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Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more
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Graphic Design

Graphic Design Graphic Design - Certificate of Proficiency Faculty Student Work
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Graphic Design - Certificate of Proficiency

School of Creative Arts

Area of Study: Visual Communication & Design 
Degree/Certificate: Certificate of Proficiency
Academic School: Creative Arts

Program Sequence Program Outcomes
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Tri-C’s one-year Certificate of Proficiency in Graphic Design integrates the latest digital graphics applications and technologies with the principles of visual communication and design. Students gain skills in design thinking, visual storytelling, a technical foundation in layout design for both print and web, digital rendering, typography, and color theory. Throughout the program, students develop technical skills by exploring the fundamental concepts of form, design, communication, aesthetics, and creative problem-solving. Topics include advertising design, package design, brand identity design, information design, graphic design studio work, interactive design (UX/UI), sustainable and ethical design, emerging technologies, such as AI tools, AR/VR design, and 3D graphics. Practical course projects include designing greeting cards, logos, publications, webpages, user interfaces (UI), 3D graphics and packaging systems.

Tri-C’s Graphic Design faculty is made up of working professionals with diverse educational backgrounds and work experience. Through hands-on instruction, project-based learning and using industry-standard workflows and technologies in class, Graphic Design students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the industry. Students graduate with a portfolio showcasing interdisciplinary skills in branding, packaging, digital design, and interactive media. 

Career Outlook
Graduates from the graphic design program are prepared for the following positions:

  • Graphic designer
  • Advertising designer
  • Publication designer
  • Packaging/branding designer
  • Production artist
  • Data visualization designer

With additional experience and training, graduates can aspire to the following positions:

  • Art director
  • Senior graphic designer
  • AR/VR designer
  • Environmental graphics designer
  • AI-assisted design specialist
  • Pre-press specialist
  • Web designer/User experience (UX) designer

Degree: Students may apply credits toward the Visual Communication & Design program with a Concentration in Graphic Design.

Career Outlook

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How to reach us

Eric Vaughn, Program Manager
eric.vaughn@tri-c.edu
216-987-3638

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Additional Information

Transfer Programs

Transferability of courses depends upon the guidelines set forth by the college or university to which you are transferring. Tri-C has transfer pathway agreements with the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) maximizing transfer credit from Tri-C’s AAB in Visual Communication & Design, Graphic Design into CCAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design. Contact a Tri-C academic counselor for more information on the transfer of credits.

Career & Job Outlook

Do you know what it's like to work in this field or what the salary range might be? Get more information.

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