A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in visual arts denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of visual arts gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in visual arts or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in visual arts comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in visual arts allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in visual arts provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in visual arts. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in visual arts includes
Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts (Generalist)
Graduate Certificate in Studio - General Practice
Graduate Certificate in Ceramics
Graduate Certificate in Drawing and Painting
Graduate Certificate in Fashion Design
Graduate Certificate in Interior Design
Graduate Certificate in New Media Art
Graduate Certificate in Photography
Graduate Certificate in Sculpture
