Graphic Design

Arts & Design

Graphic Design Certificate

Build the artistic, technical, and creative skills needed to begin a career in graphic design while preparing for additional study in the field.

View Certificate Information

Program Overview

Turn Creativity Into Practical Skills

The Certificate in Graphic Design is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the artistic principles and techniques used in the field of graphic design.

Certificate courses are aligned with the New Mexico Common Course Catalog and are structured as preparation for upper-division graphic design courses. Courses are also transferable to other New Mexico colleges and universities.

Students develop the technical and creative skills needed to pursue entry-level opportunities in the graphic arts field.

Career Opportunities

Where Graphic Design Can Take You

Graphic design skills can be applied across businesses, organizations, media, marketing, publishing, and digital communication.

Advertising & Marketing

Create visual campaigns, advertisements, promotional materials, branding, and digital content.

Printing & Publishing

Develop layouts, publications, printed materials, packaging, and other visual communications.

Digital Media

Work with websites, online marketing, social media, digital graphics, and interactive content.

Branding & Creative Services

Help organizations develop visual identities, communication materials, and consistent brands.

Career Advancement

Continue Building Your Career

With additional education and professional experience, graphic designers can move into specialized or leadership roles.

Branding and identity design
Web and user interface (UI) design
Motion graphics
Digital marketing
Creative project management
Senior designer
Art director or creative director
Freelance designer or business owner

16,000

Projected Annual Openings

Approximately 16,000 graphic design job openings are expected annually nationwide, primarily as workers retire or transition to other occupations.

Demand is expected to remain particularly important in digital media, online marketing, web design, visual communication, and technology-focused industries.

Academic Requirements

Special Requirements

Minimum Course Grade

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Minimum GPA

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

NMJC Credit Requirement

A minimum of 15 semester hours must be earned at New Mexico Junior College.

Transfer Credit

Remaining program requirements may be satisfied through acceptable transfer credit.

Please Note: Transitional and developmental courses do not fulfill certificate requirements. Students may not graduate while unresolved incomplete (I) grades remain on their academic record.

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