to potential clients and employers. 

This program includes eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. In these sessions, you can ask experts to review your portfolio, get clarification on confusing concepts, and receive professional advice. Supplemental materials are also provided for during and after the course and the course may be retaken for free for up to one year after completion. After the course has ended, students will receive a certificate of completion. 

Certstaffix Training: Adobe InDesign CC (2025) Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training’s Adobe InDesign CC Course is a three-day live online course. It can also be delivered on-site for teams in select locations. The price of the course is $1,330 per person with group rates available upon request. 

This instructor-led course will teach you step-by-step techniques for working in InDesign CC. Real-world projects will be worked on to help students understand the basics of InDesign. Instructors will offer tips and techniques that will help you become a productive user of the software. By the end of the course, you’ll know how to create strong, well-constructed promotional material. 

Over three days, you’ll be guided through 15 chapters that focus on the essentials of using InDesign. All software and materials needed to complete this course are included in the cost of the program. Students who complete the course will receive a digital badge and certificate of completion. They’ll also be able to retake the course for free for up to six months. 

FAQ for Graphic Design Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

When learning graphic design, you have the option of enrolling in a certificate program or a certification program. Each option has different benefits that should be considered before enrolling. 

A certificate program awards students with a physical or digital certificate upon completing the program. These attest to employers and clients who you have trained in a specific subject and completed a training course. Certification is awarded to students who pass an exam on a subject or software. Certification programs are designed to prepare students to take a certification exam by training them. Graphic design certification exams may test you on principles or industry-standard software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

Before deciding on enrolling in a certificate or certification program, you need to assess your learning needs and goals. Where you’re at within your career, what you’re expected to know in your field, and your budget will influence what type of program is right for you. 

Mid-level professionals who are looking to improve their current skill set often enroll in certificate programs. A certificate shows an employer that you’ve learned a new skill or refreshed your current skill set under expert training. Professionals interested in making a career change are also encouraged to pursue a certificate. These programs offer them the chance to gain training in a new field. 

Job seekers benefit from certifications. A certification shows an employer that you have a skill set that meets industry expectations. It shows that you have been trained and tested in an area and will be able to use certain tools in the new position. Certification programs can prepare you for your certification exam, but you’ll likely take the exam with a third-party company, not the training center. The program’s cost may include the price of the exam, or you may need to pay the third-party company. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

Most graphic design jobs do not require you to be certified to be hired. However, a certification might help you secure a position in the field. Certifications show employers that you have been both trained and tested in an area that pertains to the role. Career professionals who would like to advance in their field can also turn to certifications to show that they’re skilled in the field, securing themselves higher-level and higher-paying roles. 

Employers may encourage employees to become certified after being hired. The company may enroll employees in a certification program. In that case, several schools in the NYC area accept corporate invoicing and employee sponsorship. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

You have the option of enrolling in an in-person, live online, or asynchronous graphic design certificate program. When deciding what course delivery method is right for you, first consider your learning style, your schedule, and the level of instructional support you need. Read below to find out which certificate program is right for you. 

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

In-person classes are taught at a physical location. If you prefer face-to-face learning, this option is probably best for you. In-person classes allow you to socialize with your peers and learn directly from the instructor. This option will require you to commute to the location at a specific time, so be sure that an in-person program fits your schedule before enrolling. 

Online classes are offered live online and asynchronously. To take an online class, you should be comfortable using a computer and working remotely. You also need access to a stable internet connection and an interruption-free environment. Keep reading to find out the differences between live online and asynchronous classes. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Live online classes work similarly to in-person classes. They take place over a video conferencing platform, like Zoom, but are led by expert instructors just like in-person classes are. They are also scheduled during specific times of the day, whether it be on weekdays or weekends. Live online classes are more flexible than in-person classes because you can learn from the comfort of your home or office, but they require you to check your schedule before enrolling. 

Asynchronous, or on-demand, classes are the most flexible learning option. You can work on the class at your own pace, and will likely have access to course content 24/7. Content is uploaded online and is accessible at a time that works for you, making these courses ideal for anyone that wants to learn while working. Some programs will specify the amount of time you’ll have to access the course, but others will provide lifetime access. Asynchronous classes are not taught by a live instructor, so if you enroll in one you need to be a motivated self-learner.