What topics are typically covered in design courses?

Design courses cover a variety of topics essential for developing skills in various design disciplines. These include the basics of design principles, color theory, and typography . Learners will explore topics such as graphic design , user experience (UX) design , and digital media . Advanced courses might cover areas like interaction design , design thinking , and advanced digital tools. Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world design scenarios, enhancing their ability to create visually appealing and functional designs.

How can I choose the right design course for my career goals?

Choosing the right design course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of design principles, color theory, and introductory graphic design techniques. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on UX design , digital media , and advanced design software. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on interaction design , design thinking , or preparing for roles in design leadership and strategy. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in design?

A certificate in design can open up various career opportunities in graphic design, UX/UI design, and digital media. Common roles include graphic designer , UX/UI designer , web designer , and visual designer . These positions involve creating visual content, designing user interfaces, developing digital media assets, and improving user experiences. With the increasing demand for skilled designers in various industries, earning a certificate in design can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as technology, marketing, advertising, and media production.

Best Design Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Design Course Catalog

Status: New
Status: New AI skills
Adobe
Adobe Graphic Designer
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, Typography, Generative AI, Document Management, Design, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Innovation, Creativity, Workflow Management, Productivity Software, File Management, Adobe Creative Cloud, Data Ethics, Data Integrity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
622 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, UI/UX Research, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, Design Research, Persona (User Experience), Ideation, User Centered Design, Mockups
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
89K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Adobe
Design Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Design, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Innovation, Color Theory, Creativity, Logo Design, Content Creation, Branding, Design Strategies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
504 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Xbox
Xbox Graphic Designer
Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Logo Design, Typography, Interaction Design, Figma (Design Software), Adobe Illustrator, Design Reviews, Wireframing, Usability, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Adobe Photoshop, Graphic Design, User Centered Design, Peer Review, UI Components, Generative AI, Visual Design, Adobe Creative Cloud
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Adobe
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Logo Design, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Adobe
Document Design
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Acrobat, Document Management, Workflow Management, Productivity Software, Process Design, File Management, Presentations, Client Services, Marketing Collateral, Graphic Design, Version Control, Branding, Business Systems, Constructive Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Adobe
Generative AI Content Creation
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Adobe Creative Cloud, Data Ethics, Data Integrity, Content Creation, Creative Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Writing and Editing, Data Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Digital Transformation, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
121 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
California Institute of the Arts
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design, Digital Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Design Reviews, Design Research, Storytelling, Branding, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop, Advertising, Creativity, Peer Review
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
21K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, User Research, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Persona (User Experience), Wireframing, Design Research, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Interaction Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Human Centered Design, Usability, User Interface (UI) Design, User Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), Design, Mockups
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
358 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The University of Sydney
Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
California Institute of the Arts
The Language of Design: Form and Meaning
Skills you'll gain: Design Reviews, Design, Graphic Design, Design Elements And Principles, Visual Design, Aesthetics, Typography, Creative Design, Design Thinking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
883 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design
Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, Design Thinking, User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Prototyping, Wireframing, Sprint Planning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
72K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks