The Certificate Program in Graphic Design is intended for students with limited experience in art and design. You will begin by taking fundamental courses in design and illustration; by the end of the program, you will have developed the practical and theoretical skills of a design professional.

The Certificate consists of at least eight credit-bearing courses, all of which are available through Continuing Education. By taking one or two courses each semester, you may complete the program in one-and-one-half to two years.

You may also participate in the SMFA's Internship program. Through an internship with an arts organization, design firm, or other local business, you’ll gain practical experience and skills.

Program of Study
The Certificate Program in Graphic Design consists of at least eight courses: four required courses and four studio electives. The required courses provide a foundation of techniques, skills, and an understanding of graphic design as a discipline. In order for a course to count toward the Certificate it must be taken for credit.

Elective courses allow you to build additional general skills or to focus on a particular area. Typically, students take the required courses prior to the electives (all of which are offered through Continuing Education.) Electives can vary each semester. Visit our Studio Art Courses page to view our course offerings.

Required Courses
Elective Courses
Internships

Required Courses
Beginning Graphic Design
Intermediate Graphic Design  
Introduction to Typography
Fundamentals of 2-D Design

Elective Courses (Spring semester)
Advanced Publication Using InDesign
Digital Photography I
Drawing for Illustrators and Narrative Realists
Dynamic Web Design with Flash
Foundation Black-and-White Photography: Traditional and Digital
Intermediate to Advanced Black-and-White Photography
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
Introduction to Web Design
Stop Motion Animation
Urban Politics of Type


Internships
Certificate students may participate in SMFA's Internship Program. Administered by the Artists' Resource Center, the program offers opportunities with arts organizations, design firms, and other local businesses, allowing design students to gain practical experience and skills. The internships have a value of either 4 credits or 8 credits.

• To apply for an internship, you must be enrolled in the Certificate Program in Graphic Design and you should have completed the four required courses.

• To be selected, you must meet the requirements of the intern sponsor and have a faculty advisor to supervise the internship.

• If you are selected for an internship position, you must enroll with the Continuing Education office and pay the appropriate tuition and fees.

Each unit of four credits earned in the internship program will count as a one-course elective in the Certificate Program in Graphic Design.