Graphic Design Career Launch Pad
Graphic Design Career Launch Pad
DESMA X 479.3AB
Gain a polished strategy for the steps needed to take to enter the design profession, with projects designed to challenge creativity and advance preparedness for the real world.
Typically Available
Winter
Duration
As few as 11 weeks
Units
4.0
Current Formats
In Person
Cost
Starting at $925.00
Get More Info
What you can learn.
What you can learn.
Learn the various graphic design disciplines and different types of design work environments, including freelancing
Explore what makes a strong design portfolio, with assignments geared to strengthening yours
Via studio tours and guest speakers, gain invaluable insight into the profession and networking opportunities
Prepare résumé and other basic identity items
Gain interviewing tips & techniques
About This Course
Students start with an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and end up with a polished strategy for the steps they need to take to enter the graphic design profession. Via lectures, guest speakers, and studio visits, students receive an overview of the field. Topics include salaries, disciplines, various work environments, day in the life; how to job search, portfolio and resume building, basic identity items and interviewing. Weekly assignments and presentations are designed to challenge creativity and advance preparedness for the real world.
Prerequisites
All Core Design Concepts courses or equivalent.
Winter 2026 Schedule
Date
Details
Format
-
Monday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
In Person
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Mon Jan 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Jan 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Jan 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Jan 26, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Feb 2, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Feb 9, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Feb 16, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Feb 23, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Mar 2, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Mar 9, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
Discussion
Mon Mar 16, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 112
This course applies toward the following programs
Design Communication Arts
certificate
certificate
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.
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.