About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 3 Year Advanced Diploma
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0177 P0177
  • Delivery Length: 3 Years
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Overview

Do you enjoy working with the latest technology to create eye-catching, original designs?

As a Graphic Designer, you are an integral part of the communications team who thrives on transforming a concept or idea into an organization’s identity, brand or visual language.

Highlights
  • Hands-on, experiential learning in state-of-the-art design studios and computer labs equipped with Macs and Wacom tablets.

  • Emphasis on the theoretical and practical application of design principles.

  • Over 1,800 hours of practical design studio and production experience.

  • Graduates find employment in one of Canada’s largest industries in studios, ad agencies and in-house design departments working with photographers, illustrators, writers, marketing strategists, typographers and printers.

  • Our maker space houses traditional printing presses, metal and wood type, bookbinding equipment, silkscreen setup, laser cutter, 3D printer, large format printer/vinyl cutter—everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

Career Opportunities
  • Creative director
  • Graphic designer (freelance or in-house)
  • Web designer
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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1150 Communications for Media Studies 3
DSGN1168 Applied Digital Technology I 3
DSGN1169 Design Appreciation 3
DSGN1170 Drawing Techniques 3
DSGN1171 Design I 3
DSGN1172 Typography I 3
PHOT1125 Digital Photography for Designers 3
Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
DSGN1268 Applied Digital Technology II 3
DSGN1269 Colour Theory 3
DSGN1270 Conceptual Drawing 3
DSGN1271 Design II 3
DSGN1273 Digital Production Strategies 3
DSGN1272 Typography II 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
DSGN1369 Information Design 3
DSGN1370 Illustration Techniques 3
DSGN1371 Package Design 3
DSGN1372 Typography III 3
DSGN1373 Ideas and Images 3
DSGN1374 Web Design I 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term four (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
DSGN1469 Editorial Design 3
DSGN1470 Designing the 21st Century Book 3
DSGN1471 Critical Issues in Design 3
DSGN1472 Typography IV 3
DSGN1473 Time-Based Media 3
DSGN1474 Web Design II 3
DSGN1475 Corporate Identity 3
Term five (2026 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
DSGN1525 Professional Practice 3
DSGN1526 Thesis I 6
DSGN1527 Web Design III 3
DSGN1528 Digital Illustration 3
COMM1321 Communications for Graphic Design I 2
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term six (2027 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1422 Commercial and Creative Writing II 2
DSGN1626 Design Workshop 6
DSGN1627 Web Design IV 4
DSGN1628 Portfolio and Exhibition 3
DSGN1629 Concept to Market 3
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project

  2. employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user

  3. plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief

  4. design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies

  5. communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others

  6. plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.

  7. use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks

  8. complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations

  9. keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Visual Arts – Grade 11 (M) or (O) or Grade 12 (M) or (O)
  • Art and Design Foundation program
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer/Technology Requirements
  • In order to successfully complete studies at Niagara College, it is recommended that each student have access to a personal computer or laptop.
  • We recommend students purchase Mac laptops or desktops with the same specifications or higher as the Macs in our labs. Our Mac labs have the following minimum configuration:
    • i5 processor
    • 5 Ghz 16 GB of ram
    • 256 GB SSD
    • Minimum 17 inch screen, 21.5 inch recommended
  • This program is taught in a Mac environment; some program software runs on a PC. Suggested minimum configurations for a PC are the same as listed above for a Mac.
  • Niagara College’s program labs offer computers on campus, but availability outside scheduled classes cannot be guaranteed.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Graphic Design program below.

  • From NC to
    Conestoga College Bachelor of Design (Honours) Canada
  • From NC to
    Griffith University Bachelor of Design Australia
  • From NC to
    Yorkville University Bachelor of Creative Arts Canada
Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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The professors are more like mentors. They are people who are willing to spend hours before and after class discussing different ways to approach different problems, not just in an academic sense but in a way that has helped me in the professional world. To this day, I still keep in touch to ask questions when I feel stuck and they don’t hesitate to provide me with their thoughts. They are truly a wonderful group.

Erik Teibert, program graduate

The feeling of both an inclusive atmosphere created by the teachers and others students greatly met and exceeded my expectations.

Dawson, program graduate
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Explore Student Work

D is for Design

Visit disfordesign.ca to check out the work of our graduating class as they showcase their portfolios, thesis projects, and celebrate the culmination of three-years of creativity, hard-work and innovation!

Explore Student Work
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