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Extended Learning

Online Graphic Design with Photoshop & Illustrator

Prepare to Launch or Level Up Your Design Career

In partnership with ed2go, ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Extended Learning offers an extensive catalog of affordable workforce training programs that you can complete 100% online and on your own schedule. Gain the skills and industry certifications you need to start or advance your career in high-demand fields. Learn from industry experts in a flexible, self-paced format and get personalized support from a dedicated student advisor. Enroll anytime and receive a certificate of completion from ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Extended Learning after successfully completing your program. Some program fees include a voucher for the certification exam.

Ready to boost your creative skills? Whether you are a seasoned design professional looking to add to your resume or just starting out, this graphic design course aligns with current industry trends, including the increased popularity of generative AI and the heightened need for versatile, tech-savvy creatives, offering you a strong foundation in an evolving marketplace.

This Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop course offers detailed instruction, enabling you to master essential design principles like color theory, typography, and composition while building proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator. The course guides you in creating vector graphics, editing raster images, and developing branded marketing materials.

Beyond software proficiency, this course helps you develop the professional mindset needed to thrive. You will explore client communication, business best practices, and portfolio development, culminating in a polished body of work that reflects your unique style and readiness to launch or elevate your design career.

Start your career as a graphic designer

Photoshop skills are among the most widely-cited qualifications for entry-level graphic design jobs and are valuable for freelance graphics design projects

Learn from the best

This course is taught by professional and experienced graphic designers, each with more than 30 years of experience

Study on your time

Online classes are available virtually anytime to fit your busy schedule

No prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course, just register and get started

Program Details

  • SCHEDULE, REGISTRATION & FEES
    Course Dates Registration

    Graphic Design with Photoshop & Illustrator

    Start any time

    Course Details

    • Classes held online
    • Classes are self-paced and completed in 9 months or less
    • Learn from industry experts in a flexible, self-paced format
    • Get personalized support from a dedicated student advisor
    • Fees may include voucher for industry certification exam

    Savings

    • ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Student and Staff Discount Available! Contact Us to learn more


    Please note: All rates are subject to change without notice.

  • COURSE OBJECTIVES

    Course Objectives

    • Develop industry-ready design skills by mastering core principles—color theory, typography, and composition
    • Create a professional digital portfolio that showcases creative range, technical expertise, and branding acumen across multiple formats including web, social media, and print
    • Achieve fluency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop by generating vector graphics, editing raster images, and applying advanced design techniques such as masking, compositing, and retouching
    • Design compelling marketing visuals by analyzing audience needs and applying branding strategies to create high-impact campaigns for digital and print platforms
    • Integrate emerging technologies like generative AI into the design workflow, exploring how innovation can enhance creativity, efficiency, and relevance in a rapidly evolving field
  • INSTRUCTORS

    Chad Walker

    Chad Walker has been in the comic book and video game industry for over 26 years, with experience in all leadership positions and production fields, including art (graphic design, animation, conceptual design, and character design), design (world/gameplay), and coding.

    Chad is well-versed in Adobe Suite packages, including Photoshop and Illustrator. He has worked on numerous projects in graphic design for print, car wraps, and websites using Photoshop for production-ready content.

    Chad is a published author, grant writer, professional comic book illustrator, speaker, and former professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU) Guildhall for game development and Oral Roberts University (ORU) as head of game development. He has taught Graphic Design, Photoshop, and other Adobe products for over 20 years at the university level and in studio workshops. Most notable titles include "Age of Empires," "Age of Kings," and "Age of Conquerors."

    Corie Seed

    Corie Seed is an experienced graphic designer who has worked for major technology companies, government organizations, and small businesses to provide corporate branding, web design, marketing, and layout services. She has also taught various aspects of design at Algonquin College and Carleton University. Corie's undergraduate studies include graphic design, visual and creative arts, photography, and multimedia design. Her graduate studies explored industrial design, service design, and in-depth research on decolonizing design education through methods of critical self-reflection.

  • FAQ

    What is graphic design? What does a graphic designer do?

    Figma notes that graphic design is the practice of creating visual content to communicate ideas. Whether creating product packaging or a social media post, graphic designers use color, texture, shapes, and typography to create eye-catching designs that grab attention and convey a message.

    Adobe states that graphic or digital designers are industry professionals within the realm of visual arts. They blend technical skills and creative talents to design informative, appealing, and memorable content. They work with clients, art directors, and other designers to develop a project's overall look and feel. To create the final product, they assemble visual elements like text, typography, animations, images, web pages, and motion graphics.

    What is the typical work environment for a graphic designer?

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers are primarily employed in specialized design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, and related industries. Most work in studio settings equipped with tools such as drafting tables, computers, and design software. While many graphic designers operate independently, those employed by design firms often collaborate as part of a creative team.

    Collaboration is a key aspect of the role, whether working alongside colleagues or directly with clients on projects. Work schedules can vary depending on workload and deadlines. Self-employed designers may need to accommodate client meetings during evenings or weekends and often spend additional time seeking new projects or competing for contracts.

    Does this course prepare me for a certification?

    No. However, a certification of completion will be awarded to you after successfully finishing the course from the institution you enrolled through.

    Are there any prerequisite requirements?

    There are no prerequisites for this graphic design course. Note: No certification exam is associated with this course.

    What is the job outlook for graphic design professionals?

    As businesses increasingly rely on visual communication to build brand identity, engage audiences, and drive marketing efforts, skilled designers are needed to create compelling visuals for web, social media, advertising, and print. Possessing in-demand, current skills with a portfolio will enable you to stand out to potential employers.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median yearly salary for a graphic designer was $61,300 in May 2024. This is on par with more recent Indeed job data, which states that the average salary for a graphic designer is $62,610 per year in the U.S. as of October 2025. Furthermore, employment opportunities for these professionals are projected to grow by 20,000 job openings per year through 2034.

    What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

    Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.

    Call Now:

    (855) 520 - 6806


 

The median yearly salary for a graphic designer is $61,300 and employment opportunities are projected to grow by 20,000 job openings per year through 2034.

– Bureau of Labor Statistics

– Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

  
 

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