Though a college degree may be the traditional path to a career in design, digital design certificate programs are becoming increasingly popular. These programs offer a shorter, more focused path to a career in design. But which is the right choice for you?
There are a few things to consider when making your decision. The two main factors to consider are your selected program's overall required time commitment and cost. This article will compare the time commitment and price of digital design certificate programs to traditional four-year degrees in design.
What Does a Career in Digital Design Entail?
A career in digital design can encompass a wide range of jobs, from creating the layout and graphics for a website to developing the branding for a company. In general, Digital Designers use computers to create visual designs that communicate a message or idea. These creative professionals often work in advertising and marketing, web design, or graphic design.
While some Digital Designers may have a four-year degree in design, many employers also look for candidates with certificate programs or specific experience in the field. Digital Designers typically need to be proficient in at least one design software program such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. They may also need to know how to code, depending on their job duties.
Is a Career in Digital Design Right for You?
A digital design certificate program is an excellent choice for individuals interested in graphic design and web development. These programs offer a focused, accelerated path to learning the necessary skills for a career in digital design.
If you are unsure if a career in digital design is right for you, take some time to explore your interests and talents. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have an interest in graphic design and web development?
- Do you enjoy working with computers and technology?
- Are you creative and detail-oriented?
If you align with most or all of the answers to these questions, a career in digital design may be a great fit for you.
Digital Design Certificate Programs
A digital design certificate program typically lasts for a few months to a year and offers a focused, accelerated path to learning the necessary skills for a career in design. These programs provide a variety of courses in graphic design, web development, and digital marketing.
There are also many live online digital design certificate courses, which allow you to learn at your own pace and schedule. This flexibility is a great option for individuals with busy lives or who cannot attend traditional classes.
Traditional Four-Year Degrees in Design
A traditional four-year degree in design typically requires 4-5 years of full-time study. This type of program offers a comprehensive education in all aspects of design, including advertising, fashion, architecture, and interior design.
It's important to emphasize that a four-year degree in design is not required to pursue a career in digital design. While it may offer a more well-rounded education, it is not necessary to have this degree to pursue a career in digital design.
Comparing Time Commitment and Cost
One of the main differences between digital design certificate programs and traditional four-year degrees in design is the time commitment. A digital design certificate program typically requires a shorter time commitment than a traditional four-year degree. This can be a great option for individuals who want to pursue a career in design but don't have the time to commit to a four-year degree.
A digital design certificate program can also be cheaper than the cost of a traditional four-year degree. This is due to the shorter time commitment and the fact that certificate programs typically don't require students to take general education courses.
Many people believe that four-year degrees are the only option for those interested in pursuing a career in design. This is simply not the case. Digital design certificate programs offer a great way to learn the necessary skills for a career in this field. They are more affordable and typically require less time commitment than traditional four-year degrees. So, if you're interested in a career in digital design, a certificate program is worth considering.
What Skills Will I Learn in a Digital Design Certificate Course?
A digital design certificate course offers a variety of training in graphic design, web development, and digital marketing. These classes will teach you the necessary skills to start a new career in digital design. You will learn how to create graphics for websites and social media, develop websites using HTML and CSS, and create marketing materials such as emails and landing pages.
You will also gain experience working with different software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and WordPress. This experience will allow you to create beautiful and effective designs that stand out from the competition.
So, if you're interested in pursuing a career in digital design, a digital design certificate program may be a great choice. These programs offer a great way to learn the necessary skills in a shorter amount of time. Since they're relatively affordable, they can be a great option for those who are looking to start a new career.
Another excellent option for those who want to break into digital design is a live online graphic design bootcamp from reliable providers like Noble Desktop. Bootcamp courses are similar to certificate programs while providing immersive training designed for those who want to learn fundamental design skills. These immersive classes offer the same training as traditional classes but eliminate the need to travel to a physical location. You can take live online courses from the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to worry about the cost or time commitment that is often required with a traditional degree.
If you want to jump-start your new design career but need a flexible class schedule and want to eliminate the need to commute through heavy traffic, live online courses may be an excellent option. To get started, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available.