Unlock your creative potential and gain critical knowledge in the dynamic world of digital arts with NJIT's Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Arts Essentials. This program provides a solid foundation in digital media creation, empowering you to bring your artistic visions to life using cutting-edge technologies. Whether you’re aiming to become a designer, animator, or content creator, this digital arts course will help you build the skills to tell impactful stories through design. It’s ideal for anyone seeking to break into or advance within the creative industry. Acquire the tools and foundation to create a digital art portfolio that stands out—apply now!

Why Choose NJIT for Your Digital Arts Essentials Certificate?

You'll master tools and techniques used by professional digital artists, learning how to use Adobe Creative Suite effectively across multiple disciplines. To add, our project-based learning structure is designed to mirror real-world creative workflows, which helps you to build a portfolio and transition smoothly into entry-level industry roles. Unlike other graphic design training online programs, NJIT's curriculum emphasizes both artistic creativity and technical excellence. Here’s what you can expect when you enroll:

• Training from award-winning faculty with industry experience
• A flexible curriculum suited for working professionals and career changers
• A pathway to further graduate studies or professional advancement

Program Overview

• Total credits: 15
• Completion time: 1 – 4 semesters
• Format: Online only
• Core Curriculum 
• Program start dates
• Financial aid options

This program provides foundational skills in design principles, digital media, 3D modeling, and animation, and you’ll learn the power of what digital storytelling is and why it matters. Through hands-on coursework, you'll also explore the history of art and design, develop expertise in digital composition, and gain technical skills in video production and motion graphics.

In a relatively short amount of time, you’ll produce portfolio-ready projects and gain experience with the most in-demand digital arts skills. Request information to learn more!

Stack Your Certificate Toward a Master's

The digital arts essentials graduate certificate is fully stackable, meaning all credits earned can be applied toward NJIT's fully online Master of Science in Digital Design. This gives you the flexibility to continue your studies seamlessly and earn a full master's degree while building on the skills you've already gained. Only one graduate certificate can be double-counted toward NJIT’s Master of Science in Digital Design. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in design, the Digital Arts Essentials Certificate offers a set of bridge courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements to get enrolled in the Master of Science in Digital Design.

Who Should Apply?

This certificate is designed for:

• Aspiring digital artists looking for structured online digital art classes
• Professionals in marketing, education, media, or IT seeking to incorporate design
• Career changers exploring concept art courses online, digital illustration courses, or digital drawing courses
• Artists interested in advancing their visual storytelling, branding, or character design
• Beginners learning how to improve digital painting techniques and creative workflows

No prior design experience is necessary—just creativity, a willingness to learn, and a portfolio to showcase your potential. Apply today to get started!

Skills You’ll Gain

Upon completion, you’ll have key insights on:

• Fundamentals of color theory, including what is color theory in digital art and how to apply it
• Core animation, storyboarding, and visual storytelling techniques
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other key creative software
• Practical knowledge of typography and layout design tips for beginners
• Best practices for branding and identity design strategies for creatives
• Hands-on digital sketching, drawing, and digital painting
• Portfolio development including how to create a digital art portfolio
• Efficient and professional creative workflows

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Digital Arts Essentials certificate program can pursue opportunities in a variety of creative fields, including:

• Digital illustration and visual storytelling
• Graphic and communication design
• Multimedia production and content creation
• Branding and identity development
• Motion graphics and animation
• User interface and user experience support roles

Your portfolio and skills will position you for success in industries like tech, advertising, entertainment, publishing, and more.

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Arts Essentials at NJIT, refer to:

• Application checklist
• Portfolio submission
• Dates and deadlines
• Graduate FAQs

Prospective applicants are encouraged to schedule a virtual portfolio review for personalized feedback prior to submitting their application.

Why the Digital Arts Essentials Certificate Matters Today

With the rapid growth of digital media, employers increasingly value designers who combine creativity with technical skills. Knowing how to create a digital art portfolio, develop stunning vector graphics, and master branding and identity design strategies for creatives can set you apart. From learning how to improve digital painting techniques to exploring what digital storytelling is and why it matters, NJIT’s program prepares you for a creative career in today's highly visual world.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a portfolio required to apply for this certificate?
  
  Yes. As per NASAD standards, applicants must submit a portfolio or undergo an equivalent evaluation to demonstrate creative potential and readiness for study in art and design.

• What career opportunities could this certificate open up?
  
  Graduates often find roles in graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, or project-based freelance work. It can also help professionals in other fields add creative skills to their resume.

• How does this certificate differ from a master’s degree?
  
  A certificate focuses on core skills and is faster to complete, whereas a master’s degree involves more comprehensive, in-depth study and often has a research or thesis component. This certificate is a pathway to earning NJIT’s Online M.S. in Digital Design.

See additional Graduate FAQs here.

Get Started — Apply Today

Take the next step in your creative journey. Enroll in NJIT’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Arts Essentials and build the skills, portfolio, and confidence to bring your creative vision to life. Apply Now or request more info today!

Next Steps

• Apply Now – Begin your application today.
• Request More Information – Speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about the program.
• Explore Financial Aid Options – Discover scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.