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University Certificate - Design Communication Arts

UCLA Extension

Los Angeles campus — Los Angeles, California, United States

Study Level
Certificate · 1-Year Post-Secondary Certificate
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
January 2027
Tuition Fee
USD 22,650
Application Fee
None listed
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

The Design Communication Arts (DCA) certificate program is designed to help students grow creatively while providing them with the skills to succeed professionally. The curriculum gives a solid foundation in the fundamentals of graphic design, with elective courses in user experience, photography, and visual arts to choose from. At the end of the program, students participate in a mandatory portfolio review before being awarded their certificate. Students will not only learn the tools of graphic design, but how to think strategically and develop the visual literacy needed to thrive in a professional setting. If they pay attention and challenge themselves, they will leave the program with confidence in their creative and practical skills, and with a portfolio that reflects their unique lens on the world. This program is perfect for: Those who want to pursue a career in visual communications and graphic design Creative individuals who want to cultivate their talent as visual artists, while learning how to think like a designer Self-taught designers who want to build upon their skills while earning a professional certificate Individuals who want to learn to collaborate with clients, printers, designers, writers, programmers, and anyone else involved in the design process What students can learn: An understanding of fundamental design principles, tools and techniques for graphic designers, and how to put their ideas into action How to utilize critical thinking, research, and their unique perspective to conceptualize and execute visual communications How to position themselves for the competitive job market, including how to build a strong portfolio that shows off their creative abilities Skills needed to be successful in a professional atmosphere, including strong conceptual and problem-solving skills and how to effectively collaborate with clients and other creative professionals
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
1-Year Post-Secondary Certificate
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
USD 22,650
Application fee
None listed
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
January 2027, January 2028, January 2029
Application deadline
15 November 2026
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

Los Angeles campus

Los Angeles, California, United States

1145 Gayley Ave.

Los Angeles campus campus, photo 1 Los Angeles campus campus, photo 2 Los Angeles campus campus, photo 3 Los Angeles campus campus, photo 4 Los Angeles campus campus, photo 5 Los Angeles campus campus, photo 6

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Verify before applying

OPT and STEM OPT eligibility depend on maintaining F-1 status and on the program. A program counts as STEM only when its CIP code is on the official STEM list — not because its name sounds technical.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

For over a century, UCLA Extension has helped prepare people to live better lives through the power of education. As one of the United States of America's oldest, largest and most comprehensive continuing and professional studies providers, UCLA Extension gives students a wide range of options to advance in their career, switch careers, or achieve personal growth. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). All courses, certificate programs, and course specializations offered by UCLA Extension have been developed and...

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Program information last verified 8 October 2026.