Curriculum

Online Graphic Design Courses

In Penn Foster's Graphic Design Program, you will learn about web graphic arts, electronic publishing, corporate design, typography, photo editing, color theory, and more essential graphic design skills. You will also study digital arts basics - from layout design to production - using Adobe® software.

Graphic Design

Undergrad. Cert.

14 months

As low as $89/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Online Graphic Design Courses

11 courses
1 proctored exam

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 14 months
Average time = 18 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

Semester 1

Today’s technology enables just about any properly trained individual to create highly sophisticated images using a computer. At the same time, the demand for trained digital artists has increased dramatically.

Digital art is used to describe art that is or presented using digital technology. To get a complete digital painting experience, you’ll need a combination of both hardware and software components. The principles of art represent how the artist uses multiple elements of art to create an effect and to help convey the artist's intent.

In this study unit, you’ll discover the benefits of using computers for artistic purposes. You’ll learn about a number of tools for creating and using digital art. You’ll also discover the benefits of using computers for artistic purposes. You’ll also learn about a number of tools for creating and using digital art. Identify different career options available to digital artists.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe some of the most common uses of computers in creating artistic works
- Discuss different career options available to digital artists 
- Explain the term digital image and describe common digitizing tools 
- Identify other devices used to generate digital art 
- Identify system tools that support the creation of digital art 
Color theory covers the analysis of the dynamic interaction of color and its implications for designers and artists. This course also covers the physics of color, colored light, colored pigments, and the color wheel. You will be introduced to basic color principles, industry terminology, and Johannes Itten’s color theory and applications, with an emphasis on manipulating color.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain the perception of color, the effect of light temperature on the appearance of a color, and color overtone and its impact on color mixing
- Describe the principles and structure of color, including light, color schemes, and color proportions
- Identify color studies with various materials and techniques
- Recognize color interaction and effects
- Comprehend how to apply color principles
- Discuss color harmony and proportions
- Define and interpret color in art and its psychological effects
This course covers the basic principles, elements, and mediums of design, from the concept, skills, and tools involved in developing a design piece by applying these concepts to visual and communication processes. This course also covers industry terminology, file types, balance, contrast, direction, economy, emphasis, proportion, rhythm, and unity as they relate to graphic design creations.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the four basic principles of design and the ways they’re used in a variety of projects
- Recognize color relationships
- Explain the essential aspects of typography, including contrasts and categories
- Demonstrate skill at incorporating proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast, color, and type into a design
This course places emphasis on the conceptualization of computer illustration techniques using Adobe Illustrator® and its implementation in page layout.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the tools and components of the Illustrator workspace
- Describe how to use artboards, as well as how to create basic and complex shapes using the Pen tool
- Create, edit, and apply color, text, gradients, blends, patterns, and brushes
- Explain how to use the Appearance, Graphic Styles, and Symbols panels
- Work with imported images and masks
- Export assets
This course begins coverage of Adobe Photoshop in regard to the production of print and web-based graphics. You will learn how to use Photoshop software and apply smart design principles when touching up images, manipulating type, creating vector drawings and digital paintings, editing video, preparing files for the web, and printing artwork.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Utilize the basic tools and panels of the Photoshop work area
- Apply unique details to photos using masks, channels, type, vector, and painting tools
- Edit and produce videos and raw camera images using consistent color
Photo Image Editing 2 focuses on visual communication through diverse, theme-based projects in which efficient production workflows are emphasized in digital imagery. The course also addresses main design and composition issues, such as visual organization, information hierarchy, image manipulation, and typography.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify how to ingest images into Photoshop and use Camera Raw features to edit and adjust images
- Apply knowledge of various tools to crop, resize, and retouch images using Camera Raw and Photoshop
- Use special effects, filters, and sharpening techniques to tweak or transform photos using best practices and modern techniques
- Show your skills as a capable digital image retoucher
In this course, learn the basics of typography, which is an essential tool for any graphic designer. You’ll come away from this course with solid knowledge of how to use typography to communicate effectively with your audience. You’ll also become confident in your ability to work with typography by viewing several examples of good typography and by completing several projects.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Define key moments in the history of typography
- Label key parts of a letterform
- Differentiate among the five classic typefaces
- Design with text type
- Design with display type
- Use both traditional and more recent typographic skills
- Create your own design projects
The Electronic Publishing course focuses on the integration of text and graphics using desktop publishing software. The student develops digital design skills.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Create a multipage document with master pages
- Apply objects, color, text, typography, and styles to an InDesign document
- Describe how to import graphics and create tables
- Explain how to work with transparency, print, and export InDesign files
- Create interactive PDFs and EPUB documents
- Create a full-color, two-sided poster for a local theater production in PDF format and packaged
This course explores the development of corporate communications and identity programs. It will cover trademarks, branding, logo design, brochure design, and online presence design.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Interpret branding and packaging design as a communication and marketing tool
- Identify the market factors that affect packaging
- Explain the importance of brand packaging design as it relates to the protection against spoilage, breakage, and tampering and as a method of transportation for an enclosed product
- Distinguish between branding, brand packaging design, and other communication forms
- Develop a clearly defined strategy for brand packaging design that stands out from market competition
- Incorporate the use of typography, dimensions, and imagery as it relates to the communicable characteristics of a brand or product
- Summarize the importance of sustainability as it relates to packaging design
- Discuss general manufacturing and printing processes related to packaging design
This course will teach you about the guiding principles behind web and mobile usability. The course provides instruction on how to develop a usable, accessible website for desktop computers and mobile devices. Topics covered include writing for the web, designing navigation, and usability testing.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Apply the basics of web design and terminology, user experience design, and writing for the web
- Design usable navigation systems and a usable home page
- Conduct a usability test on a website
This course covers the process of developing and maintaining an electronic portfolio. Topics covered are the preparation and organization of graphic creations, such as logos, websites, and brochures. This course culminates in the presentation of an electronic portfolio utilizing graphics created throughout this course.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Prepare a professional verbal and visual presentation that includes a cover letter, résumé, and portfolio
- Create a traditional portfolio
- Produce linear and interactive digital portfolio
- Create compelling type designs and layouts
- Design a user-friendly interface for an interactive web-based portfolio

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.