The best and top-rated graphic and web design courses on Coursera for beginners

For beginners looking for the best and top-rated graphic and web design courses on Coursera, here are some standout options based on popularity, user reviews, and expert recommendations:

Graphic Design:

1. Graphic Design (California Institute of the Arts)

Type: Specialization

Duration: 3-6 months

Rating: 4.7 (21,000+ reviews)

Description: Covers the fundamentals including typography, visual language, color theory, and logo design. Includes hands-on projects for building a professional portfolio. Highly recommended for absolute beginners who want a solid foundation in graphic design concepts.

2. Fundamentals of Graphic Design (California Institute of the Arts)

Type: Standalone Course

Duration: 1-3 months

Rating: 4.8 (18,000+ reviews)

Description: Focuses on the essential principles of design—typography, imagery, composition, and color—with accessible projects for all skill levels. Suitable for those who want an intensive introduction before progressing to advanced skills.

3. Adobe Graphic Designer (Adobe)

Type: Professional Certificate

Duration: 3-6 months

Rating: 4.7 (1,100+ reviews)

Description: Learn core Adobe software (Photoshop, Illustrator) and portfolio-building for real-world scenarios, including generative AI and branding projects. Excellent for beginners who want industry-recognized skills.

Web Design:

1. Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding (University of Michigan)

Type: Specialization

Duration: 3-6 months

Rating: 4.7 (35,000+ reviews)

Description: Covers HTML, CSS, responsive design, basic JavaScript, and accessibility. It's widely regarded as the definitive beginner-friendly web design track on Coursera, consistently praised for clear instruction and practical projects.

2. Google UX Design (Google)

Type: Professional Certificate

Duration: Flexible

Rating: Very popular and highly rated

Description: Focuses on user experience (UX), web/app usability, wireframing, prototyping, and hands-on projects. Suited for beginners interested in both web design and user-centered digital experiences.

3. Building Web Pages with HTML & CSS (University of Washington)

Type: Beginner Course (1-4 weeks)

Rating: Highly rated

Description: A short, accessible introduction to core web languages, ideal for total beginners or as a supplement to the above specializations.

Highlights:

For graphic design, "Graphic Design" by CalArts and "Fundamentals of Graphic Design" are consistently ranked as the top beginner choices.

For web design, "Web Design for Everybody" by the University of Michigan is regarded as the gold standard for true beginners.

Most courses offer certificates upon completion and include hands-on projects to help build your portfolio.

If you want just one starting point for each:

Graphic Design: Fundamentals of Graphic Design (CalArts)

Web Design: Web Design for Everybody (University of Michigan)

All these courses are suitable for beginners and require no prior experience. They are also routinely updated and receive industry recognition, ensuring you learn current and in-demand skills.