The graduate certificate in Web Design and Online Communication is a tremendous opportunity for working professionals to learn new skills and gain insight to assist them in their careers. The professional certificate includes four courses that can be completed in as few as two semesters.
The graduate certificate is a popular option for students who want an introduction to Web Design concepts without committing to the full master’s degree track. Certificate course credits may transfer into most UF CJC Online master’s concentrations if a student is admitted to the master’s program. Students should consult their Graduate Student Advisor to see how courses fit within their degree plan.
Students must complete the first four courses of the web design master’s program curriculum:
VIC5315 Corporate and Brand Identity on the Web (3 credits)
This course synthesizes two different, but complementary, tools of communication: graphic design and assembly (both print and electronic). The students will learn the fundamental design principles and techniques for effective visual communication. These principles and techniques are applied through projects to achieve a communication objective across different platforms. Students can expect a practical, hands-on experience. A key tool for creating your digital work in this course is Adobe Illustrator. Illustrator is an effective tool for creating original artwork and for designing logos, banners, icons, and navigational elements for online and print formats. The artwork can then easily be exported to the Web or imported into other programs.
VIC5326 Digital Media Layout and Design (3 credits)
This course introduces the students to the skills and concepts that enable them to create documents for both print and interactivity. Using Adobe InDesign, the students will apply their knowledge of color, type, layout, and design to create a portfolio project. While InDesign permits several possible workflows, this course will focus on those that most readily translate into digital design.
VIC5325 Digital Imagery in Web Design (4 credits)
This course familiarizes the students with the development and impact of imagery in interactive media. Students will learn how visual “language” is the basis for developing contextual symbolic meanings that are shared throughout a culture. Semiotics, information design, and persuasive communication will be explored in this course. The students will develop communicative images using their knowledge gained through lectures, discussions, and Adobe Photoshop training.
MMC5277 Web Design Principles (4 credits)
In this course, the students will learn how the web operates as well as the associated terminologies such as frontend vs. backend languages, hosting and domains, web developer tools, and more. The students will learn HTML5, CSS, and basic JavaScript concepts that will allow them to create and host their own websites. In addition, the students will be introduced to version control concepts.
Many types of students apply for the web design graduate certificate. Some seek new skills to apply to their career, while others seek an introduction to graduate school. The graduate certificate program gives students the opportunity to decide if a full master’s degree is right for them. Students take classes and learn exciting new skills while also deciding if graduate school fits into their lives.
Frequently, students start the graduate certificate program and later choose to apply to the full master’s degree to gain more skills and embrace the opportunity to change their lives. The courses in the graduate certificate program apply to the master’s degree, creating a seamless transition into the full master’s program. Click here for a more detailed comparison of the master’s degree and the graduate certificate.
Contact us today if you would like more information on the graduate certificate.
37 credit hours for a master's degree
14 credit hours for a graduate certificate
100% online via
recorded lectures & live online class meetings
Fall Semester starts in August
Spring Semester starts in January
Summer Semester starts in May
Courses follow the UF Academic Calendar
Download Info Packet
Fall Semester
April 1
Spring Semester
October 1
Summer Semester
February 1
College of Journalism and Communications
1204 Weimer Hall
1885 Stadium Road
PO Box 118400
Gainesville, FL 32611
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Deadline: April 1
Classes Begin: late August
Spring Deadline: October 1
Classes Begin: early January
Summer Deadline: February 1
Classes Begin: early May
