Graphic Design
Applying your creativity to shape a career communicating ideas and concepts.
- Actual client projects are offered to bring the workplace into the classroom
- Students complete over 1,600 hours of design and production work in six semesters
- Produce a comprehensive design portfolio profiling your skills and abilities
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The three-year Graphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma program helps you apply your creativity to communicating ideas and concepts in both print and interactive media.
Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you gain skills in design, typography, image, colour, coding, motion graphics, interaction and production from industry-connected faculty. You learn to be a problem-solver who can manage and execute visual design projects....(read more)
Overview
Applying your creativity to shape a career communicating ideas and concepts.
The three-year Graphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma program helps you apply your creativity to communicating ideas and concepts in both print and interactive media.
Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you gain skills in design, typography, image, colour, coding, motion graphics, interaction and production from industry-connected faculty. You learn to be a problem-solver who can manage and execute visual design projects.
Whether learning design for the page or for the screen, you study industry-endorsed concepts and techniques. You also become an expert at communicating ideas to a client through:
- sketches
- prototypes
- storyboards
- interactive mock-ups
There is a strong focus on hands-on training, using industry-standard software tools, which will ensure you are career-ready upon graduation. Field trips and actual client projects are offered to bring the workplace into the classroom.
From your second year on, you become a student-member of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. In your final semester, you embark on a six-week fieldwork placement that transitions you to industry. You work side-by-side with experienced professionals and gain networking contacts.
Upon graduation, you will have developed a design portfolio that showcases your creativity and problem-solving skills. You will display your work at the annual Grad Show exhibition.
Graduates may find employment in a(n):
- graphic design studio
- advertising agency
- motion graphics studio
- interactive/web design studio
Graduates may also find work as an in-house designer for an organization or government, in the television, entertainment or game-development industry, or in freelance opportunities.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Think visually and creatively and are conceptual thinkers.
- Enjoy solving visual communication problems.
- Enjoy sketching and drawing and using software tools.
- Enjoy working with type and imagery to communicate ideas.
- Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to coming up with the perfect design solution in their final products.
- Have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DSN1560
Course Name:
Typography 1
Course Description:
Typography, the study of lettering and writing, is an essential element of graphic design. Students study typographic history, terminology, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1561
Course Name:
Graphic Design 1
Course Description:
Graphic Design is the study of visual communication that combines images, words and ideas to convey information to an audience, especially t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1562
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 1
Course Description:
The field of computer graphics consists of page layout, illustration and photo manipulation. Page layout is the hub for illustrations and ph... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1697
Course Name:
Concept Sketching 1
Course Description:
Drawing and sketching is fundamental to graphic design. Learning how to draw means learning how to see. Sketching allows a designer to quick... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DSN1710
Course Name:
Design Strategy
Course Description:
Design projects should be motivated by the answer to the question "Why?". Designers who know the reason for the design create a more success... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1782
Course Name:
Understanding Colour
Course Description:
Colour plays a huge part in determining the success or failure of any graphic endeavour in the consumer market place, be it print or web gen... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1565
Course Name:
Graphic Design 2
Course Description:
Continuing with the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. Students have an oppo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1566
Course Name:
Typography 2
Course Description:
Students implement the basic concepts of typography in their design layouts to visually communicate meaning. Students use proper typesetting... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1567
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 2
Course Description:
Documents created in the studio environment need to comply with industry standards. Emphasis is placed on the importance of file management ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1698
Course Name:
Concept Sketching 2
Course Description:
Drawing and mark making is at the root of all visual communication. In this course, students will build on skills they learned in Concept Sk... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DSN1712
Course Name:
Web Design 1
Course Description:
Web design is the production of functional, interactive websites accomplished through the use of the HTML and CSS coding languages. Using vi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1950A
Course Name:
Communications for Graphic Design
Course Description:
Students develop persuasive professional writing and speaking skills required of a graphic designer. Well-designed briefs and project ration... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1400
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1533
Course Name:
Graphic Design 3
Course Description:
Focus is placed on concepts and design for print and digital, using up to date software and design knowledge. Students develop creative solu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1534
Course Name:
Typography 3
Course Description:
"Type exists to honour content." Proficient typesetting allows a student to compose and structure complex passages of content that are visua... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1535
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 3
Course Description:
Automating processes in the design studio teaches students how they can save time and avoid costly errors. Students use Adobe Photoshop to c... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1558
Course Name:
Motion Graphics 1
Course Description:
The use of type and motion is explored to create a unique and creative visual message. Students learn basic animation principles to create e... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1696
Course Name:
Business of Design
Course Description:
Business acumen plays as much of a role in the success of a graphic designer as do mastery of colour, layout and typography. Students intera... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1713
Course Name:
Web Design 2
Course Description:
The web is accessible to all human beings on the planet; websites should be universally designed to meet everyone's needs. Using automation ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1726
Course Name:
UX/UI Design 1
Course Description:
User experience and user interface design (UX/UI Design) is a design process that focuses on enhancing and positively impacting the user's e... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1539
Course Name:
Graphic Design 4
Course Description:
Acquired software programs, skills and visual problem-solving techniques apply to real-world design projects. Students design a corporate id... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1540
Course Name:
Typography 4
Course Description:
Building on the basics of typography, students explore type as craft by experimenting with handmade letters, designing glyphs, and using typ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1541
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 4
Course Description:
The software titles used in the studio environment are powerful tools that can render compelling promotional or informational graphics. Arme... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1669
Course Name:
Motion Graphics 2
Course Description:
Motion graphics can bring a design to life. Students learn advanced animation and timing techniques as well as visual effects basics such as... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1714
Course Name:
Web Design 3
Course Description:
The truly open web allows not only designers and developers to edit websites- but everybody. With access to online videos and written docume... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1727
Course Name:
UX/UI Design 2
Course Description:
The user experience and user interface design (UX/UI Design) process is applied to digital products by exploring potential solutions for fun... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1400
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1545
Course Name:
Graphic Design 5
Course Description:
An understanding of design consistency, promotion and presentation in addition to creating several bold portfolio pieces will be explored. E... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1677
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 5
Course Description:
Skillfully crafted graphics combined with meaningful data can tell a story in a captivating way. In an effort to further broaden our softwar... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1688
Course Name:
Motion Graphics 3
Course Description:
The product of a motion graphics professional's work can be used in an ever-broader range of media. Students explore different uses for moti... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1715
Course Name:
Web Design 4
Course Description:
Graphic designers are hired for their creativity and their work quality. The first interaction potential employers have is through the desig... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1728
Course Name:
UX/UI Design 3
Course Description:
The user experience and user interface design (UX/UI Design) process and design principles are broadened by integrating digital products and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1730
Course Name:
Design Systems
Course Description:
Graphic designers today are tasked with creating visual identities that need to be consistent, whether viewed on screen, as printed media, o... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1400
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN1684
Course Name:
Graphic Design 6
Course Description:
The opportunity presents itself to tailor individual portfolios showcasing skills and strengths learned in previous semesters. Personal cons... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
DSN1685
Course Name:
Computer Graphics 6
Course Description:
When students present their work at portfolio reviews, it needs to be impeccable. Students build digital files designed to impress even the ... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
DSN1689
Course Name:
Motion Graphics 4
Course Description:
Using projects created in previous Motion Graphics classes, students work to create a Final Motion Reel showcasing their strengths and creat... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
DSN1690
Course Name:
Fieldwork and Professional Practice
Course Description:
Joining and integrating into a working graphic design team is crucial to transitioning from the classroom to the design industry. Students a... + Read More
Hours:
196.0
Code:
DSN1729
Course Name:
UX/UI Design 4
Course Description:
User experience and user interface design (UX/UI Design) process and universal design principles evolve as the students apply them by design... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
DSN1731
Course Name:
Innovative Strategies
Course Description:
Innovative thinking is the study and practice of creative problem-solving. It is integral to developing new design concepts and generally se... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may pursue careers as designers through a variety of entry-level positions in graphic design or advertising agencies, motion design or interactive design studios, television and the entertainment and game industry. Graduates may also pursue freelance opportunities.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
- The Graphic Design program is part of the College`s BYOD program; as such, a Macintosh laptop is mandatory equipment. The base model 15 MacBook Pro is the minimum required model.
- Students should also come equipped with a mouse and a mouse pad of their choice. Apple`s AppleCare warranty is a good idea, though not mandatory. Computers should be purchased either at an Apple Retail store or at Apple`s online education store www.ca_edu_107689 store.apple.com.
- A basic Wacom drawing tablet (or equivalent) is also a suggested purchase, but not required.
- An external 2TB hard drive used for backups is also mandatory.
- No printer or scanner is required.
- Additionally, in each year of study, books, project materials and supplies cost approximately $500.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Submit a portfolio of 10-15 samples of your best work. Portfolio submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages. Interested applicants are welcome to address any portfolio-related inquiries to the coordinators of the program.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Program Code 1400X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
David Bromley
Program Coordinator
David is originally from Perth, Ontario and studied graphic design at Sheridan College. He has worked extensively in the graphic design industry for over 45 years, covering all aspects of design but his focus is on logos. He has designed many popular logos for clients such as OC Transpo, Chez106, Ottawa Rough Riders Football, Lake 88.1FM Perth, Canada Pork International, CHEZ FM, Lanark County Tourism, the 200th Anniversary of Perth Ontario and many more. David’s freelance design includes working on various posters and promotional material for local theatres, businesses and non-for-profit organizations. As one of two coordinators in the Graphic Design program, David has worked to update curriculum and has overseen the delivery of this curriculum in India, where he travelled four times, to Algonquin’s former sister school in Faridabad, New Delhi.
When he is not strumming a tune on his banjo or playing a jig on his accordion, David likes to expand his artistic talents in pastel and acrylic painting, cord painting, and wood and lino-block hand pulled prints. David has exhibited and sold his artwork both locally and internationally and donates his professional time and expertise when he can, to charitable organizations. David has been teaching Graphic Design at Algonquin College for the last 28 years (5 years part time and 23 years full time). In 2014 David received The Laurent Isabelle Teaching Excellence Award which recognizes a faculty member who has consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in teaching, has contributed to student success, and has fostered the professional growth of their colleagues but his best reward is seeing the success in his current and former students.
Alain Paradis
Program Coordinator
Alain is an accomplished graphic designer and educator hailing from Ottawa. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa and a Graphic Design diploma from Collège La Cité. Alain is a member in good standing of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario, demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence. Ever the dedicated learner, Alain is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the administration of higher education, further expanding his expertise. His passion for design and education has driven his career.
With over 25 years of experience in the design industry, Alain has operated a successful freelance business, serving a diverse range of small and medium-sized clients. Alain’s teaching career began in 1999 when he was recruited by Algonquin College’s Graphic Design program. Since then, he has shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with countless students, teaching a variety of courses, including Computer Graphics, Business of Graphic Design, and Typography. Alain brings his extensive academic and professional background to the classroom, along with a dedication to his craft and a commitment to student success.
Andrea Emery
Professor
Andrea is a seasoned graphic designer and illustrator with over 35 years of dedication to her field. She was born and raised in Montreal, earning her DEC in Illustration & Design from Dawson College. Her career began at McGill University where she started out as a junior designer and typesetter before moving to Ottawa. Over 15 years, Andrea worked for The Bytown Group, Banfield-Seguin, the Canadian Sports and Fitness Administration Center, the National Capital Commission, Calian eLearning and the Canadian Medical Protection Agency — ascending the ranks from junior designer to art director.
Driven by her passion for nurturing the next generation of designers, Andrea transitioned to academia, accepting a position as professor at Algonquin College. For over 20 years she has shared her wealth of industry experience and knowledge. Andrea is a member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario and continues to freelance, working with local businesses and non profits whose vision and mission align with her own values. In 2024 she won the Algonquin Students’ Association Faculty Recognition Award, inspiring countless students to reach new heights. Andrea is currently exploring and studying Data Visualization and visual storytelling, on the long track to completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She teaches in both the Graphic Design and Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design program.
When not in the classroom, Andrea paints and runs various workshops such as hand lettering and Ukrainian egg decorating. All of her left over time is devoted to cycling.
Angie Fahlman
Professor
Angie is a professional with over twenty-four years of experience in the design industry for international corporations, national sports and entertainment organizations, and professional associations. For thirteen years, Angie designed and directed creative for such organizations as (NHL) Ottawa Senator and Washington Capitals, (NBA) Washington Wizards, (WNBA) Washington Mystics, Verizon Center, Patriot Center, Canadian Tire Place, George Town Hoyas and TicketMaster. Additionally, for over twenty-four years, Angie ran a design company specializing in branding, user experience, interior spaces and creative materials for print and digital initiatives for organizations in Canada and the USA.
Angie completed a Master of Design (MDes) with Carleton University, where Angie contributed to several global design challenges with the World Design Organization (WDO). The design challenges included global community participants for solution-based directives for United Nations Women (UNW) and the International Space Station National Laboratories (ISSNL).
Angie is a professor with thirteen years of post-secondary pedagogical practice in creative disciplines. Angie enjoys inspiring creative minds to transcend their design skills and maximize their problem-solving abilities. Hence, students design purposefully, accelerating the user experience, enhancing the creative process and improving the human condition.
Wendy Warren
Professor
Wendy is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in web development. With a passion for teaching, Wendy specializes in guiding talented graphic design artists through the intricacies of the web. Wendy’s career has been dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, constantly researching emerging trends and technologies to ensure her students receive the most up-to-date education available.
Wendy believes that by blending design principles with coding expertise, students can create truly impactful and visually stunning websites. One of the most rewarding aspects of Wendy’s job is witnessing that “aha” moment when a student grasps a complex concept and begins to apply it confidently in their projects. Wendy takes immense joy in nurturing this growth and fostering a genuine enthusiasm for web development in each of her students.
Beyond the classroom, Wendy remains actively engaged in the industry, participating in conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects to ensure that her knowledge remains current and relevant. Her dedication to both teaching and professional development underscores her commitment to preparing the next generation of web developers for success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Andrew Miller
Part-time Professor
A graduate from Algonquin College’s Graphic Design program, Andrew brings over 10 years of experience in Motion Design to the table. His expertise is marked by collaborations with local studios on numerous campaigns for clients such as the NAC, Government of Canada, the CFL and the University of Toronto, as well as international brands including the Smithsonian, Dell, and Koodo. Andrew’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, from projection-based exhibits to large-scale multi-screen conferences and broadcast television title sequences. His passion for motion design is evident in his dedication to storytelling that resonates with audiences across various platforms. Fuelled by his passion and infectious enthusiasm, he has naturally transitioned into the realm of education. Since 2016, he has been teaching diverse Motion Design courses at Algonquin College, an experience that brings him satisfaction and constant inspiration.
When Andrew isn’t busy crafting one of his thoughtful motion-based puns, he enjoys ‘easing in’ to a graphic novel, taking a ‘loop’ through town on his bicycle with his son, and ‘masking’ his excitement when someone recognizes one of his puns.
Travis Gobeil
Part-time Professor
Travis is an Ottawa native who has been working as a professional Graphic Designer since 2002. One of the first graduates of Algonquin College’s expanded 3-year Graphic Design Program, Travis aspired to be equal parts creative and technical. In the last two decades, he has worked for start-ups, agencies, non-profits and has been freelancing independently since 2009. Previous job titles include Prepress Operator, In-House Designer, Front-end Designer/Developer, Creative Director, Illustrator, and UX Researcher. He has worked for every type of client and done almost every type of work. Travis has been teaching at Algonquin part-time since 2006, as aspires to be a full-time professor. Travis has several creative side-projects including bands, writing, and an online webcomic.