Are you thinking about taking a graphic design course? Look no further than this guide—your 2024 round-up of the 9 best graphic design courses and certifications.
Graphic design is a popular career choice among those looking for variety and creativity in their day-to-day work. Designers are also in high demand, providing yet another incentive to learn essential graphic design skills.
If you’re in search of a reputable course to help launch or fast-track your graphic design career, this comparison guide will help you weigh up the pros and cons of the top ones. We’ve done extensive market research to compile a shortlist of the 9 best graphic design courses and certifications, with options to suit all schedules, budgets, and skill levels.
Contents:
- 1) Why study graphic design?
- 2) The 9 best graphic design courses in 2024
- AND Academy: Graphic Design Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma
- Parsons: The Graphic and Digital Design Certificate
- Shillington: Graphic Design Bootcamp (online)
- Coursera: Graphic Design Specialization
- Pratt Institute: Graphic Design Certificate
- Udemy: Graphic Design Masterclass
- Berkeley: Professional Program in Graphic Design
- Adobe ACA: Graphic Design Diploma
- Chelsea College of Arts: Graphic Design Online Short Course
- 3) How to choose the right graphic design course for you
- 4) Next steps
Let’s jump into the wonderful world of graphic design education.
Why study graphic design?
You’ve likely already got your own reasons for wanting to learn all there is to know about graphic design.
Maybe you’ve always yearned to work in a creative field and are ready to take the first step towards becoming a graphic designer. Maybe you’re starting your own business and want to master the art of branding and visual communication. Perhaps learning some graphic design basics would come in handy in your current career.
Whatever your motivation, learning graphic design is a smart move. Here are some of the top reasons for studying graphic design:
You’ll enjoy varied, creative work. If you’re studying graphic design with a view to becoming a graphic designer, you can expect tons of variety and creativity in your new career path. Graphic designers work on all kinds of projects, producing designs and visual assets for a broad variety of contexts.
You’ll find job opportunities across a wide range of companies and sectors. Graphic design skills are applicable to marketing, advertising, product design, print, and more. These functions are required by almost all companies and industries, and at an ever-increasing pace owing to unprecedented digitisation. That is why, once you’ve acquired graphic design skills, you can find work in almost any field or company type which sparks your interest.
Graphic designers are well-paid. The average salary for a graphic designer in the United States is $53,358 per year (Indeed), putting it on par with the national average salary of $53,490. In India, the average salary for a graphic designer is ₹3,02,968 (Payscale). Again, this is pretty much level with the national average salary of ₹3,87,500. Of course, how much you make will depend on multiple factors, but generally speaking, graphic design skills can help to boost your earning potential.
That’s the why —now what about how to go about pursuing a graphic design career? One of the surest ways to become a job-ready graphic designer is to pursue a high-quality course which will equip you with a solid foundation of skills. So let’s jump right into our comparison of the best graphic design courses and certifications.
The 9 best graphic design courses in 2024
1. AND Academy: Graphic Design Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma (with a job guarantee)
AND Academy is a design upskilling platform launched by the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)—a leading design school in New Delhi, established in collaboration with Kingston School of Art, London.
AND Academy offers three options for learning graphic design:
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Certificate in Graphic Design (16 weeks)—a part-time course which covers the fundamentals of visual design, design for digital, and design for print.
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Diploma in Graphic Design (32 weeks)—a course which you can continue on to after completing the Certificate program, for another 16 weeks. The Diploma covers form and type, brand identity design, brand promotion and communication, and portfolio development.
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1-year PG Diploma in Graphic Design (part-time) — a course that can be added on after completing the Diploma and will enable you to master graphic design. It also offers a job or money-back guarantee.
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36-week PG Diploma in Graphic Design (full-time) —a full-time course covering everything from fundamentals to advanced concepts of graphic design, and one which offers a job guarantee.
All of AND Academy’s graphic design courses are taught via live, interactive online classes. You’ll learn with the guidance of expert practitioners and complete hands-on projects, ensuring you graduate with real-world skills. You’ll train in the most popular graphic design tools such as Figma, Miro, and the Adobe suite, and build out your graphic design portfolio.
The AND Academy graphic design courses cover everything you need to become a certified, job-ready graphic designer.
Pros:
- No prerequisites —suitable for beginners and early-stage professionals alike
- Live, interactive sessions give you an immersive learning experience, with the added convenience of being online
- A strong focus on practical skills and building your portfolio
- The PG Diploma comes with a job guarantee—so, if you don’t land a job within 6 months of completion, you will be eligible for a refund
- A credible, university-quality education with modern-day flexibility
Cons:
- Live sessions take place at set times, so not as much flexibility as other graphic design courses
- The full-time Diploma program is intensive, requiring dedication and commitment for the duration
Duration:
Certificate in Graphic Design - 16 weeks (part-time)
Diploma in Graphic Design - 32 weeks (part-time)
PG Diploma in Graphic Design - 1 year (part-time)
PG Diploma in Graphic Design- 36 weeks (full-time)
Price:
Certificate in Graphic Design - INR 60,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 6,600 per month)
Diploma in Graphic Design - INR 1,20,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 7,170 per month)
PG Diploma in Graphic Design part-time - INR 1,80,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 8,463 per month)
PG Diploma in Graphic Design full-time - INR 2,20,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 10,715 per month)
Learn more: AND Academy Graphic Design Courses.
2. Parsons School of Design: The Graphic and Digital Design Certificate (Online)
Parsons School of Design is a private art and design college located in New York City. It’s part of The New School, a private research university founded in 1919.
The Graphic and Digital Design Certificate is an online program made up of 8 individual courses. Core courses cover topics such as colour theory, digital imaging with Photoshop, and the history of graphic design. You’ll then choose 3 electives, with options such as typography, digital layout, and 3D modelling fundamentals.
You’ll learn through video lectures, interaction with faculty practitioners, and project-based assignments.
Pros:
- Fully online
- Project-based learning with a focus on real-world skills
- Full flexibility to work through the course content and complete assignments at any time
Cons:
- For some learners, the fully flexible nature of the course may not provide enough structure
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
- Long course requiring a commitment of about 1.5 years
- No job guarantee
Duration:
Students typically complete the course in around 18 months.
Price:
The course costs $7,120.
Learn more: Parsons School of Design Graphic and Digital Design Certificate.
3. Shillington: Graphic Design Bootcamp (online)
Established in 1997, Shillington markets itself as the original graphic design bootcamp. Aspiring graphic designers can attend the bootcamp online or on campus in New York City, London, Sydney, or Melbourne.
The course is available in three different formats: online part-time, on campus full-time, or on campus part-time (available in London only). You’ll learn through live classes which mimic a studio environment—you’ll receive project briefs, deadlines, and feedback, just as you would on the job.
In addition to core graphic design topics such as typography, vector design, and image manipulation, the bootcamp also covers UI and UX design. You’ll graduate with a certificate of completion and a professional graphic design portfolio.
Pros:
- Designed for beginners—you don’t need any prior experience to enrol
- An immersive learning environment which mimics what it’s like to work as a graphic designer
- You’ll build a professional graphic design portfolio as part of the course
Cons:
- The most expensive course on this list
- Not as flexible as other courses; requires attendance at set times
- No job guarantee (despite the high price)
Duration:
The online part-time course takes 9 months to complete, with lessons taking place 3 nights per week. The on campus full-time course takes 3 months to complete, with lessons taking place 5 days per week. The on campus part-time course takes 9 months to complete, with lessons taking place either 2 nights per week or every Sunday.
Price:
Course fees vary depending on where and how you study. If you want to study online in a US time zone, the course will cost you $13,950. If you want to study on campus in New York, it’ll cost you $14,950. Check the course dates and fees page for all prices.
Learn more: Shillington Graphic Design Bootcamp.
4. Coursera: Graphic Design Specialization
You’re probably familiar with Coursera, the US-based MOOC (massive open online course) provider founded in 2012 by Stanford University professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller.
One of their many educational offerings is the Graphic Design Specialization offered by CalArts (The California Institute of The Arts). This is an online, fully flexible course which you can start at any time and complete to your own schedule.
The Graphic Design Specialization is a program made up of 5 individual courses, with topics ranging from the fundamentals of graphic design to typography, the history of graphic design, and branding. You can enrol in the Specialization directly or choose which individual course you’d like to take first.
You’ll learn through on-demand video content and quizzes, and complete a hands-on project.
Pros:
- A fully flexible graphic design course which you can study at your own pace
- Earn a shareable certificate upon completion
- An affordable option for learning graphic design
Cons:
- No direct interaction with industry experts
- Doesn’t offer any career guidance or job placement support
- Mostly theoretical; you won’t graduate with a graphic design portfolio
Duration:
The course takes approximately 6 months to complete, requiring around 3 hours of study per week.
Price:
The Coursera Graphic Design Specialization costs $39.99 per month, or you can access it (and all other Coursera courses) with a subscription for $59 per month.
Learn more: Coursera Graphic Design Specialization.
5. Pratt Institute: Graphic Design Certificate
Pratt Institute is a private New York university most famous for its engineering, architecture, and fine arts programs.
Their Graphic Design Certificate is a comprehensive course taught through small, interactive classes, either in-person or on Zoom. To achieve the full certificate, learners are required to complete three core modules—Brand Design and Corporate Identity, Introduction to Graphic Design, and Introduction to Typography—as well as two electives of choice. Students also choose three tools from the Adobe Creative Cloud to specialise in.
Throughout the course, you’ll build your professional portfolio as you develop a multidisciplinary graphic design skill set.
Pros:
- You’ll graduate with a portfolio and a certificate from a reputable university
- Some flexibility to devise your own study path with elective modules
- Available either in-person or online via Zoom
Cons:
- Classes take place at fixed times, so not as flexible as other courses
- No placement guarantee
Duration:
The course spans 12 weeks, with lessons taking place every Tuesday from 6.30-9.30pm EST.
Price:
The course costs approximately $8,000. You can view scholarship and finance options here.
Learn more: Pratt Institute Graphic Design Certificate.
6. Udemy: Graphic Design Masterclass
The Udemy Graphic Design Masterclass offers an affordable yet comprehensive introduction to graphic design.
With access to on-demand video and downloadable resources, you’ll learn at your own pace, covering everything from fundamental theory to practical graphic design skills and techniques.
The curriculum spans career-focused topics such as how to become a graphic designer, how to give and receive feedback, and how to find your design niche, as well as hands-on skills such as the basics of Adobe Photoshop, logo design and branding, creating a custom brand presentation mockup, and more.
At the end of the course, you’ll get a digital certificate of completion. You can continue your graphic design studies with a range of follow-on courses, also available on Udemy.
Pros:
- An affordable option for studying graphic design
- Completely flexible with on-demand video and course materials
- A broad range of topics covered, and the curriculum is continuously updated
Cons:
- The course provides breadth rather than depth—best for an introduction to the field
- No interaction with industry experts
- Mostly theoretical; you won’t graduate with a portfolio
Duration:
The course comprises 29 hours of on-demand video and access to 50+ downloadable resources. You can complete the course at your own pace.
Price:
You can access the Udemy Graphic Design Masterclass for $39.99, or with a Udemy subscription starting at $16.58 per month.
Learn more: Udemy Graphic Design Masterclass.
7. UC Berkeley Extension: Professional Program in Graphic Design
UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California, Berkeley campus. They offer a large number of online courses, including the Professional Program in Graphic Design.
The program comprises seven compulsory courses, covering key topics such as visual design principles and typography fundamentals, as well as a module for HTML5 and CSS3. There’s also a course dedicated to building your graphic and web design portfolio.
Beyond the required courses, learners can specialise with a range of courses for further advancement. These include niche topics such as 3D animation, diagramming and prototyping for UX design, illustrating children’s books, and more.
Pros:
- University education with online flexibility
- You’ll learn by doing, with a strong focus on job skills
- The course includes coding, giving you a unique addition to your graphic designer skill set
Cons:
- Lessons take place at fixed times so you’ll be held to a set schedule
- Enrollment only available at certain times of the year
- No job guarantee
Duration:
The seven compulsory courses comprise 228 hours of instruction in total, plus individual study. If you take the program full-time, you can complete it within two academic terms. You can also study part-time. All coursework must be completed within three years.
Price:
The program costs an estimated $6,553 (not including the registration fee).
Learn more: UC Berkeley Extension Professional Program in Graphic Design.
8. Pitman Training: Graphic Design Diploma with Adobe ACA
If you’re new to graphic design and want to start by learning industry tools, consider the Graphic Design Diploma offered by Pitman Training.
The diploma course teaches essential Adobe packages such as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator—all in preparation for sitting the relevant Adobe exams (which you’ll need to organise and pay for separately).
Core topics include WordPress for business, Photoshop CC, InDesign CC, and Illustrator CC. Elective topics include Premiere Pro CC, marketing essentials, and Animate CC.
You can take the diploma onsite at one of the Pitman Training centres (with locations in England, Scotland, and Wales) or online from anywhere in the world.
Pros:
- Thorough education in essential graphic design tools
- Suitable for beginners; no prerequisites
- You’ll acquire a prestigious Pitman Training certificate
Cons:
- Focuses primarily on tools; may be lacking some essential graphic design fundamentals
- No visible pricing—you’ll need to get in touch with Pitman Training for a quote
Duration:
The course content spans 145 hours, which equates to six weeks of full-time study.
Price:
Available on request.
Learn more: Pitman Training Graphic Design Diploma with Adobe ACA.
9. Chelsea College of Arts: Graphic Design Online Short Course
Chelsea College of Arts is one of London’s most prestigious art and design schools. Their graphic design online short course offers an interactive introduction to the field in the space of just one week.
With the guidance of a professional designer, you’ll learn all the graphic design essentials—from typography and branding through to logo design, layout, and presentation—and build your confidence with practical projects. In addition to live, online lessons, you’ll also take part in group discussions and receive feedback on your work.
At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
Pros:
- Short and affordable; a great introduction to graphic design
- Highly interactive and practical, providing insight into what it’s like to work as a graphic designer
- Expert instruction and a credible certificate of completion
Cons:
- The course will provide an introduction only—don’t expect to start a career as a graphic designer based on this course alone
- Requires full-time commitment for a week
Duration:
The course takes one week to complete, with lessons taking place Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm.
Price:
The course costs £700 (approximately $843).
Learn more: Chelsea College of Arts Graphic Design Online Short Course.
How to choose the right graphic design course for you
Choosing the right graphic design course comes down to your preferred study format, what you’re hoping to achieve and how much time and money you can invest.
First, narrow it down by deciding whether you want to learn online or in-person . Most of the graphic design courses on our list are available online, as many adult learners value the flexibility. You should also think about whether you prefer to learn completely independently, at your own pace, or if you’d benefit from interactive lessons at fixed times.
The next factor to consider is your learning goals. If you want to become an employable graphic designer, prioritise courses which offer career support—and, ideally, a job placement guarantee. You’ll also want a course which includes project work, along with mentorship and feedback to guide you through the process of building your portfolio, as this will prove crucial when applying for jobs.
Last but not least, how much time and money can you invest? Ultimately, you need a graphic design course which fits comfortably around your schedule and sits within your budget. These practicalities will help you to further narrow down your selection. If you wish to pursue free course, dont worry! Here is an article listing out the Top 7 Free Graphic Design Courses for 2023.
Fortunately, there’s a great variety of graphic design courses out there. Finding one that ticks all the boxes shouldn’t be too difficult—especially with the help of our comparison guide.
Next steps
We’ve started you off with an overview of the best graphic design courses and certifications. Now it’s your turn to conduct further research.
If you’ve already whittled it down to a shortlist, investigate each course further to find out exactly what’s included, what the curriculum covers, and the next available start date.
If you’ve not yet found a course that fits the bill, keep looking! There are dozens of graphic design courses out there. Keep your personal criteria in mind (preferred format, learning goals,and budget) and search accordingly. If you wish to learn more about the field or AND Academy’s course offerings in this discipline, we recommend you do the following:
- Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Good luck!
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
