7 Top Houston Graphic Design Courses to Elevate Your Skills

Want to transform your creative passion into a successful career? Research shows Houston’s graphic design scene is thriving. Local designers earn an average of $58,000 per year. Getting these dream jobs needs the right training and skills.

Our team has reviewed the best Houston graphic design schools and programs. Students can choose between the detailed University of Houston graphic design program and specialized courses at Houston Community College. These seven selected courses fit everyone’s needs. Some students start as beginners while others want to enhance their existing skills. Each program brings its own benefits. They provide valuable industry connections and practical training with modern design tools.

These top-rated programs could launch your graphic design career in Houston. Let’s take a closer look at your options.

Noble Desktop Digital Design Certificate

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Noble Desktop’s Digital Design Certificate program provides one of the most detailed paths into digital design. Students get 138 hours of hands-on training.

Noble Desktop Course Overview and Curriculum

The program turns beginners into well-rounded digital designers. Students become skilled at essential Adobe applications like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. They also gain expertise in Figma for UI design. This program stands out because it combines theory with real-life application. Students develop deep design knowledge while creating portfolio-worthy projects.

Noble Desktop Training Methods and Tools

The teaching approach centers on hands-on learning with real-life projects. Small class sizes ensure students get direct instructor interaction. Key features include:

• Live instructor-led sessions available both online and in-person
• Session recordings become available within one business day
• Free retake option within a year

Noble Desktop Pricing and Career Support

This detailed program costs $4,495. Several flexible payment options make it available to more students:

• Interest-free financing plans
• Installment payment options
• Veterans Administration approved training

The program’s career support system sets it apart. Students get six one-on-one mentoring sessions that cover:

• Resume polishing
• Interview preparation
• Job application strategies
• Portfolio development

Students create multiple design projects including logos, social media graphics, advertisements, and album art. Each project builds their professional portfolio and reinforces key design principles. This steadfast dedication to student success shows through the project-based learning approach.

General Assembly Visual Design Course

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General Assembly’s Visual Design Course stands out among Houston’s top design education options. The program offers modern design skills through 32 hours of intensive training. This makes it perfect for aspiring designers who need a solid foundation.

General Assembly Program Structure

Students learn both theory and hands-on skills in this well-laid-out course. Classes are available at their Houston location on Fannin Street or through live online sessions. The schedule works great for everyone – you can pick evening classes or weekday sessions.

General Assembly Learning Experience

The learning path is hands-on and covers:

• Visual design fundamentals and typography
• Color theory and layout principles
• UX and responsive design techniques
• Industry-standard tools like Sketch and Figma

Students work on real-life projects throughout the course and create a professional portfolio piece. Each project grows from concept to polished design, showing your designer’s progress.

General Assembly Cost and Benefits

The course costs $3,500, but several payment options make it available:

• Interest-free installment plans starting at $875
• Private loan options with 0% interest
• Flexible payment schedules

The program’s exceptional career support makes it stand out. Students get personal feedback during office hours and can join exclusive networking events and career workshops. You’ll also have lifetime access to course materials and alumni resources to brush up your skills anytime.

Recent industry stats show that over 50% of tech and IT jobs need digital design skills. This makes the course valuable to advance your career. You’ll learn to handle design challenges at work, from digital products to presentations and marketing campaigns.

Houston Community College Digital Communication Program

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Houston Community College’s Digital Communication program caught my attention with its range of specializations and strong industry connections. The NASAD-accredited institution combines traditional design principles with innovative technology.

HCC Course Content and Specializations

The Digital Communication program gives students detailed training in digital media disciplines. Students can choose from five different specializations:

• Digital Photography for photojournalistic and portraiture work
• Graphic Design focusing on traditional and digital processes
• Multimedia emphasizing animation and digital video
• Web Publishing for interactive design
• General track for broader skill development

Students build practical portfolios during their coursework that prepare them for real-life industry positions. The program lets students earn an AAS degree or certificates. Students can only pursue one specialization track at a time.

HCC Industry Partnerships

HCC’s strong partnerships with industry leaders create better opportunities for students. The college collaborates with employers to develop occupational skills standards and learning outcomes. Students in registered apprenticeship programs receive:

• Paid work experience
• College credit
• Industry certifications
• Direct career launching opportunities

These partnerships show results – graduates aged 22-34 see their median income rise from $28,000 to $48,000 within five years of completion.

HCC Tuition and Financial Aid

The program has competitive tuition rates with flexible payment options. The 2024-25 rates per credit hour are:

• In-District: $84.50
• Out-of-District: $180.50
• Out-of-State: $227.00

Students can get financial support through:

• Federal and state grants
• Work-study opportunities
• Scholarships through the HCC Foundation
• Flexible payment plans

HCC’s detailed financial aid support system makes education affordable. They accept applications year-round and help with FAFSA applications. The college’s special financial aid programs support various student situations.

University of Houston Graphic Design Program

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The UH’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program stands out with its fresh take on design education. My research shows their complete curriculum gives students a solid foundation through design practices, theories, and methods that work together.

UH Program Curriculum Details

The program’s structure caught my eye with its tight-knit cohort system. Students move through a well-planned four-year program that will give a cutting-edge education in today’s digital world. The curriculum covers:

• Digital technologies (Adobe Suite, 3D modeling)
• Analog skills (bookbinding, letterpress)
• Advanced coursework in UI/UX
• Motion and environmental design
• Data visualization

Students get 24-hour access to dedicated design studios, which lets them dive deep into their creative work. This feature makes the program unique.

UH Industry Connections

The program’s reliable connection with industry leaders makes it exceptional. The design department welcomes five visiting artists, critics, and professionals each semester. Some recent notable visitors include:

• Ian Lynam
• De Nichols
• Lucille Tenazas
• Ben Van Dyke

UHGAP, an alumni organization, backs the program by offering more educational and scholarship opportunities.

UH Career Outcomes

The success of graduates proves the program’s value. Alumni excel in design fields of all sizes, landing roles at top-tier companies. Here are some standout alumni:

• Kaitlen Edwards – Senior UX Designer at Google
• Joie Chung – Director of Product Design at Realtor.com
• Linh Hoang – Designer at Gensler
• Damisi DeLaney – Senior Communications Designer at MD Anderson Cancer Center

UH design graduates earn a median salary of $47,461, which tops the national median of $32,606 for design bachelor’s degree holders. These numbers show how well the program prepares students to thrive in the competitive design industry.

ONLC Training Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp

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ONLC’s Creative Cloud Bootcamp in Houston stands out with its five-day format and detailed certification preparation. I really looked into their program to understand what makes it unique.

ONLC Bootcamp Structure

Students can complete six days worth of content in a quick five-day intensive bootcamp. Their Westheimer Road location provides in-person training, and students can also learn remotely through Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology. The bootcamp packs an impressive 70 hours of course content, making it one of the most intensive Adobe training programs available.

ONLC Software Training

Students get a hands-on experience to become skilled at Adobe Creative Suite. The training has:

• Feature-based exercises to build technical skills
• Ground project labs to practice
• Video tutorials that support hands-on practice

Their teaching approach blends theory with practical exercises that will give a solid grasp of the software. Small class sizes let certified instructors give customized attention to each student.

ONLC Certification Path

Students can prepare for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Visual Design certification. My research found that certified professionals earn annual salaries between $36,000 and $94,000. The certification process has:

• Detailed exam preparation
• Two practice exams
• Two certification vouchers
• A chance to retake if needed

Cross-platform expertise makes this program valuable. Students who get certified show their skills in visual design software that companies need in today’s digital world. The instructor-led bootcamp costs $1,995, and ONLC gives big discounts for their CareerPath Certification Programs.

Students work on both feature-based and project-based labs throughout the course. This combined approach helps graduates tackle ground design challenges while building their work portfolio.

Lone Star College Visual Communications

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My research into Houston’s design education scene led me to Lone Star College’s Visual Communication program. It really stands out with its modern and detailed approach to design education.

LSC Program Features

The program grabbed my attention because it offers six unique areas to study. Students can specialize in:

• Graphic Design
• Multimedia Design
• Web Design
• Video and Post Production
• Motion Graphics
• 3D Animation

The Texas Skills Standard Board has recognized both Graphic Design and Multimedia tracks because they meet industry standards. Students benefit from small classes and affordable tuition – in-district students pay just $84.50 per credit hour.

LSC Learning Resources

LSC gives students a dynamic learning space with cutting-edge facilities. Students work hands-on with industry-standard software and design tools. They get real experience through:

• Design Basics workshops that cover colors, fonts, and layout principles
• Professional development sessions with guided project work
• Design resources and non-copyright image libraries

LSC Student Success Stories

The program’s graduates tell compelling stories of achievement. Kierra Pipkin got a chance to shadow LSC’s Graphic Design Team during her studies. Robyn Arcia switched from a successful graphic design career to teaching, which shows how versatile the program can be.

Graduates land jobs in all types of industries including:

• Design services
• Publishing houses
• Advertising agencies
• Public relations firms
• Computer systems design companies

Strong industry connections help students stay current with market trends. The program offers degree and certificate options that are available for different career goals and schedules.

San Jacinto College Design Program

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San Jacinto College’s Engineering & Technology Center stands out as a remarkable feature of their design program. The impressive 74,000 square-foot facility houses advanced technology and specialized learning spaces.

SJC Course Highlights

The Art and Design program provides detailed training in both print and digital media. Students benefit from a curriculum that focuses on practical skills development and covers everything in:

• Brand Identity Design
• Digital Imaging
• Multimedia Design
• Web Design
• Motion Graphics

The program’s emphasis on hands-on education makes it special. Students work with industry-standard software while building their creative portfolios. Graduates can expect annual salaries between $38,000 to $165,000.

SJC Facilities and Technology

The Engineering & Technology Center has transformed the learning experience completely. The innovative facilities leave a lasting impression with their unique features.

The MakerSpace comes equipped with a complete 3D printshop, metal shop, and wood shop where students bring their designs to life. The sort of thing I love about the building is its role as a teaching tool. Students learn from exposed structural systems and different building materials that showcase various design principles.

SJC Industry Placement

SJC maintains strong industry connections in sectors of all types. Their graduates thrive in diverse roles, from art direction to multimedia design and prepress technology. The program’s success shows in the salary data – art directors earn up to $85,473 annually.

The program’s steadfast dedication to ground preparation sets it apart. Students get practical experience through hands-on projects and strategic collaborations. This approach ensures they’re ready for careers in visual advertising, graphic design, and media communication. The program excels especially when you have both print and digital media careers in mind, offering specialized training in web design, digital video, photography, and motion graphics.

Comparison of Houston Graphic Design Courses

Noble Desktop Digital Design

• Duration/Hours: 138 hours
• Cost/Tuition: $4,495
• Key Features:
  • Live instructor-led sessions
  • Small class sizes
  • Free retake within a year
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Figma, UI Design
• Career Support:
  • 6 one-on-one mentoring sessions
  • Resume enhancement
  • Interview prep
  • Portfolio development

General Assembly Visual Design

• Duration/Hours: 32 hours
• Cost/Tuition: $3,500
• Key Features:
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Evening/weekday options
  • Live online/in-person
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Visual design fundamentals, Typography, Color theory, UX/responsive design
• Career Support:
  • Personal instructor feedback
  • Networking events
  • Career workshops
  • Lifetime access to materials

HCC Digital Communication

• Duration/Hours: Varies by program
• Cost/Tuition:
  • In-District: $84.50/credit
  • Out-of-District: $180.50/credit
• Key Features:
  • NASAD accredited
  • Strategic collaborations
  • Registered apprenticeships
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Publishing
• Career Support:
  • Paid work experience
  • Industry certifications
  • Direct career opportunities

UH Graphic Design

• Duration/Hours: 4-year program
• Cost/Tuition: Not mentioned
• Key Features:
  • 24-hour studio access
  • Cohort system
  • 5 visiting professionals/semester
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Digital technologies, UI/UX, Motion design, Environmental design
• Career Support:
  • Strong alumni network
  • Industry connections
  • Professional growth

ONLC Adobe Creative Cloud

• Duration/Hours: 70 hours (5 days)
• Cost/Tuition: $1,995
• Key Features:
  • Remote/in-person options
  • Small class sizes
  • Certification prep
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Adobe Creative Suite specialization
• Career Support:
  • ACP certification preparation
  • Practice exams
  • Certification vouchers

Lone Star College Visual Communications

• Duration/Hours: Varies by program
• Cost/Tuition: $84.50/credit (in-district)
• Key Features:
  • Industry-standard software
  • Small class sizes
  • Modern facilities
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Design, Video Production, Motion Graphics, 3D Animation
• Career Support:
  • Professional development sessions
  • Industry connections

San Jacinto College Design

• Duration/Hours: Varies by program
• Cost/Tuition: Not mentioned
• Key Features:
  • 74,000 sq ft facility
  • MakerSpace
  • Advanced technology
• Specializations/Focus Areas: Brand Identity, Digital Imaging, Multimedia, Web Design, Motion Graphics
• Career Support: Not specified

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Course

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My analysis of graphic design programs in Houston shows that picking the right course needs careful thought about several significant factors. Research indicates that a strong curriculum should balance technical skills with creative development. Employers now look for designers who can work with both traditional and digital media.

The curriculum quality and faculty expertise should be your first consideration when assessing potential programs. Programs with experienced faculty who stay connected to the industry create more successful graduates. Schools that give students real-life project opportunities to build their portfolios have better job placement rates.

Here are the key factors to think about when selecting a graphic design course:

• Curriculum comprehensiveness (covering both traditional and digital skills)
• Faculty credentials and industry experience
• Portfolio development opportunities
• Access to current design software and resources
• Industry partnerships and internship programs
• Career support services
• Accreditation status
• Financial aid availability

Programs that offer hands-on internship experiences substantially improve job prospects. Schools with strong connections to design firms give their students great networking opportunities and real-life project experience.

Money matters too – you should pick a program that fits your budget and shows clear value for your investment. Many programs offer flexible payment options or work-study opportunities that make quality education more available.

The learning format must match your schedule and learning style. Students complete their courses more successfully when they choose programs that fit their priorities. This applies whether you prefer intensive bootcamps or longer-term programs.

Accredited programs typically provide better education and industry recognition. But in graphic design, your portfolio quality and practical skills often matter more than formal credentials.

Industry trends suggest focusing on programs that teach both fundamental design principles and modern digital tools. The best courses balance creative development with technical proficiency. This prepares students for what the design industry needs.

Note that schools with strong alumni networks and documented success stories provide better career advancement opportunities. You can judge a program’s effectiveness by looking at student work quality and graduate employment rates.

Does Texas A&M offer graphic design?

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My research into Texas A&M’s design education revealed a unique approach that sets it apart from standard graphic design programs. Texas A&M doesn’t have a dedicated graphic design major, but it gives aspiring designers two distinct paths to choose from.

The Bachelor of Science in Visualization program stands out as their main offering. This program blends art, technology, science, and design principles in an innovative way. Students can develop both artistic and technical skills through these specialized concentrations:

• Animation and virtual production
• Interactive design
• Game creation
• Media art
• Visual computing

Students who want to focus on graphic design can opt for a 16-credit hour minor in graphic design through their College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. This minor works great as a complement to any primary degree.

The visualization program’s integrated curriculum really shines with its mix of fine arts, three-dimensional design, and digital technology in the studio experience. High school students can get a head start by taking art, design, and coding courses before they join the program.

The program’s structure impresses with its interdisciplinary approach. Students get a broader foundation than traditional graphic design programs while developing expertise in their chosen concentration. They also gain a complete understanding of visual communication principles.

This approach matches current industry needs perfectly. Employers now look for designers with varied skill sets. The program’s combination of artistic and technical training helps graduates succeed in roles ranging from traditional graphic design to cutting-edge fields like virtual production and interactive media.

Students thinking about Texas A&M should carefully weigh whether the visualization program’s broader scope or the graphic design minor better matches their career goals. The program’s dual focus on artistic and technical skills makes it a compelling alternative to traditional design education.

Does University of Houston offer graphic design?

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My detailed research shows that the University of Houston has an outstanding Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program. The program has got major recognition because of its fresh approach. Students learn through a detailed study of design practices, theories, and methods.

The program’s cohort-based system within a sequenced curriculum stands out. It gives amazing content flexibility and ensures innovative education in our ever-changing media world. Students have access to some impressive resources:

• 24-hour access to dedicated studios and labs
• Individual studio spaces for seniors
• State-of-the-art digital technology training
• Specialized areas for collaborative work
• Advanced craft facilities

Professional development at UH is truly exceptional. Each semester, five visiting artists, critics, or industry professionals share their expertise with students. My research shows strong support from UHGAP, their alumni organization, which creates more educational and scholarship opportunities.

The program’s focus on real-life success makes it special. Graduates achieve great results, with the median salary reaching $47,461. Recent academic years show a balanced gender mix, with 57% male and 43% female students.

The curriculum shines with its progressive approach. It blends traditional design principles with innovative technology. Students become skilled at everything from Adobe Suite and 3D modeling to traditional crafts like bookbinding and letterpress. Design research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community outreach help students compete strongly in the national design job market.

Students who want to pursue advanced studies can join UH’s graduate program. It promotes advanced research in graphic design and critical theory. The program’s steadfast dedication to building networks between faculty, students, and the professional world plays a significant role in long-term career success.