Eager to launch your design career with a qualification that aligns with industry standards? Our compilation of the best graphic design courses in LA, complete with a detailed review of prominent programs, offering insights into the curriculum, tuition, and intensity, could be of help.
Formal education in graphic design not only provides learners with a versatile skill set and a compelling portfolio but also serves as a platform for seamless entry into the industry through networking and connections. However, identifying a program that aligns with one's professional requirements and learning preferences can be a daunting task.
To ease this challenge, our thoughtfully curated list of the best graphic design courses in LA takes into account the diverse needs of learners. Spanning both on-campus and online programs, this compilation highlights premier institutes in LA that provide career-oriented programs in graphic design and employ an innovative pedagogy. The list also delves into the advantages, intensity, duration, and estimated tuition for every program. Here's a brief overview of the listicle through a clickable list:
Online Courses
On-Campus Courses
- Otis College Extension
- LATTC
- Santa Monica College
- The LA Film School
- California Institute of the Arts
Let’s dive right into the details of each course now.
Online Courses
1. Shillington Education: Graphic Design Bootcamp
One of the most sought-after platforms for upskilling, Shillington Education has established itself as a key player in the realm of virtual courses. The course provider is best known for its fast-paced yet employability-oriented programs that equip learners with industry-relevant skills and portfolios.
The Graphic Design Bootcamp is a short-term program designed to suit learners of all academic backgrounds and levels. The program also takes a project-first approach to mimic a studio learning environment. This translates through time-bound project briefs requiring constant peer feedback and 1:1 mentorship. At the end of the course, learners are equipped with a portfolio and hands-on understanding of the entire design process.
Pros:
- A project-based learning module that focuses on building practical skills through 25+ briefs
- Peer learning through a robust feedback cycle
- 1:1 mentorship
- Development of market-ready portfolios
Cons:
- The course does not come with a job guarantee or career support
- While the course is comprehensive, it might not benefit a designer looking to upskill
Duration:
The course duration for the part-time program is 3 months whereas the full-time program spans 9 months.
Price:
The course price is $13,950
Learn More: Shillington Graphic Design Course
2. UCLA Extension: Certificate in Design Communication Arts
As a renowned educational institution, UCLA needs no introduction. With a rich history of providing continuing education and professional studies for several decades, UCLA stands as one of the most prestigious institutions for pursuing a degree. In line with this esteemed legacy, UCLA Extension emerges as a dedicated division of the University, committed to expanding access to education for a wider community.
The Certificate in Design Communication Arts is an expansive course that intends to imbibe a solid design foundation and foster creativity. The curriculum primarily focuses on the fundamentals of graphic design with elective subjects like user experience, photography, and visual communication. The course also fosters the intersection of technology and art through sessions on the latest graphic design software and tools.
Pros:
- UCLA Extension comes from a rich educational legacy ensuring exceptional learning and networking opportunities.
- The curriculum is vast and covers fundamentals of graphic design and the latest technology
- The course can be pursued in an online format
- Learners get the opportunity to build an industry-relevant portfolio
Cons:
- There is no job guarantee or career support offered
- The course is best suited for beginners and not experienced designers looking to upskill
Duration:
The duration of the full-time program is 1 year and that of the part-time program is 2 years
Price:
The course comes with an estimated cost of $12,500.
Learn More: UCLA Extension: Certificate in Design Communication Arts
3. General Assembly: Visual Design Short Course
The Visual Design Short Course offered by General Assembly is a comprehensive program designed to provide a thorough understanding of visual design. Its expansive curriculum delves into crucial elements such as typography, imagery, colour theory, and more, making it an ideal choice for individuals interested in graphic design.
Beyond its focused content, the course offers global networking opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Moreover, students are empowered to build an industry-relevant portfolio, enhancing their practical skills and readiness for the professional design landscape.
Pros:
- The curriculum covers diverse topics like web design, motion graphics, interaction design, and design ethics.
- The learning approach is hands-on and incorporates projects for building a robust portfolio
- Students get access to a global network of 97k+ alumni for career advancement
Cons:
- The curriculum dabbles in non-design topics which might not be suitable for those seeking a purely design-oriented program
- Tutorial classes are required for students with no background in software operation
Duration:
The course duration is 8 weeks
Price:
The course is priced at $3500
Learn More: General Assembly Visual Design Short Course
4. Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate
Renowned for its concise yet comprehensive programs, Noble Desktop focuses on providing foundational knowledge in various software applications. The Graphic Design Certificate Course stands out as an excellent choice for beginners entering the field. This program ensures a hands-on learning experience in key Adobe software applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, enabling students to develop a robust graphic design portfolio.
The curriculum also covers essential design concepts such as colour theory, typography, composition, design theory, and more, making it an ideal starting point for those seeking to embark on a career in graphic design.
Pros:
- The curriculum takes a well-balanced approach to both theory and practice
- Live project-based learning is facilitated by industry experts
- The program contributes to building an industry-relevant portfolio
Cons:
- There is a batch limit of 8-10 students
- The course duration might be insufficient to gain proficiency in the topics covered
Duration:
The course is available in different durations, with the shortest course spanning a month.
Price:
The course is priced at $2995
Learn More: Noble Desktop Graphic Design Certificate
5. Ledet: Creative Design Bundle
Ledet is an authorised training provider that offers hands-on courses in leading software applications such as AutoDesk, Google, and Adobe. One such standout program is the Creative Design Bundle, a comprehensive two-week training initiative. This bundle covers a range of essential graphic design software on non-consecutive dates.
The eight key courses included are Photoshop Intro, Photoshop Advanced, Acrobat, Illustrator Intro, Illustrator Advanced, InDesign Intro, InDesign Advanced, and InDesign Tablet Publishing. A fast track and instructor-led approach ensures learners receive the right guidance to gain proficiency.
Pros:
- The course is best suited for experienced designers looking to expand their software proficiency
- A fast-paced program that covers approximately eight topics in 15 days.
Cons:
- This is primarily a software upskilling program with no exposure to design fundamentals
- The price point is high taking into account the curriculum and duration
- The course duration might be insufficient to master all the applications.
Duration:
The course duration is 15 days; includes 8 separate 2-day classes
Price:
The course is priced at $5495
Learn More: Ledet Creative Design Bundle
On-Campus Courses
1. Otis College Extension - Graphic Design Certificate
Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design stands as a distinguished non-profit institution with a rich legacy of alumni and faculty including Oscar winners, legendary designers, accomplished entrepreneurs, and leaders in various art movements. Otis Extension is a subdivision of the premier institute that intends to offer higher education to learners of any age or proficiency level.
The Graphic Design Certificate program introduces students to the foundational skills required to excel in the industry. These include concepts of composition, imagery, illustration, letterform, and applications of typography for still, interactive, and motion platforms. The curriculum also fosters the technical proficiency of learners through practical training in tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Pros:
- The program has been designed to allow students seamless access to entry-level design courses
- Offers students the opportunity to build an industry-relevant portfolio demonstrating conceptual, design, and technical proficiency.
- The program is targeted towards beginners with no prior experience or portfolio
Cons:
- The course does not offer any job guarantee or career support
- Individuals can take up two courses as a part of the program but are required to submit a Certificate Program Enrollment Application with a non-refundable fee to proceed further.
Duration:
The course duration is 1-2 years.
Price:
The course is priced at $7440
Learn More: Otis College Extension - Graphic Design Certificate
2. LATTC Visual Communications Program
As one of the nine public community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District, LATTC boasts nearly a century of experience in providing top-tier education. Established in 1925, the institution has been a pioneer in offering career-technical programs aimed at preparing students for crucial roles in various industries.
The Visual Communications Program is a foundational course that equips students to explore careers in animation, art direction, graphic design, illustration, multimedia, and other related fields. The curriculum covers fundamentals of colour, typography, drawing, digital prepress, and design with hands-on exposure to industry-standard digital software for practical upskilling.
Pros:
- The program takes a project-based learning approach through assignments on logo development, brochure design, magazine advertising, etc.
- Basics of computer graphics are also offered with a particular focus on Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and HTML
- The program allows students to gradually build a portfolio for freelance opportunities.
Cons:
- The program does not come with a job guarantee or career support
- This is an offline program
Duration:
The course spans 2 years and covers 48 major units
Price:
The enrollment fee for residents is $46. This is combined with other essential fees amounting to $75 each semester. For non-residents or foreign students, the enrollment fee is $46 combined with $342 per unit, amounting to a total of $16,462.
Learn More: LATTC Visual Communications Program
3. Santa Monica College: Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Santa Monica College was founded in 1929 as a provider of world-class education. The Graphic Design Program is a comprehensive course incorporating skills and concepts necessary to excel in the field. The curriculum is spread over four semesters, starting with Digital Technologies which covers the key toolset, history, and hands-on practice of modern applications through project-based learning modules.
This is followed by Design Methodologies and User Experience which focuses on industry practices for a holistic approach to design. The final semester prioritises practical exposure with students needing to create a portfolio and work on real-world design challenges.
Pros:
- An expansive curriculum that touches upon every aspect of graphic design
- Project-based learning format that contributes to a design portfolio
- Students can take up graphic design internships as an elective in the last semester
Cons:
- The course is only available in an offline format
- This is a very hands-on course that might not provide the right theoretical base for absolute beginners
Duration:
The full-time program spans 1 year while the duration for the part-time course is 2 years.
Learn More: Santa Monica College: Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Price:
Enrollment fee per unit is $46, amounting to the base fee of $4140 for 90 units. For non-residents and international students, additional tuition of $38,160 is also charged.
4. The LA Film School: Graphic Design Program
The LA Film School is a premier institute for media and entertainment studies celebrated for its industry connections and a technically driven curriculum that fosters artistic exploration. The programs are taught through a hands-on approach and in collaboration with industry experts.
Aligning with this ethos, The Graphic Design Program at LA Film School is a diverse degree program that touches on aspects of entertainment, film, advertising, and product development. Students are also prepared to take on senior management roles through dedicated modules on organisational behaviour, leadership, and professional writing
Pros:
- Experiential learning is at the heart of the program, ensuring a hands-on exposure
- The curriculum builds on the foundations of the intersection of human behaviour and design
- Students have the opportunity to build a portfolio while pursuing their education
Cons:
- The course does not offer any job guarantee or career support
- The course is imparted in an online format which might not be best suited for a three-year-long degree program
Duration:
The course spans over 3 years and covers approximately 120 credit hours
Price:
The fee for residents of California is $67,770.00 and for non-residents is $67,600.00. Fee details for international students are not readily available on the website.
Learn More: The LA Film School Graphic Design Program
5. California Insitute of the Arts: BFA in Graphic Design
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly referred to as CalArts, stands as another leading educational institution that adopts an experimental approach to cultivate critical thinking essential in artistic practice. Offered by the CalArts School of Art, The Graphic Design degree program features a curriculum that revolves around core subjects complemented by thoughtfully selected elective classes.
Typography, image making, web design, motion graphics, and VR workshops are a few key topics that are covered. This strategic combination ensures that students not only acquire a foundational understanding of the field but also graduate with a robust portfolio, reflecting their diverse skills and experiences.
Pros:
- The curriculum is very well structured with every semester building on the previous learnings.
- Students also get access to specialised classes on web design, motion graphics, and type design
- The curriculum design is focused on employability and works towards building a portfolio from the onset
Cons:
- Students must pass the Graduation Portfolio Review to obtain the BFA degree
- While the curriculum focuses on practical experience, there is no support in terms of internships or networking offered to students.
Duration:
The program covers 120 credits in 4 years
Price:
The annual tuition excluding other expenses is marked at $56,074
Learn More: California Institute of the Arts BFA in Graphic Design
Next Steps:
We trust that our guide on the top Graphic Design Courses in LA has assisted you in making an informed decision and initiating your design journey. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to explore our student work for valuable insights into how upskilling programs can significantly contribute to the development of your portfolio as a designer. For reference, you can start by taking a look at this Campaign Project by AND Learner Sant Kaur.
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
