Graphic design is one of the most successful industries in Canada. That’s because graphic designers are needed in every field, from advertising to website development to packaging design. If you’re looking for a career as a graphic designer, look no further than these colleges and universities:
Graphic Design Programs Canada
Bachelor of Design in Communication Design, OCAD University
OCAD University is a public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bachelor of Design in Communication Design program is a four-year degree that provides students with a foundation in the theory, practice and history of design.
The first two years focus on general studies which include graphic design fundamentals like typography, colour theory and information design. In addition to these core classes students take specialized courses such as Media Writing or Photography & Video Production to give them an opportunity to explore other areas within the realm of communication design.
The last two years are spent developing their own portfolio by choosing electives from various departments including: Visual Art (Drawing), Experimental Animation Program (Experimental Animation), Interaction Design Lab (Interaction Design), Interactive Media Program (Video Game Design). This allows students to specialize their skillset according to their personal interests while still ensuring they have the broad understanding required for success in the industry.
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design, UBC
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. UBC is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and around the world. UBC has a student population of over 60,000 students and an alumni base of 175,000 individuals.
Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design for Communication, Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a public university in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the only public post-secondary institution devoted solely to the visual arts and design in Canada. Emily Carr offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Graphic Design for Communication and Visual Arts as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art History & Theory and Media Studies.
Emily Carr offers a wide range of courses that focus on the relationship between art and its audience through various mediums including painting, sculpture, digital media such as video installations or interactive computer games; photography etc…
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, NSCAD University
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is a four-year program offered by NSCAD University. It has a strong foundation in the areas of design, history and theory, media literacy, and critical thinking. Students will learn how to utilize their creative abilities while also developing their technical skills in areas such as image editing software and print processes.
Students will be able to apply what they’ve learned through practical assignments like branding campaigns or designing an exhibition poster series for an artist’s body of work. The curriculum is designed for students who are passionate about both art and business so that they can develop a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be successful in this field.
Students must apply using the CAAP portal system before March 1st each year (the deadline for December applications). The application fee is $50 CDN for domestic students ($55 USD), or $75 CDN ($80 USD) internationally. For more information about applying visit https://www1.nscadu/admissions/apply/.
Bachelor of Applied Arts – Integrated Media, Sheridan College
At Sheridan College, the Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Integrated Media is a four-semester program that focuses on the study of art and design. The Integrated Media program gives students the chance to explore their interests through various hands-on courses, including:
- [content marketing](https://www.google.ca/search?q=content+marketing&btnI=3559s7sZOzmfM), where students learn how to create web pages using HTML and CSS, as well as how to promote them through social media platforms;
- [digital photography](https://www.google.ca/search?q=digital+photography&btnI=3559s7sZOzmfM), where students develop skills in shooting photos for print and online media;
- [fundamentals of web design](https://www.google.ca/search?q=fundamentals+of+web+design&btnI=3559s7sZOzmfM), which teaches students how to use tools like Photoshop and Illustrator CS6;
Diploma – Interactive Media Arts, Capilano University
The Diploma in Interactive Media Arts program at Capilano University is a unique blend of graphic design, programming, user experience and animation. You’ll learn to create websites, mobile apps and games while developing your storytelling skills to generate meaning through sound, images and text. The degree also includes an introduction to social media marketing.
Graduates are prepared for a career as a designer or developer of websites, mobile apps or computer games; creative director; webmaster; technical writer; advertising art director or interactive designer at agencies that specialize in digital media production such as video-game developers.
Bilingual Diploma in Graphic design and Advertising, LaSalle College Montréal
The Bilingual Diploma in Graphic design and Advertising program is offered by the Centre de formation professionnelle et technique (CFTP) at LaSalle College Montréal. Students can learn graphic design and advertising in either French or English. The program is offered full time, part time and online.
The Bilingual Diploma in Graphic design and Advertising offers three levels: an introductory level, intermediate level and advanced level. Each level builds on the previous one so it’s recommended that you work through each level consecutively before moving to another course.
Honours Bachelor of Graphic Design, Fanshawe College
- Honours Bachelor of Graphic Design, Fanshawe College
Fanshawe’s Honours BA in Graphic Design offers students an opportunity to learn at the cutting edge of current practice. The courses are designed to provide a thorough grounding in graphic design principles and techniques, with a view to developing both creative and critical thinking skills. All students will develop practical skills across a broad range of areas including layout design, typography, illustration, photography and digital media. They will also have the opportunity to work on real world projects under the supervision of professional designers.
Certificate – Publishing and Graphic Communications, St. Clair College
The program is designed to help students develop a solid foundation in the field of publishing and graphic communications. The program provides students with an understanding of the principles and processes involved in publishing, including editorial workflows and production standards, as well as an introduction to typography, computer-assisted design (CAD), digital imaging, desktop publishing software and typesetting methods used in print production. Students will also gain insight into career opportunities within this area by learning more about advertising agencies as well as commercial printers.
Here are some great colleges to look into if you want to study and work as a graphic designer.
If you’re looking to earn a degree in graphic design, one of the first things to consider is where you will study. There are a variety of options available if you want to learn how to become a graphic designer; here are some great colleges and universities in Canada that offer programs in this field:
- Alberta College of Art and Design (Calgary, Alberta)
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Toronto, Ontario)
- OCAD University (Toronto, Ontario)
The following schools also offer graphic design programs at the certificate level:
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind – CNIB St-Laurent Campus (Montreal Quebec)
Closing
These universities offer great programs that will help you get started on a career in graphic design. They have some of the best programs in Canada, so check them out!