PGCert in Design and Applied Arts

Offered at the graduate level, this post-baccalaureate certificate gives people who already hold a bachelor's degree a year of focused studio practice in visual design. Work may lean toward illustration, graphic design, animation or game art, and each student develops projects with guidance from faculty and working designers. Participants typically come with one of three aims: building a stronger portfolio for graduate school applications, becoming more employable in the design field, or finishing creative work that needs mentoring. The program totals eighteen credits, split evenly across two semesters. Studio space is open to enrolled students, who also hear visiting artists, join seminars within their media area, and face scheduled critiques before presenting their work in a concluding exhibition. Credits earned may count toward the university's MFA if a student is later admitted. Applicants register through the online portal and provide transcripts, references, a resume, a personal statement of purpose and any required language scores.