Certificate Programs at SVC

When you’re out hunting for a job — especially if you’re changing careers — how do you quickly communicate to a potential employer, “I actually know this stuff”? One rather potent way would be to say, “I just completed a certificate program at SVC on this very topic.” In those few words you’ll be getting across that you’ve developed skills taught to you by some of the industry’s leading pros. You’ll be saying your portfolio and knowledge have been signed off by experts who actually know what they’re talking about. And here’s something that will set you apart from a ton of other job-seekers: You won’t be exaggerating.

Our Programs

The SVC Advantages

  • All classes are live and led by true experts
  • You’ll work with your personal mentor
  • Free professional development workshops
  • You’ll finish with a job-hunt-ready portfolio
  • Capstone project with a real client
  • Classes taught at night or Saturdays so you can still work

What You Get (Besides a New Job)

Join the program and you’ll also be assigned an expert-level mentor. She’ll help with your course work, get you moving on your portfolio, give you feedback on side projects, and work with you to develop a job-hunting plan.

As a certificate program student you can also take three of SVC’s professional development workshops on a space available basis at no charge.

At the end of the program, you’ll have a portfolio that shows off your skills. And because you’ll have completed a capstone project where you’ll work with an actual client, you can say you know what it’s like to do real-world client interviews and presentations.

To show all that you’ve accomplished, you’ll receive physical and digital certificates of completion you can include in your LinkedIn profile and resume.

How to Get Started

If you’d like to learn more about SVC certificate programs, sign up for a free information session. We’ll answer your questions, tell you more about the programs, and explain a bit more about career options. Then, if you’re interested in proceeding, we’ll put together a personalized proposal showing your recommended course track and tuition. Have questions first? Contact us.

ATTEND AN INFO SESSION

  • Learn how to design user flows and prototypes that make doing things digitally easier and more delightful.

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Put together a job-worthy portfolio of writing for the web, social media, video, and more.

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Design beautiful prototypes for websites and apps based on your design system.

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Free sessions meet regularly so you can learn more about each SVC certificate program.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

If you come up with some questions that aren’t answered here, give us a call at 206.623.1560 or drop us an email.

I’m interested. How do I get started?

Plan to attend a free information session where you can learn more about each certificate program and have your questions answered. Schedule yourself into the next info session.

Is this a full-time program?

No. The vast majority of classes meet at night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Classes are held in the evening so students can keep their day jobs and still have a life.

When do programs and classes start?

Some programs start every quarter, while others get underway once or twice a year. For students interested in the UI/Visual Design program, you may also need to satisfy some requirements before you can join your program.

You're welcome to take classes on an ad hoc basis until your cohort begins knowing that the cost of those individual classes will be deducted from your certificate program tuition.

QUARTER STARTS ENDS
Summer 2018 June 18, 2018 August 30, 2018
Fall 2018 September 24, 2018 December 6, 2018
Winter 2019 January 7 , 2019 March 18, 2019
Spring 2019 April 1, 2019 June 10, 2019
Summer 2019 June 17, 2019 August 29, 2019

We never hold classes on President's Day and Memorial Day. We also take the entire week off surrounding the Fourth of July and again the week of Thanksgiving.

What are the requirements for attendance?

Students need to attend at least 80% of the course sessions or they will be dropped from the program and given whatever refund applies at that time.

Are there other requirements for graduation?

In addition to the attendance requirement, students are expected to complete 100% of their class assignments. In addition, students will give a 20-minute portfolio presentation near the conclusion of the program. A panel of professionals will evaluate your presentation and portfolio website, and you must achieve at least 60% of the maximum possible score to be eligible to receive your certificate of completion. Students who don’t achieve this minimum score will be allowed to retake courses and then re-present their portfolios at a later time.

When is tuition due?

A $100 registration fee is due upon acceptance into the program. Then the first 50% of the tuition is due before the first day of class. The remaining 50% is due at the midpoint of your program.

Is financing available?

SVC will work with you to set up an installment plan at an additional charge of $250. With this plan, the first payment of 1/6th the program cost, plus the Registration Fee and Payment Plan fee is due before the first day of class. You’ll then make five additional payments on the 15th of each month for the following 5 months.

Can I get permission to waive a course if I already know the material?

Yes. After you’ve attended an information session, we’ll help you determine if you can skip any classes based on your previous instruction or work experience. Your tuition will be reduced by a prorated share.

Do you provide job placement services?

While SVC doesn’t have an official job placement service, every student will be mentored by an industry professional. You will be able to take advantage of your mentor’s contacts and mentors will provide specific assistance in networking and job hunting. SVC also publishes an online listing of open jobs on our website.

Are professional organization discounts (AIGA, AAF, PSAMA, etc.) valid for the certificate program?

No. But you will be permitted to take one daytime professional development workshop at SVC on a space available basis at no charge during each quarter you’re enrolled in a certificate program.

What if I cannot finish the program?

The State of Washington spells out the exact refund policies for schools like ours, and here’s the overview: You may receive a partial refund of your tuition if you drop a class or your enrollment is terminated by SVC due to lack of progress or disciplinary problems. It’s complicated, so please read the Tuition and Fees section of our site carefully for more details.