online program training
There are lots of wonderful online training programs available for digital designers to brush up on skills, learn new programs, or refine and further develop their portfolios. One of the most important things new digital designers can do to stay competitive, is to stay up to date with software and technology changes. Below is a list of online learning spaces that offer extensive trainings and workshops. They run the gamut of price points but there is something for everyone!
Udemy: This is one of my favorites. There are TONS of trainings available here, and the site often runs sales and specials where you can access these courses for just a fraction of the sticker price. When I need to brush up or learn something new, Udemy is my first stop.
Domestika: I have taken quite a few classes on Domestika. The great thing about this resource is that there are many courses available in other languages, so if you are not a native English speaker you can often find training and workshops in Spanish here.
Skill Share: Skill share has been around for a long time and has a lot of really great resources for digital designers and new media artists. I have taken a few courses with skill share and they have been informative and well put together.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda): When I was a student 600 years ago, Lynda.com was THE place to go online for trainings and tech learning. Now Lynda belongs to LinkenIn and there are lots of great trainings that run the gamut of technology, software, and design to corporate leadership, diversity, and inclusion. Access to LinkedIn Leaning is available with a LinkedIn premium membership.
Team Tree House: I include this one for those of you who are digital designers that also are interested in coding, web development, and back end design. This site is a great way to beef up your coding skills.
SVS Learn - Illustration Focused: This is single-handedly, the most comprehensive and robust online learning platform for anyone interested in digital illustration (comics, children’s books, editorial, etc). The community is very active and the courses are all taught by current, working illustration professionals. It is perhaps my favorite resource online for anyone thinking about getting into illustration as a career.
community support
Whether you’re diving into your next project or gearing up for the future, I know continuing education can sometimes feel like a juggling act—especially when it comes to funding. But don’t sweat it! I’ve rounded up a list of scholarships, grants, and resources tailored just for you. From boosting your skills to connecting with communities that celebrate YOU (yes, you!), these links are here to help you shine brighter than ever. So grab a coffee, click around, and find the support you deserve. Let’s make those dreams a reality!
Washington State Financial Aid Programs The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers various state financial aid programs collectively known as Opportunity Pathways. Programs include the Washington College Grant, State Work Study, and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, providing grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to eligible students.
Pierce College Foundation Scholarships: Pierce College offers scholarships through its Foundation to support students in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are available for various fields, including Digital Design, and are based on factors such as financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement.
Pierce County Parks Scholarships: Pierce County Parks provides scholarships to make programs and activities more accessible to residents. Scholarships can provide discounts for programs and activities, including classes and camps, which may be beneficial for students seeking extracurricular learning opportunities.
Opportunity Grant at Pierce College: The Opportunity Grant helps low-income students enrolled in approved career training programs at Pierce College. Provides funding for tuition and books for eligible students pursuing specific associate degrees or certificate programs, including Digital Design.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS): WSOS supports low- and middle-income Washington students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. Offers scholarships for students in STEM and health care fields, which may include certain Digital Design programs.
OtterBot – Financial Aid Assistance: OtterBot is a free texting service designed to help Washington students navigate financial aid for college and career education. Provides 24/7 assistance via text message, answering questions about financial aid applications and processes.
Financial Aid Toolkit by WSAC: The Financial Aid Toolkit offers resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process. Includes informational videos, handouts, and presentations to assist students in understanding and applying for financial aid.
Pierce County Library System: Continuing Education: The Pierce County Library System provides resources to support continuing education, including classes, workshops, and tools for skill-building. Offers free access to online learning platforms, career resources, and programs for personal and professional development, which can benefit students pursuing Digital Design and other fields.
community support For Minorities
Here are additional funding opportunities and support resources tailored for students from underrepresented groups, including people of color (POC), LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and those pursuing professional technical fields in Washington State. Remember, this is just a small collection of what is out there in terms of financial support options!
Pride Foundation Scholarships: The Pride Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and allies across the Northwest, including Washington State. Provides financial resources and community support to LGBTQ+ student leaders, with over $8.5 million awarded to more than 2,400 students since 1993.
GSBA Scholarship Fund: The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students committed to leadership and community involvement. Offers scholarships up to $13,000 annually, along with leadership development and access to a supportive network of professionals.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) LGBTQ+ Scholarship Database: The HRC provides a comprehensive list of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for LGBTQ+ and allied students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Serves as a centralized resource to identify various financial aid opportunities nationwide, including those specific to Washington State.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) – Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS): WSOS supports Washington students pursuing high-demand trade, health care, and STEM occupations. Provides up to $1,500 each quarter for students enrolled in eligible programs at Washington’s community and technical colleges.
American Indian College Fund: Offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students attending accredited tribal, public, and private colleges. Provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are members or descendants of state or federally recognized tribes.
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships: Provides scholarships to Native American students from federally recognized tribes pursuing higher education. Offers financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students across various fields of study.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship: Awards scholarships to high school seniors of African descent pursuing degrees in technology. Provides $5,000 scholarships renewable for up to four years, along with potential internship opportunities at Microsoft.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships and Grants: AAUW offers fellowships and grants to women pursuing graduate studies or projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. Provides funding for career development, community action, and selected professions, including technical fields.
graduate programs + workshops
Whether you’re looking for hands-on workshops, focused post-bac programs, or advanced graduate degrees, this list has something for everyone. Dive into opportunities that fit your schedule and goals, with options ranging from short-term skill builders to comprehensive degrees—all designed to help you shine in the creative world. Enhance your expertise in digital design through a variety of educational opportunities tailored to your professional goals. Below is a curated list of workshops, post-baccalaureate certificates, and graduate degree programs, each offering unique benefits to advance your career in digital design.
Workshops
Digital Media Workshops (DMW) | Harvard Graduate School of Design
Overview: These live, student-led tutorials cover fundamental and emerging technologies specific to design.
Benefits: Provides hands-on experience in digital media, beneficial for video production and motion graphics enthusiasts.
Format: In-person and online.
Link: Digital Media Workshops
Digital Design Workshops | University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
Overview: Interactive sessions aimed at developing digital drawing skills and good digital habits using various software.
Benefits: Enhances digital workflow and expands design capabilities in studio settings.
Format: In-person.
Link: Digital Design Workshops
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
Digital Design Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Tulane University School of Professional Advancement
Overview: Designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree, offering tracks in Graphic Design and Interactive UX/UI Design.
Benefits: Provides comprehensive coursework required for an undergraduate major, focusing on practical design skills.
Format: Online.
Link: Digital Design PBC
Graphic Design Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Lesley University
Overview: An 18-credit online program focusing on studio habits, image-making, and interactive design.
Benefits: Supports working professionals aiming to expand their expertise in digital and interactive design.
Format: Online.
Link: Graphic Design Certificate
Graduate Degree Programs
Master of Science in Digital Design | New Jersey Institute of Technology
Overview: A low-residency program offering 30 to 45 credits, accommodating varying levels of prior experience.
Benefits: Prepares students for advanced roles in digital design, emphasizing both theoretical and practical skills.
Format: Low-residency.
Link: MS in Digital Design
Master of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design | Harvard Extension School
Overview: Covers a broad range of digital media design topics, including interactive systems and visual communication.
Benefits: Equips graduates for careers as web designers, art directors, multimedia producers, and more.
Format: Online.
Link: Digital Media Design ALM
Master of Science in Digital Media | Drexel University Online
Overview: Combines research-based learning with hands-on approaches to current industry skills.
Benefits: Prepares students for various careers in the digital media industry, emphasizing innovation and design.
Format: Online.
Link: MS in Digital Media
micro-credentials + certificates
Whether you're dreaming of bringing animations to life, mastering the art of content creation, or designing jaw-dropping user experiences, we’ve got you covered. Enhance your expertise in digital design with these fully online certificate programs from accredited institutions, tailored to various creative disciplines. Enhance your digital design skills with these concise, fully online micro-credential programs from accredited institutions. Each course offers a digital badge or certificate upon completion, allowing you to showcase your expertise to potential employers.
1. Video Production and Motion Graphics
Digital Design Online Certificate Course | Vancouver Film School
Overview: This 7-week course introduces the foundations of 2D design using Adobe Illustrator and motion graphics techniques in Adobe After Effects.
Benefits: Develops skills in creating motion graphic content suitable for social media and other digital platforms.
2. 2D Animation and Illustration
Instructional Design, Multimedia, and Digital Design Micro-Credential | Asbury University
Overview: A series of 20 stackable badges focusing on instructional design and multimedia skills, including digital illustration and visual storytelling.
Benefits: Enhances abilities in creating engaging 2D animations and illustrations for educational and professional contexts.
3. 3D Modeling and Animation
Animation/VFX Online Certificate | Digital Media Institute
Overview: A one-year, full-time program teaching advanced digital media content creation, including 3D and 2D graphics.
Benefits: Provides hands-on experience with industry-standard software and techniques, preparing students for careers in film, television, and interactive media.
4. Content Creation and Social Media Marketing
Adobe Creative Skills Micro-Credentials
Overview: Self-paced courses teaching in-demand skills such as generative AI, presentation design, and short-form video editing.
Benefits: Equips learners with practical abilities for effective content creation and social media marketing.
5. Digital Photography
Photography Foundations Micro-Credential | University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Overview: A micro-credential providing foundational skills in photography.
Benefits: Helps students develop technical and creative photography skills applicable in various media contexts.
6. Web Design and User Interface
Digital Design Micro-Credentials | Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Overview: Short-term courses focusing on web design and digital content creation.
Benefits: Builds job-ready skills in web design, opening up various employment opportunities.