The Bellevue College Graphic Design Certificate Program was developed by an advisory committee of design professionals and a team
of experienced design instructors from a variety
of disciplines. The courses combine the fine art and technical skills today's job market demands, and emphasize practical work-ready skills rather than theory.
The program allows students to build skills that fit their career objectives in graphic design, multimedia development, and visual communications. The curriculum places emphasis on drawing and painting, design principles, page layout, photo treatment and digital image enhancement, illustration, digital pre-press skills and development of a technical portfolio. Students have the opportunity to choose from elective courses focused on various visual media presentation skills from Web Design to digital photography.
Designed to be completed in a year on a part-time basis, the full certificate includes 175 hours of required courses and a minimum 29 hours of elective courses. Class sizes are small, and held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate the schedules of working adults. There are no program prerequisites other than an aptitude for art and design, and basic level computer skills. Students have two years from their program start date to complete the program.
Career Outlook
Graphic artists and designers with a range of technical, drawing and design skills are valuable members of work teams in a variety of industries. Many artists have also discovered the joys of freelance design and graphic development work.
- Overall employment for graphics designers is projected to grow by 10% between 2006 and 2016.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
- Graphic designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media-websites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and other technology.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
- The salary for graphic designers varies depending on education, experience and geographic area. Online resources can provide current salary information, as well as details about the local job outlook.
Why Bellevue College?
- Practical curriculum developed by experienced graphic designers and industry professionals to target the skills employers are looking for today
- Complete the program with a professional portfolio
- Develop the graphic design vocabulary to communicate your ideas and solve future clients' problems
- Small hands-on courses taught by successful industry professionals
- Complete in as little as three quarters
- Flexible program designed to work around your schedule: start any time and complete at your own pace, taking as few as one or two classes a week
- Only Graphic Design certificate program on the Eastside
