Kutztown University Logo

Online Communication Design Certificates (Graduate)

Unlock New Design Skills with an online Graphic Design Certificate

QUICK LOOK

OFFERED AS: Certificate
FORMAT: Online
CREDITS REQUIRED: 9
For information about tuition cost visit the Graduate, Doctorate Tuition and Fees page


Discover how you can boost your career with a 100% online graphic design certificate from Kutztown University. You can solve tomorrow’s design problems by earning an affordable certificate in graphic design today.

Ready to advance your career in nine months or less? The Art & Design team welcomes you to our certificate program.

Kutztown University Slideroom Portal 

Select the Best Online Graphic Design Certificate Program

There is no better time than now to gain competitive advantage in the current job market. As a designer, every bit of design experience helps, including specialized certificates in your field.

Our program is flexible, affordable and takes only nine months to complete. Explore our 9-credit certificates in graphic design below: 

  • Creative Catalyst Certificate
    Creative Catalyst Certificate
    • You are a design professional with 1-5 years of experience
    • You want to develop your portfolio
    • You are ready to learn new design strategies
    • You are interested in researching various design fields
    • You want to exhibit your design work

    Courses

    Credits

    Professional Exploration Seminar (CDE 502)

    3

    Graduate Communication Design Studio (1) (CDE 516)

    3

    Graduate Communication Design Studio (2) (CDE 516)

    3

  • Creative Futures Certificate
    Creative Futures Certificate
    • You are a current designer
    • You want to advance your career
    • You are ready to increase your salary
    • You are excited to learn new design technologies related to print, web, apps, social media, creative direction and more!
    • You are ready to learn advanced interactive design skills

    Courses

    Credits

    Personal Exploration Seminar (CDE 501)

    3

    Graduate Communication Design Studio (1) (CDE 516)

    3

    Graduate Seminar: Unconventional Type (CDE 503)

    3

    OR Graduate Seminar: Emerging Media (CDE 505)

    3

    OR Graduate Communication Design Studio (2) (CDE 516)

    3

  • Creative Refresh Certificate
    Creative Refresh Certificate
    • You are a current design professional
    • You are ready to enhance your current design skills
    • You want to gain competitive advantage in the job market
    • You need to update your portfolio
    • You are interested in researching personal design exploration
    • You want to learn how to solve complex design problems in advertising, graphic design, interactive design, illustration and other related topics
    • You are eager to understand different market audiences

    Courses

    Credits

    Graduate Seminar: Emerging Media (CDE 505)

    3

    Graduate Seminar: Contemporary Topics in Communication Design (CDE 506)

    3

    Graduate Communication Design Studio (1) (CDE 516)

    3

Kutztown University student using tracing table in graphic design studio.
Quotation Mark

These certificates are designed to help professionals advance their design careers. The highly-specialized, affordable courses will guide you toward achieving your professional goals.

Denise Bosler, Assistant Chair, Art & Design

Online Certificate in Graphic Design FAQ

  • What are the application deadlines/requirements?

    Application Requirements

    Applicants should hold a BFA or similar design degree. At least one-year of professional experience is encouraged before applying to our online graphic design certificate program.

    A completed application includes:

    • Designer statement describing your career and professional goals and how this certificate will help you achieve them
    • Current resume
    • Official transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree, as well as official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
    • Online portfolio (upload to Slideroom)
    • Three references (include contact information)

    Application Deadlines

    Fall: August 1
    Spring: Dec 1
    Summer: May 1

  • Can my graphic design certificate go towards the MFA at Kutztown?

    Yes. Each certificate is worth nine credits, which you can apply toward the MFA in Communication Design at Kutztown University.

  • What are the Student Learning Outcomes?

    Each certificate in graphic design has the following student learning outcomes:

    1. Solve communication challenges through identifying the issues, targeting audience, researching, and/or developing innovative solutions.
    2. Create and develop visual solutions in response to communication challenges.
    3. Determine audience objectives based upon a spectrum of human factors; test audience response; and/or assess the outcomes.
    4. Apply the contexts of past, current and future design.
    5. Communicate with other creative professionals through research-based, cohesive and persuasive rhetoric.