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Design Communication Arts

design-communication-arts-certificate-ce0401

Ignite your creativity and prepare for a career in graphic design. Learn how to think like a designer while developing the visual literacy needed to thrive in a professional setting. Feel confident in your skills through portfolio reviews, a capstone course, mentorship and internship opportunities.

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Courses
11 Required
2 Elective
Methods
In Person
Online
F-1 Visa Eligible

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This program is perfect for...

Those who want to pursue a career in visual communications and graphic design
Creative individuals who want to cultivate their talent as visual artists, while learning how to think like a designer
Self-taught designers who want to build upon their skills while earning a professional certificate
Individuals who want to learn to collaborate with clients, printers, designers, writers, programmers, and anyone else involved in the design process

What you can learn.

An understanding of fundamental design principles, tools and techniques for graphic designers, and how to put your ideas into action
How to utilize critical thinking, research, and your unique perspective to conceptualize and execute visual communications
How to position yourself for the competitive job market, including how to build a strong portfolio that shows off your creative abilities
Skills needed to be successful in a professional atmosphere, including strong conceptual and problem-solving skills and how to effectively collaborate with clients and other creative professionals

Turn your passion into a career.

The Design Communication Arts (DCA) certificate program is designed to help you grow creatively while providing you with the skills to succeed professionally.

The curriculum gives a solid foundation in the fundamentals of graphic design, with elective courses in user experience, photography, and visual arts to choose from. At the end of the program, students participate in a mandatory portfolio review before being awarded their certificate.

You'll not only learn the tools of graphic design, but how to think strategically and develop the visual literacy needed to thrive in a professional setting. If you pay attention and challenge yourself, you will leave the program with confidence in your creative and practical skills, and with a portfolio that reflects your unique lens on the world. 

Formats: Online and In-Person. Can be completed 100% online.

Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

two graphic design students

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

The joy of creation.

One common thread connects all of our students, and that's simply the joy of creation. Hear how our rigorous program will prepare you for a career in design.  

Spotlight on Success

In addition to receiving a prestigious award from Graphic Design USA, graphic design student Laura Becker recently won an advertising design award from the international DNA Paris Design Awards. 

Laura said, “I was astonished to receive a winner email this past July. I was invited to the award ceremony in Paris in October to receive the trophy."

“Proud to represent America. Proud to represent UCLA Extension. Thanks, again, for the opportunity to study Design Communication Arts.”

Laura's Winning Design: DNA Paris Design Awards & Graphic Design USA

About Laura's winning design:

Be The Flame - Athleisure

'Be The Flame' is a visual metaphor for women dressing in Athleisure. The word is portmanteau combining the words 'athletic' and 'leisure.' Athleisure is a stylish solution for anyone wanting to look their best all day long and feel completely comfortable, and the athletic-inspired aesthetic has become phenomenally popular in recent years.

Laura Becker, DCA Certificate graduate, wins Paris Design Award
graphic design portfolio work by Annie Gulian

View the Work of our Students...

View a selection of outstanding web portfolios created by students who have successfully completed the Design Communication Arts (DCA) Certificate.

 

Student Portfolio Examples

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course
Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.
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Have questions? Talk to an Academic Advisor
Step 2: Become a Candidate
Establish candidacy in the certificate program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and gain access to exclusive student benefits. Registration Fee: $200
Apply Now
Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Application and Candidacy Fee
$200
Estimated Textbooks and Materials
$2000
Estimated Program Tuition
$10250

International Student Fees format icon

Payment Options

  • Not eligible for VA Benefit
  • Federal Financial Aid is not available

Design Communication Arts Final Portfolio Review

The last requirement for completing the DCA program is a final portfolio review. It is conducted via a 30-minute Zoom call with our program director, Kimberly Velazco, along with one other DCA instructor.

Here’s how it works:

  • You will share your screen once the review begins.
  • The panel will ask you to briefly describe your design career goals.
  • You will have 10-15 minutes to show your work.
  • The panel will take turns giving you feedback (often asking you to return to select pieces), and  there will be 5-10 minutes of Q&A, for a total of 30 minutes.
  • Then you’re done! Congratulations!

Optional Pre-Preview
For help with presentation prep and to receive critical feedback, we recommend taking advantage of an optional pre-review with Scott. You can schedule this anytime by calling 310-206-1422 or emailing dca@uclaextension.edu .

Prefer to show your work in-person? In special instances (e.g., if you have a physical portfolio book or other non-digital pieces you wish to share), students can complete the final review in the office. 

Need some inspiration? If you are grappling with how to construct your portfolio, see web portfolios of outstanding DCA graduates.

Required Courses

Customize your experience

Required

DESMA X 479.6P

Design IV: Capstone

In this thesis-oriented capstone course, Design Communication Arts students put all they've learned into action to tackle real-world design projects in the civic realm.
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DESMA X 481.47

Illustrator I

Discover how this vector-based drawing program integrates into the suite of design tools.
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DESMA X 481.99Z

InDesign

Design and prepare projects for printing via a thorough introduction and practical applications for Adobe InDesign.
View Course
DESMA X 481.11

Photoshop I

Learn and practice the creation, manipulation, and combination of digital images in this ubiquitous design tool.
View Course
DESMA X 479.7P

Portfolio

Create your design portfolio—one that communicates your value and your values to prospective collaborators or employers.
View Course

Optional Design Software Bootcamp

This 8-unit intensive bootcamp course can be taken in lieu of taking these 3 required courses:

  • DESMA X 481.11 Photoshop I
  • DESMA X 481.47 Illustrator I
  • DESMA X 481.99Z InDesign

Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Suggested Electives

Select two courses from the list below.
ART X 429

Calligraphy

This course introduces beginners to the art of calligraphy, and gives them mastery over basic calligraphic tools. Alphabets vary by quarter.
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ART X 430

Chinese Brush Painting

In this course, students explore the spontaneous style of Chinese Brush Painting through hands-on step-by-step
instruction.
View Course
DESMA X 479.6BB

Entertainment Graphic Design

Create campaigns for theatrical key art movie posters, entertainment packaging, and other collateral materials built around the industry’s needs and opportunities.
View Course

Design Communication Arts certificate candidates may earn elective credit by enrolling in an internship or mentorship.

Internship
DESMA X 479.7F

Begin the transition from student to professional designer with an internship in a real world setting.

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Mentorship
DESMA X 482.14

Work one-on-one with an instructor who guides your development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, design competition, freelance assignment, or other advanced goal.

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