Graphic Design Certificate FAQS

FAQS

What is unique about the WITS Graphic Design Certificate program?

The Graphic Design Certificate is a full graphic design course from the concept to completion. You will be taught how to think like a designer and how to view the visual world around you from the eyes of a designer. You will learn how to take those concepts and create cutting-edge work with rules and guidelines you will apply to your work for years to come.

What does the Graphic Design Certificate program cost?

For students only taking the Graphic Design Certificate and no other classes, the total cost for the certificate is $4,990.

Breakdown is:

$167/credit total of 25 credits. $,4175

$50 lab fee per course (9 courses) $450

$125 registration and tech fee per semester = $365 (discounted)

Will I be eligible for Federal financial aid?

Yes, students seeking a Certificate in Graphic Design are eligible for Federal financial aid.

Can I take this program remotely or do I need to be on campus?

All classes are held remotely in real time, with full interactions between teachers and students. Classes are available via zoom as well as, accessible from our state-of-the-art computer lab on the WITS campus for those who do not have access to the internet.

Are classes held at night or during the day?

All classes are held in the evening to accommodate working schedules.

How many classes are held per semester?

The structure of the program is as follows:

Summer: 1 Class [may be taken as co-requisite in the Fall] [3 Credits]
Fall: Three classes: 2 evenings plus one self-paced video class with meetings for 1 hour every two weeks [9 Credits]
Spring: Three classes [9 Credits]
Summer: 1 Class [3 Credits] plus 1 Portfolio Development [1 Credit]

View full list of classes here

How long is this program?

The full program is Fall, Spring and Summer. The classes last from September until Mid-August. Most classes are given one time per week.

How rigorous is this program? Can I work and take this program at the same time?

This is a complete design program. You will learn how to think and analyze design. You will learn how to apply design principles to create advanced graphic design at many levels. More than just learning how to use graphic design programs, you will learn to think like a designer.
All classes are held in the evening to accommodate working schedules.

Do I need any previous experience before starting this program?

You do not need any experience to start this program. You don't need to know how to draw or create art to be a designer, just the will to learn how to create fantastic design!

Graphic Design is in essence creating a visual way to communicate ideas.

Do I need to know how to draw to become a designer?

Drawing and designing are two different fields. You will learn how to think like a designer, how to see like a designer and ultimately how to create awesome designs as a designer. No drawing skills required.

Is there a payment plan for the Graphic Design Certificate program?

Yes, we do allow students to setup a payment plan.

Is the Graphic Design Certificate accredited?

WITS' Graphic Design Certificate program is fully accredited. Please click here for Accreditation and Licensure information. To be accredited as a certificate program in Graphic Design our program underwent a rigorous accreditation process and as such offers full and robust classes encompassing every aspect of design that you will need to learn.

Will I have to pay for software for the program?

All software, including a full subscription to the Adobe Creative Suite and a stock photo and asset subscription, value $450, is included in the tuition and fees for the program.

Are the class sizes limited?

We limit the class size to 15 students to allow for full attention from our experienced instructors.

What kind of computer and software will I need?

Students are not required to own a computer. Computers are accessible from our state-of-the-art computer lab on the WITS campus. However, we strongly recommend a Macintosh MacBook Pro. The primary software used in graphic design includes Adobe Creative Suite.