Certificate in Graphic Communications Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Canada

Look around you – virtually every printed, silk screened and digitally-rendered display you see every day has moved through the hands of a graphic communications professional. NAIT’s Graphic Communications certificate program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital, print and publishing industries.

This program provides a comprehensive learning experience, taking you from the foundational planning stages of creative projects to their final production. You will develop skills in graphic design, digital file creation and customer proofing while gaining practical experience with industry-standard software and cutting-edge equipment. From creating striking layouts to preparing files for press, bindery, or large-format processes, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a variety of projects that mirror real-world industry scenarios, ensuring you graduate with a competitive edge.

Before diving into hands-on production, you will build a solid foundation in theoretical concepts and methods critical to understanding the press and bindery processes that follow digital file creation. This balance of theory and practice ensures you’re not only prepared to create compelling designs, but also equipped to manage them through every stage of production with technical precision.

Graduates of this program are ready to pursue a range of exciting career opportunities in graphic communications, including roles in print production, promotion, digital publishing and advertising.

What You Will Learn

The program has an excellent reputation among the Capital Region’s business community. You'll gain direct industry exposure through the program’s two-week professional experience component, allowing eligible students the opportunity to apply their technical and interpersonal skills effectively within a workplace environment.

The graphics industry is constantly changing, whether it is new software developments, updates in output equipment and technologies, or trends in design elements. The program is in close contact with industry and supply representatives to be sure the training needs are being met, and grads have the skills necessary for employment. Skills acquired in this program have allowed our graduates to seek employment opportunities all across North America.

By the time you graduate, you will gain fundamental knowledge and skills in the following disciplines:

• applied graphic design and typography
• computer graphics and image manipulation
• page layout and document composition
• computer systems management
• web design fundamentals
• digital pre-media technology and electronic output
• effective communications