Which Schools Offer Graphic Design Degrees in the San Jos? CA Area?

Are you interested in pursuing a graphic arts certificate or degree program in San Jose, CA? Read on to learn about certificates, associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees offered at four public schools near the city.

What You Need to Know

Near San Jose, CA, a wide range of graphic design programs are available. Certificate and associate's programs are most common and can help you build a portfolio or provide credits that will transfer to a 4-year program. Two bachelor's degree programs in graphic design are offered by San Jos?State University.

The community colleges offering certificate and associate degree programs are all within driving distance of San Jose, two in about ten miles or less and the other less than 20 miles from the city. These programs will introduce you to page layout, typography, drawing and interactive design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design and Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies will provide study in art history and theory, visual communications and motion graphics. The BFA program includes an internship.

While a bachelor's degree might be preferred by some employers, you might be able to seek entry-level job opportunities once you have obtained a certificate or 2-year degree.

Graphic Design Certificate Programs Near San Jose, CA

De Anza College

DeAnza College in Cupertino, CA, offers both a Certificate and an Advanced Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design. The certificate requires 18 units of study, while the advanced certificate requires 42. Both certificate levels can be earned in graphic or interactive design. Coursework for the graphic design program includes drawing, design and color, visual technology and communication.

• Program: Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 18 credits
• Tuition & Fees: $1,561 per year in-state, $7,501 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2 year, public; 19,482 students (all undergraduate)

Mission College

Mission College offers a variety of certificate options within the graphic design, graphic arts and multimedia program. You can focus your studies in graphic design, Web graphic design, digital illustration, multimedia or another area. Coursework includes basic design, page layout and typography. The program will also help you prepare a portfolio and enter the professional field.

• Program: Certificate
• Specialization Areas: Graphic design, Web graphic design
• Program Length: 16 credits
• Tuition & Fees: $1,192 per year in-state, $6,280 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 7,780 students (all undergraduate)

Graphic Design Associate's Degree Programs Near San Jose, CA

DeAnza College

Located near the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, DeAnza College offers an Associate of Arts in Graphic or Interactive Design. The program will give you an understanding of the design process and help you understand industry practices. DeAnza uses a quarter, rather than a semester system.

• Program: Associate of Arts in Graphic Design or Interactive Design
• Program Length: 90 credits
• Tuition & Fees: $1,561 per year in-state, $7,501 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2 year, public; 19,482 students (all undergraduate)

Mission College

At Mission College, you can earn an Associate of Science in Graphic Design. You'll have access to industry-standard software and can choose from a wide range of elective courses, including design history, packaging, motion graphics, digital photography or animation. The program will keep you abreast of graphic design trends and increase your creative problem-solving skills.

• Program: Associate of Science in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 33 credits
• Tuition & Fees: $1,192 per year in-state, $6,280 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 7,780 students (all undergraduate)

Foothill College

At Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, you can study graphic design and prepare for a multimedia, Web or an illustration career. Coursework in the Associate in Arts program includes design history and studios, print arts and drawing. A print and book arts program and a certificate are also available.

• Program: Associate in Arts in Graphics and Interactive Design
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $1,563 per year in-state, $7,503 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 14,732 students (all undergraduate)

Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree Programs Near San Jose, CA

San Jos?State University

San Jos?State University's School of Art and Design offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degree programs. If you pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, you will enter the program as a Bachelor of Arts student. A portfolio review is required to move into the Bachelor of Fine Arts designation. While majoring in graphic design you can choose a minor among many fields, including art history, pictorial art or a studio practice. You may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies with an emphasis in graphic design.

• Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 9 semesters, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $7,796 per year in-state, $19,676 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 35,400 students (27,327 undergraduate)

Depending on the level of education you want, there are options to study graphic design at many different schools around San Jose, including programs at DeAnza College, Mission College, Foothill College and San Jose State University.