Program Overview
Learn what our online Certificate in Graphic Communication can do for you
You have a design idea in your head, but will it resonate within your organization and with your customers? The A-State Certificate in Graphic Communication online program helps to bridge the gap between concept and appealing to your market audiences effectively. Emphasizing applied creativity, this industry-relevant program enhances your graphic communication skills to directly impact your company’s goals through printed products and more.



This affordable online program will deepen your understanding of Adobe Creative Suite while you grasp what constitutes efficient and effective design. Plus, you can apply the courses in the certificate program as credit when you enroll in an A-State undergraduate degree program.
Learn industry-relevant skills that employers are looking for:
- Design and produce effective printed and digital graphic communications/ publications
- Understand the digital pre-press production process
- Use Adobe Creative Suite to design graphic communications
- Translate designs into printed products
Prepare for careers like these:
- Graphic Communications Specialist
- Communications/Public Relations Manager
- Fundraising Manager
- Desktop Publisher
- Production Artist
Also available online at A-State:
A-State is ranked #6
among the "Top 10 Best Colleges in Arkansas" by CollegeChoice.net, 2020
Tuition
Choosing our online program is cost-effective
Our Certificate in Graphic Communication online program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included in the total tuition.


Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$229.00 | $40.00 | $269.00 | $687.00 | $120.00 | $807.00 |
Calendar
Upcoming dates and deadlines for our online degree
Our Certificate in Graphic Communication online program is designed to be flexible and convenient, featuring accelerated coursework and multiple start dates per year. Add to your education while continuing to work.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2023 | 7 wk | 03/06/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 02/20/2023 | 02/24/2023 | 03/02/2023 | 03/03/2023 | 04/15/2023 |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
Admissions
FOLLOW OUR STREAMLINED ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ready to get started on a skills-boosting certificate? Great! The process to get started is simple, and all you need is a high-school diploma or equivalent.
- Hold a high-school diploma or equivalent
Note:You'll only be eligible to enroll in courses needed to fulfill the requirements for the appropriate certificate program when you're admitted.
If you're interested in earning your bachelor's degree, you'll be eligible to transition into a degree-seeking program (and include these certificate courses) once you complete 12 hours of certificate courses with a 3.0 or higher. At the time of transferring to a degree program, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
Submitting your application takes three easy steps: filling out the application, submitting your documents and paying the application fee.
- When completing the online application, select 100% online student and then complete all the steps on the online application.
- Pay $30.00 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit official high school transcripts (or proof of equivalent).
If you have any questions along the way, call us at 866-621-8096 866-621-8096, and we'll be happy to answer questions.
Additional Information
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Foreign born students must submit an attested or notarized copy of their high school diploma in English. Proof of English proficiency may be required.
Courses
Discover what you will learn in our online Graphic Communication classes
To earn the Certificate in Graphic Communication online, you will complete the following four courses (12 credit hours).
GCOM 1813: Introduction to Digital Publishing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the preparation of digital graphics, photographs and text for publication, and of their interrelationships. Includes application of current digital publishing software programs.
GCOM 2673: Digital Prepress Workflow
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Comprehensive overview of the major pre-publishing workflow elements and the options or their interrelationships.
GCOM 3673: Desktop Publishing and Publication Design
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course examines electronic publishing and publication design using desktop publishing software programs.
GCOM 4643: Graphic Communication Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Management issues specific to the graphic communications industry including quality assurance, sales and customer relations, marketing, scheduling production, laws, ethics, and government interface. Lecture based on course with industry visitations.