Interested in graphic design and looking for courses to learn industry-relevant skills? Get the list of the best graphic design courses in Las Vegas here and get ready to launch your career now!
With digital media becoming increasingly important, graphic design has blossomed into one of the most lucrative industries. It is an interesting field that combines art with science to create compelling designs that captivate the audience. And when it comes to captivating the audience, what better place than Las Vegas to learn about it?
Las Vegas is a happening city with an affinity for all types of arts and media. When it comes to design, there is a lot to learn just by looking around. However, there are also a variety of institutions that offer great online and on-campus graphic design courses in Las Vegas and nearby areas. We have compiled a comprehensive list of such courses that offer excellent professional education in graphic design to put you on a path to success!
Here is a brief overview of the list:
On-Campus Courses in Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- Laurus College
Best Graphic Design Courses in Las Vegas - Online
1. American Graphics Institute: Graphic Design Certificate
American Graphics Institute (AGI) offers a graphic design certificate program that can be pursued full-time or part-time. They are known for their hands-on approach towards teaching strategic design principles. The course also focuses on imparting expertise in the use and application of modern design tools.
The graphic design course at AGI is also known for its small class size. Each course section is limited to 10 students at a time to ensure all student concerns are addressed individually. The course focuses on collaboration between students and mentors for an optimal learning experience.
Pros
- Live instructor-led classes that help students learn in real-time and get instant answers to their questions.
- Projects in collaboration with mentors that help students learn by practising.
- The online graphic design classes are easily accessible to working professionals who can pursue the course part-time as well.
- There is a dedicated career counsellor who helps address student queries regarding courses and offers career support.
Cons
- The course is more focused on teaching software than fundamental design theories.
- The small class size may mean difficulty in getting admission into the course.
uration
The course spans 4 weeks for full-time learners or up to 52 weeks for part-time learners.
Price
The course costs $3,600.
Learn More: American Graphics Institute: Graphic Design Certificate
2. Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate
Noble Desktop offers one of the most highly-rated online graphic design courses in Las Vegas. The course has live classes and demonstrations to help students understand basic design fundamentals as well as the application of the latest software. The focus lies on teaching editing and retouching photos in Photoshop, creating vector graphics in Illustrator, and designing page layouts through InDesign.
The course also offers students an opportunity to work on a number of projects such as logo designing, cover art, social media graphics, etc. There is a specialised focus on creating a strong portfolio to help students land good job opportunities.
Pros
- The program is well-paced enabling students to fully grasp important concepts.
- The course curriculum covers graphic design software as well as design theory.
- The classes are held in the evening or Sundays for part-time learners, making it suitable for working professionals.
Cons
- The full-time classes are held on weekdays which may not be suitable for working professionals.
- The duration of the course may not be enough to gain expert knowledge of the topics covered.
Duration
You can choose a 1-month full-time course with classes on weekdays or a 3-month part-time course with classes on Sundays or evenings.
Price
The course costs $2,995.
Learn More: Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate
Shillington Education: Online Graphic Design Course
Shillington has one of the most comprehensive graphic design courses in Las Vegas that equips learners with practical and theoretical knowledge. They offer part-time as well as full-time programs with a flexible schedule that is ideal for learners from different backgrounds.
The curriculum is well-structured and covers industry-relevant topics such as typography, design thinking, theory, principles, fundamentals, etc. There is also an adequate focus on imparting proficiency in various design tools. The course engages guest lecturers from the industry to share valuable insights. It also features over 25 briefs that enable learners to apply what they have learned practically.
Pros
- The course offers flexible learning options ideal for working professionals.
- Learners can participate in quizzes to cover various topics and test their knowledge.
- The course has a ‘Design for Employment’ section that is geared towards portfolio and website creation.
Cons
- The cost of the course is on the steeper side.
- The course is exclusively online and may not be suitable for learners interested in on-campus learning.
Duration
The 3-month full-time course has classes scheduled 5 days a week and the 9-month part-time course has classes scheduled 3 days a week.
Price
The course costs $12,950.
Learn More: Shillington Education: Graphic Design Course
4. Western Nevada College: Graphic Communications
Western College of Nevada has a certificate course in graphic design that covers a wide array of theoretical and practical concepts. The certification covers basic to advanced topics involving graphic design principles, theory, visual foundation, logo design, typography, etc. The course also has elective units on art history, web design, marketing principles, and motion graphics. The program also offers an introduction to software such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
The graphic design certification consists of various project works to help learners build a professional portfolio and credibility in the industry. The college also offers associate degrees in graphic design to those seeking to continue their education.
Pros
- The course offers learners a strong understanding of design fundamentals and principles.
- Ample support is provided for portfolio creation.
- The certification offers industry-relevant knowledge and prepares learners for real-life challenges.
Cons
- The course has a limited focus on software and is more specific to theoretical concepts.
- It may not be suitable for individuals seeking a flexible, short-term course.
Duration
The course duration is up to a period of 1 year.
Price
The course may cost up to $203.00 per credit. Learners are recommended to get in touch with the college administration for a detailed break-up of the fee structure.
Learn More: Western Nevada College: Graphic Communications
Top On-Campus Graphic Design Schools in Las Vegas
1. UNLV Continuing Education: Graphic Design Certificate Program
The University of Nevada offers one of the most sought-after graphic design courses in Las Vegas. It is a well-structured certification program that lasts for 5 to 12 months. The classes are perfect for individuals who want an introduction to Adobe design tools.
The graphic design classes are led by experienced instructors who offer valuable knowledge and industry insights. The course also has a wide range of electives to choose from such as HTML, CSS, photography, brand identity basics, graphic design principles, WordPress, etc. The project-based learning ensures that learners are exposed to the necessary skills needed to thrive in the industry.
Pros
- The graphic design certificate program focuses on ensuring proficiency in Adobe tools.
- You do not need any prior knowledge of design to join this course.
- The course is also available in online mode which helps learners access it remotely.
Cons
- The curriculum is laser-focused on only Adobe design skills and may not be suitable for those seeking to learn other tools as well.
- There is a lack of career support.
Duration
The duration of this course is between 5 to 12 months.
Price
The course costs approximately $1,236 to $2,033.
Learn More: UNLV Continuing Education: Print & Graphic Design Certificate Program
2. College of Southern Nevada: Graphic Design, AAS
The graphic design course at the College of Southern Nevada comes with an Associate of Applied Science degree. It is a popular program among individuals seeking professional education to learn digital tools. The experienced professors impart valuable knowledge on topics such as layouts, typography, illustrations, digital media, color theory, etc.
The course is focused on improving the chances of finding employment in the industry. Students are also offered robust support and expert guidance on creating a professional portfolio.
Pros
- The curriculum focuses equally on teaching theoretical concepts and practical tools.
- The course is formulated with a focus on improving employability and teaching industry-relevant skills.
- Students are offered support and guidance to create a strong graphic design portfolio.
Cons
- The curriculum may be restrictive for learners looking to learn different types of design software.
- The course structure is fixed and may not be suitable for those seeking flexibility.
Duration
This is a full-time course with a duration of 2 years.
Price
The course is approximated to be priced at $203 per credit. However, it is recommended that you contact the college administration to know the exact cost.
Learn More: College of Southern Nevada: Graphic Design, AAS
3. TMCC: Graphic Design, Graphic Arts and Media Technology, AA
Truckee Meadows Community College(TMCC) is a popular destination for those interested in graphic design courses in Las Vegas. It offers a comprehensive Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Arts & Media Technology- perfect for individuals seeking a career in the world of graphic design.
The course covers a variety of topics such as digital art, typography design, web design, design thinking and fundamentals, commercial printing, etc. The college also has experienced professors and advanced computer labs to enhance the learning experience. Learners can also take up additional courses in the next two years to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Pros
- The course focuses on teaching theory as well as different types of software.
- There are elective classes held to enhance soft skills.
- The students can benefit from learning using computer labs and other equipment.
Cons
- This is a full-time course and may not be suitable for working professionals.
- The course does not offer a job guarantee or career support.
Duration
This is a full-time course with a duration of 2 years.
Price
The course is approximated to be priced at $211.50 per credit. However, it is recommended that you contact the college administration to know the complete details about fees.
Learn More: TMCC: Graphic Design, Graphic Arts and Media Technology, AA
4. Laurus College: Visual Design and Multimedia (A.S.)
The Associate of Science degree in Visual Design and Multimedia offered by Laurus College is highly coveted. It is a comprehensive course that equips students with a variety of design techniques to improve their employability. The course has modules on color theory, modelling, animation, shading & lighting, digital sculpting, and more.
The course is all-encompassing and involves courses that enhance students’ understanding of start-up strategies and project management. The modules are taught by expert faculty and are aimed towards the development of learners as graphic designers.
Pros
- The course offers modules on project management, business start-up strategies, etc. that are highly relevant to the students.
- The curriculum is extensive with a focus on different types of graphic design techniques.
- The course covers fundamental as well as advanced techniques of design.
Cons
- There is a lack of dedicated focus on different types of software and tools.
- Lack of placement support after course completion.
Duration
This a full-time course with a duration of 2 years.
Price
The course is priced at $44,850.
Learn More: Laurus College: Visual Design and Multimedia (A.S.)
Next Steps
Pursuing a certification in graphic design is an important step in your professional journey. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of various courses before making the final decision. We hope this list of graphic design courses in Las Vegas was helpful to you!
In case you need further assistance, here are some of our resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by design veteran and 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.
