Which Graphic Design Professional Certificate Is Best for You? Adobe vs. CalArts
Build important creative and technical skills in graphic design with two different programs from esteemed industry and university partners on Coursera. Learn more about their differences and which is best for your career goals.
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Key takeaways
Graphic design is a field where you regularly get the chance to flex and expand your skill set. You can build the fundamental skills you need to enter the field by completing a program from Adobe or CalArts on Coursera. The best one for you depends on your particular area of interest:
For foundational graphic design knowledge with a focus on Adobe tools, enroll in the Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate.
To dive deeply into graphic design principles, history, and common tools, take the CalArts Graphic Design Specialization.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of these programs to help you decide the right one for you. Afterward, if you want to enroll in either (or both) programs, consider subscribing to Coursera Plus.
Graphic design programs on Coursera: Key differences
Adobe and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) both offer popular and highly-rated graphic design programs on Coursera. While each program provides a comprehensive overview of graphic design fundamentals suitable for beginners, they have unique focuses that distinguish them from each other.
Here’s what you need to know about these two programs to decide which is right for you:
| Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate | CalArts Graphic Design Specialization | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Professional certificate | Specialization |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Modules | 5 courses | 5 courses |
| Estimated time | 4 months (at 10 hours a week) | 2 months (at 10 hours a week) |
| Special topic emphasis | Design fundamentals, generative AI integration, image editing and retouching, graphics and illustration, document design and management | Fundamentals of graphic design, art history, image-making and typography, visual communication, brand development, design theory and analysis |
| Key skills | Graphic design, document management, digital design, branding, version control, workflow management | Graphic design, visual design principles, design research, color theory application, style guide creation, book design and layout |
| Emerging technologies | Generative AI, Adobe Firefly, and Adobe Creative Cloud | N/A |
| Other important differences | Adobe-specific tools training from Adobe itself | Design-focused program covering the fundamentals of the field from a premier art institution |
| Best for | Aspiring creatives seeking practical skills, real-world project experience, and immediate professional applications | Individuals seeking formal design education, including design theory and history, interface design, and editorial design |
Price: You can preview the first module of many courses at no cost. Visit the Learner Help Center for more information about your account, payments, subscriptions, and Coursera policies.
Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate: Topics, tools, and skills
Adobe is the company behind some of the most widely used creative software in the professional world today, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. As a result, the Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate covers visual design fundamentals while also diving deep into Adobe’s industry-leading tools.
If you’re interested in learning foundational design concepts, how to leverage generative AI for content creation, and essential design tools from Adobe professionals, this is the program for you.
Topics
The Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate covers foundational visual design concepts, including logo design, typography, and image creation, alongside training in industry-leading Adobe software such as Illustrator and Photoshop. It also covers emerging technologies, such as generative AI, and focuses on building a portfolio.
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Design fundamentals | Generative AI integration | Image editing using Adobe Photoshop |
| Graphics and illustration using Adobe Illustrator | Document design and management | Real-world project experience |
Tools
Adobe tools are central to this program. Throughout, you’ll learn how to use the company’s industry-leading design software to make images, generate content, design documents, and more.
| Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Illustrator |
| Adobe Firefly | Adobe Express | Adobe Creative Cloud |
Skills
In this program, you’ll build the essential skills required to work as a professional graphic designer today. In addition to learning the fundamentals of graphic design, you’ll explore branding, digital design, and document design.
| Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graphic design | Digital design | Branding |
| Creative design | Document management | Workflow management |
Ideal for:
Aspiring creative professionals
Working professionals who want to learn Adobe Creative tools
Practical learners who enjoy a hands-on approach with real-world projects
CalArts Graphic Design: Topics, tools, and skills
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is one of the premier art institutions in the United States. Their CalArts Graphic Design Specialization introduces you to the fundamentals of graphic design, including its history and the principles of typography, image making, and branding. The program also covers how to use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as you work toward a comprehensive branding project.
Topics
The CalArts Graphic Design Specialization offers a comprehensive overview of the foundational principles and concepts of graphic design. Some of the topics you’ll explore include:
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of graphic design | Introduction to typography | Introduction to image making |
| History of graphic design | Brand development guide | Visual communication through images and typography |
Tools
The Specialization focuses on a curated selection of Adobe's industry-leading tools. The use of these tools in the field is contextualized within broader conversations about graphic design, including typography, image making, and photo editing.
| Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe InDesign |
Skills
In the CalArts Graphic Design Specialization, you’ll build the skills needed to create compelling designs. Key skills you’ll learn include:
| Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graphic design | Logo design | Visual design |
| Storytelling | Style guides | Typography |
Ideal for:
Emerging designers entering the field
Students and professionals interested in learning the fundamentals of visual design
Learners interested in the process, theory, and history of design
Explore graphic design resources on Coursera
Keep learning about graphic design as a skill and career path on Coursera. Start with these free resources:
Explore: Our Design and Product articles to read up on design-focused skills, careers, tools, and certifications.
Browse: Popular graphic design programs on Coursera to build more design-focused skills.
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.