Create better designs with a Graphic Communications certificate
Your ideas. Your stories. Your voice. We live in a visual world, and The Chang School Certificate in Graphic Communications will help you learn how to turn your creative concepts into bold print and digital visual designs that captivate people’s attention – and get you a job in the graphics industry. There are diverse opportunities in this field in both region and role: there’s a great graphic communications job option for you, no matter what area you’re most passionate about.
This certificate balances the creative and technical, exercising both your right and left brain to help you put something cohesive out into the world. With our certificate, you’ll master the fundamentals of design, photo editing, and layout using industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud to create materials for print, digital assets, and packaging. You can also boost your typography and accessibility skills, and sustainability knowledge.
Want to understand the graphic communications process better? In our visual design courses, you’ll learn how to complete each step of the process, from idea generation through to creating visual assets, laying it all out, and setting up files for both print and digital mediums, as well as understanding printing processes, binding, and distribution.
Our online program features project-based learning and industry guest speakers, with optional opportunities to get involved in production, and attend trade shows and studio and plant tours. This design certificate is also taught by instructors who already work in the industry, allowing you to start making connections in this tight-knit community right away.
Since you can complete this certificate online and in as little as eight months, you’ll be able to design a beautiful career for yourself in no time.
The courses help you integrate into industry jobs quickly and efficiently. It’s benefited my career greatly as I can use the skills to show clients the kind of work I can do. It’s helped me land lucrative clients, working on very creative projects that provide career satisfaction, and given me a lot of confidence as a professional.
— Niwah Visser
Who should take this Graphic Communications certificate?
- You’re considering a career change into the graphic communications industry
- You’re looking to deepen your graphic communications knowledge to move up in your field
- You want to create visuals for both print and digital applications to amplify your voice in any industry
- You’re applying for Toronto Metropolitan University's Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management degree
What will you learn while taking the Graphic Communications certificate?
You’ll learn how to:
- Prepare layouts, files, and proofs for printed and digital output
- Use industry-standard software to integrate printed communication with online media
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of branding, display graphics, direct marketing materials, books, magazines, and consumer packaging
- Develop creative ideation strategies, working from creative briefs, design, and layout, using industry standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud
- Master skills in typography, sustainability, accessibility, magazine publishing, or Adobe Photoshop via elective courses
Career Options
This certificate can prepare you for jobs like:
- Graphic designer
- Graphics specialist
- Accessibility specialist
- Page layout artist
- Print project coordinator
- Sustainability analyst
Certificate Requirements
- 3 required courses
- 3 electives
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) 1.67+
Admission Criteria
Recommended:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- With 6 Grade 12 U or M credits
- With a minimum average of 60 percent
OR
- Mature student status with relevant professional experience
If you’re an undergraduate student, you should be aware of possible certificate restrictions. For complete details, check Curriculum Advising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy special software to take the courses?
You’ll need access to the Adobe Creative Cloud for most of the courses. However, if you don’t have access to it, it can be provided to you for the duration of the semester in which you’re enrolled.
Questions?
Contact Client Services ce@torontomu.ca
