UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Undergraduate Design Certificate Program Outcomes

  • Examine Design and Business Principle

    Examine fundamental design and business principles, techniques, and tools essential for addressing various design, art, and business challenges.

  • Apply Design Software and Technologies

    Apply design software and technologies proficiently to create professional-quality work that could be used by themselves or other business professionals.

  • Demonstrate Essentials in Business, Art, and Design

    Demonstrate essential aspects of the business, art, and design environments, including client relations, production techniques, project completion, and business operations.

  • Prepare a Comprehensive Portfolio

    Prepare for presentation a comprehensive portfolio that effectively showcases their design, business skills, and creativity.

Design Mastery Certificate (18 Credit Hours)

Typically takes 2 semesters to complete. Cohort start together in the Fall.

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 101 Design Foundations on Fire 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 102 Introduction to Photoshop & InDesign 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 103 Introduction to Illustrator 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 301 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 204* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 205* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Visual Art (May replace B204) 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 302 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
*Students may take either DES 204 or DES 205.

Surface Pattern Design Certificate (15 Credit Hours) 

Typically takes 3 semesters to complete. Cohort start together in the Fall.

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 103 Introduction to Illustrator 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 301 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 204* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 205* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Visual Art 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 302 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 304 Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper 15 weeks 3 Summer
*Students may take either DES 204 or DES 205.

Digital Production Design Certificate (27 Credit Hours) 

Typically takes 3 semesters to complete. Cohort start together in the Fall.

When you complete this Design Certificate, you'll also complete the Design Mastery and Surface Pattern Design Certificates

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 101 Design Foundations on Fire 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 102 Introduction to Photoshop & InDesign 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 103 Introduction to Illustrator 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 301 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 204* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 205* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Visual Art (May replace B204) 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 302 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 401 Business Workflow, Production, and Project Management for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 305 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology (Stickers + 3D) 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 307 Web Design 15 weeks 1.5 Fall
*Students may take either DES 204 or DES 205.

Art & Design Business Certificate (36 Credit Hours) 

Typically takes 4 semesters to complete. Cohort start together in the Fall.

When you complete this Design Certificate, you'll also complete the Design Mastery, Surface Pattern, and Digital Production Design Certificates.

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 101 Design Foundations on Fire 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 102 Introduction to Photoshop & InDesign 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 103 Introduction to Illustrator 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 301 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 204* Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology (May replace with DES 205) 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 302 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 401 Business Workflow, Production, and Project Management for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 304 Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 305 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology (Stickers + 3D) 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 402 Design Business Capstone 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 306 Font Design and Innovative Typography 15 weeks 3 Spring/Summer
DES 309 Business Branding & Organic Marketing for Creatives 15 weeks 1.5 Fall
DES 307 Web Design 15 weeks 1.5 Fall

Independent Study

Independent study may be substituted for any 1.5-credit course in this program. Students are limited to 1.5 credits of independent study toward certificate requirements. Please contact your Academic Advisor to discuss eligibility and course requirements.

Independent study is self-directed work completed under the guidance of a UAD instructor. Projects are proposed by the student and approved by their Academic Advisor before enrollment. Examples of independent study projects include developing a business proposal for a design venture, traveling abroad with a UAD instructor to explore international design culture, pursuing an in-depth research project, or completing a significant creative or professional work tied to your degree goals. All independent study projects require a defined scope, clear deliverables, and regular check-ins with your supervising instructor.

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 333 Independent Study 15 weeks 1.5 Fall, Spring, Summer