Fulfilling your ambitions of a career in graphic design has much to do with the course you pursue. Here’s a handpicked list of the best graphic design courses in Houston - covering program intensity, duration, and networking opportunities- to help you.
A career in visual communication and design offers a clear path to success, thanks to its broad application across industries. As businesses increasingly recognize the long-term advantages of incorporating aesthetics into their strategies, the demand for skilled professionals in graphic design continues to grow. From designing user-friendly interfaces to creating attention-grabbing logos and posters, the opportunities within visual communication are vast.
Given the intensifying competition, acquiring the latest skills and pursuing formal education from reputable institutions has become crucial. Building a strong graphic design portfolio and obtaining industry-relevant qualifications are essential to distinguish oneself in the field. This curated selection of the top graphic design courses in Houston, featuring both online and on-campus programs that offer optimal educational opportunities, can help you shortlist some such options.
Here’s a brief overview of the same:
Online Courses
- Noble Desktop Digital Design Certificate
- General Assembly Visual Design Short Course
- Ledet Training: Creative Design Bundle
- ONLC Training Centre Adobe Creative Cloud Graphic Design Bootcamp
On-Campus Courses
- University of Houston BFA in Graphic Design
- Houston Community College Digital Communication AAS
- Lone Star College Visual Communications Program
- San Jacinto College ASS Program
- Houston Christian University BFA in Graphic Design
- University of Houston - Clear Lake
Online Courses
1. Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate
Specialising in hands-on courses in graphic design, coding, web development, and digital marketing, Noble Desktop offers training in practical skills taught by industry professionals. Their Graphic Design Certificate program is designed to equip participants with comprehensive skills in the field using industry-standard software and techniques.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as typography, layout, color theory, and image editing, tailored for both print and digital media. Students also get to work on real-world projects throughout the program, applying their skills to create professional-quality designs. The course’s flexible schedule allows the accommodation of diverse learner needs.
Pros:
- A comprehensive course that includes training in design applications and fundamentals
- Hands-on training in essential graphic design software programs
- Portfolio development through active project work
Cons:
- The course only enrolls 8-10 learners in each batch
- The course duration for full-time classes might not be sufficient for complete beginners
Duration:
The course duration is 1 month for full-time classes and 3 months for part-time.
Price:
The course price is $2995
Learn More: Noble Desktop Graphic Design Certificate
2. General Assembly: Visual Design Short Course
General Assembly is a global educational institution offering a wide range of courses in technology, business, data, and design fields. Known for its practical, hands-on approach, General Assembly emphasizes skill-building, career transformation, and fostering a community of learners through networking opportunities and collaborative projects.
Their Visual Design Short Course comes equipped with a thorough curriculum and global networking prospects. While centred on visual design, it extensively covers typography, imagery, color theory, and other essential elements that are appealing to aspiring graphic designers. The course also prepares students to craft portfolios that meet industry standards.
Pros:
- Extensive curriculum encompassing web design, motion graphics, interaction design, and design ethics.
- Project-based learning to enhance portfolio development.
- Access to a global alumni network of professionals for networking opportunities.
Cons:
- The course might not be suitable for someone looking to upskill in only graphic design skills
- Students without prior software experience are needed to enroll in tutorial classes.
Duration:
The course duration is 8 weeks
Price:
The course price is $3500
Learn More: General Assembly Visual Design Short Course
3. Ledet Training: Creative Design Bundle
Ledet is a renowned authorised training provider offering immersive courses in AutoDesk, Google, and Adobe software. Specialising in instructor-led classes tailored for the marketing and advertising sectors, its Creative Design Bundle is a comprehensive two-week programme that covers hands-on learning in key graphic design tools.
These classes are spread over non-consecutive dates and include introductory and advanced levels of Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and InDesign training. Learners are also provided specialised training in InDesign Tablet Publishing for a holistic training experience.
Pros:
- An ideal course for experienced graphic designers looking to upskill in key software applications.
- This is a short-term programme that spans 15 non-consecutive days
Cons:
- This course focuses solely on software training and does not include fundamental design principles.
- The duration of the course may be inadequate for beginners to achieve proficiency in all covered software applications.
Duration:
The course duration is 15 days
Price:
The course is priced at $5495
Learn More: Ledet Training Creative Design Bundle
4. ONLC Training Centre: Adobe Creative Cloud Graphic Design Bootcamp
ONLC is a distinguished training centre in North America with over 40 years of experience in IT education. Renowned for its excellence, the training centre emphasises an enriching classroom environment and operates through multiple branches across the nation.
The Adobe On-Demand Bootcamp is one of the many specialisation programs offered by the institute. Offering an introduction to software, the program is aimed at providing students with fundamental knowledge of Adobe’s Creative Cloud. The curriculum includes a dedicated Core Skills segment covering essential features and techniques for Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Pros:
- This comprehensive course is available in both online and offline formats.
- It is designed for self-paced learning, allowing students the flexibility to progress at their own speed.
Cons:
- The course is designed primarily for beginners or self-taught designers seeking to enhance their software skills.
- The curriculum only focuses on technical aspects and software proficiency.
Duration:
The course duration is 6 months
Price:
The course is priced at $995
Learn More: Adobe Creative Cloud Graphic Design Bootcamp
On-Campus Courses
1. University of Houston: BFA in Graphic Design
The University of Houston (UH) is a prominent public research university founded in 1927 as the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. UH boasts of a high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation and offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its various colleges and schools.
Their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Graphic Design is offered through the School of Art. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in various aspects of visual communication and graphic design. The curriculum emphasises both traditional and digital media, including a comprehensive understanding of design principles, typography, image-making, branding, and interactive design.
Students also engage in hands-on studio courses where they develop practical skills in graphic design techniques, software applications (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and conceptual thinking.
Pros:
- The program is supported by UHGAP, an alumni network that ensures additional educational and scholarship benefits
- The curriculum focuses on building practical skills through extensive project work and workshops
- Industry exposure is offered through regular interaction with visiting artists and critics
Cons:
- This is a degree program best suited for learners willing to invest a considerable amount of time.
- This is an on-campus program and cannot be pursued online
Duration:
The course duration is 4 years
Price:
Program tuition would differ depending on various factors. It is advisable to contact the admissions office for precise information.
Learn More: University of Houston BFA in Graphic Design
2. Houston Community College: Digital Communication AAS
One of the largest community colleges in the United States, Houston Community College (HCC) is a multi-campus community college system established in 1971. The college operates several campuses and is known for its strong emphasis on workforce development, offering certifications and training programs aligned with industry needs.
The Digital Communication AAS program at HCC is designed to prepare students for careers in digital media, multimedia production, web design, and related fields. The Graphic Design Specialisation, in particular, is an expansive course that covers topics relevant to the rapidly evolving digital communication industry.
These include graphic design basics, digital imaging, illustration techniques, typographic design, and web design. The course also comes with a mandatory internship program and a dedicated portfolio development module.
Pros:
- The curriculum is advanced, covering key aspects of both digital and print media
- The internship period ensures learners get hands-on experience for seamless entry into the industry
- Learners interested in gaining fundamental knowledge can choose to pursue the C1 Certification
Cons:
- This is a degree program and requires a substantial time commitment
- C1 Certification only covers the basics of the field. For a deeper understanding, students have to pursue the extensive C2 Certification.
Duration:
The course lasts 3 semesters with a total minimum of 60 credits
Price:
Tuition for in-district students is $33 per hour; for out-of-district students $121 per hour, and $151 per hour for out-of-state students. The total fee would also include other miscellaneous charges.
Learn More: Houston Community College Digital Communication AAS
3. Lone Star College: Visual Communications Program
Lone Star College is a prominent community college system located in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area. The Visual Communication program at this institute is offered under the Associate of Applied Science program.
The program offers a Level 2 Certificate in graphic design that provides the skills necessary to create visual content for both print and digital media platforms. The foundational knowledge in graphic design is enhanced through training in 2D animation, typography, digital illustration, and web design.
By the end of the third semester, students are expected to have a working knowledge of key principles and dedicatedly pursue a specialisation in motion graphics, multimedia design, 3D animation, video, and post-production or web design.
Pros:
- The course provides a good foundation for graphic design and an opportunity to choose a specialisation
- Hands-on learning equips students with knowledge of packaging design, logo design, website publication, and displays.
Cons:
- There is no active portfolio development or internship opportunity within the course.
- This is a short-term program and may not come with a holistic curriculum.
Duration:
The course duration is 2 years
Price:
The fee would vary between $3,996 and $11,268 depending on your place of residence
Learn More: Lone Star College Visual Communications Program
4. San Jacinto College: ASS Program
Established in 1961, San Jacinto College is a community college with three main campuses in Texas, two of which are located in Houston. The college offers a wide range of academic programs, workforce training, and continuing education courses and is known for its strong emphasis on practical, career-oriented education.
The Art and Design or AAS program at San Jacinto is a holistic course that takes learners through every aspect of graphic design. The program begins with foundational training in computer graphics and digital media, before covering topics like typography, web page design, digital imaging, and basic animation design. At the end of the course, students can also choose between portfolio development for graphic design or field experience in the field.
Pros:
- The curriculum is at par with other universities and equips students with all the basic graphic design skills
- Students also get the opportunity to seamlessly integrate with the industry through portfolio development or internship
Cons:
- Students have to choose between portfolio development or field experience, countering the benefits of adequate industry exposure
- This is an on-campus degree program that may not be suitable for students from other geographic areas
Duration:
This is a two-year-long program
Price:
Tuition for in-district students is approximately $4,980; for out-of-district students is $8,640 and for out-of-state/international students is $13,380.
Learn More: San Jacinto College ASS Program
5. Houston Christian University: BFA in Graphic Design
Formerly known as Houston Baptist University, HCU is a private Christian university founded in 1960. The university emphasises a strong commitment to faith-based education and values, integrating Christian principles into its academic and campus life. However, despite the institution's religious roots, the student body constitutes members of other religions from the world over, ensuring a diverse campus life.
The BFA in Graphic Design at HCU includes coursework in typography, digital imaging, web design, branding, illustration, and other relevant topics. The program focuses on creative problem-solving, conceptual development, and the practical application of design theory. This is ensured through a diverse set of projects and hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools.
Pros:
- The institute offers a unique approach to education
- The curriculum includes all the major aspects of graphic design
Cons:
- HCU does not provide any assistance in terms of portfolio development or industry experience
- The institute’s religious approach may not suit learners of different faiths
Duration:
The course duration is 4 years
Price:
The total tuition fee is $39,280
Learn More: Houston Christian University BFA in Graphic Design
6. University of Houston - Clear Lake: BFA with Graphic Design Concentration
Established in 1971, UHCL is part of the University of Houston System and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. As a public university, the institution attracts a diverse student body and provides upskilling in a range of areas including business, education, humanities, social sciences, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design offered through the Art and Design program provides students with a comprehensive education in graphic design principles, techniques, and applications. Designed to build upon a foundation in arts, the curriculum gradually covers specialised topics like typography, illustration, color theory, layout design, branding, and composition over the semesters.
Pros:
- UHCL is a renowned college known for its excellence in research and diversity
- The course comes with a solid foundation in liberal arts, preparing students for a successful professional career
Cons:
- This is a full-time degree course that requires a substantial commitment
Duration:
The course duration is 4 years
Price:
The tuition fee can vary anywhere between $9,236 to $26,252, depending on your residence.
Learn More: University of Houston - Clear Lake BFA with Graphic Design Concentration
Next Steps
We hope our article on the best Graphic Design Courses in Houston could offer the guidance you were looking for. Pursuing a professional course can provide several benefits, right from a seamless entry into the industry to building a relevant portfolio. Take this Campaign Project by AND Learner Sreya Sara Binoy that functions as an excellent representation of Sreya’s skills to potential recruiters.
Additionally, here are some of our other resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by design veteran as well as AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
