The Graphic Design Professional Certification program offered through Sessions College in California covers mastery of the Adobe software suite, typography, composition and other important aspects of a modern design career. Sessions also strives to prepare students for a working environment through business, marketing and accounting basics. Tuition costs between $5,800 and $7,600 and courses can be taken online or on campus. Sessions offers a payment plan but does not participate in federal financial aid. Between 10 and 14 courses must be completed to earn the certification.
Parsons' New York-based certification programs for design can be tailored to concentrate more on digital design or design for print. Classes can be taken online and financial aid is available. The cost per credit is an average of $1,225. Parsons' certificate programs cover more design technique and process than software usage, which may be more valuable when applied in the real world. Students have two years to complete certification requirements, which vary in core courses and elective hours, depending on the student's concentration. Parsons is most well known for its sponsorship of New York Fashion Week and participation in super-model Heidi Klum's TV series "Project Runway."
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minnesota offers a certification program aimed at students who need in-depth knowledge of design principles and tools but do not have the time to pursue a degree. The well-rounded program takes students through foundations, theory, ideation and practical project planning. Students learn the Adobe creative suite, programming basics and also how to create and maintain a portfolio. The program spans two years and 30 credits, which can be applied to a full degree program. The average cost per credit is $900, but the average grant award for students applying to MCAD is $12,000.
Beyond a formal college or accredited certification course, several vocational or technical certifications exist with limited course requirements. These certifications serve as a way for students and professionals to obtain proof of a skill or proficiency. For example, Adobe offers a Visual Communication with Adobe Photoshop program, which includes all of the fundamentals found in college courses covering the same material. Students can prepare for the exams at official Adobe training centers or through Lynda.com. Basic certifications in graphic design disciplines may also be obtained from organizations such as AIGA, your local museum of art or foreign unions, such as England's Chartered Society of Designers, for a yearly membership fee and initial evaluation. The United States does not currently have a federally recognized designer union or certification resource.