Channel your creativity into a career as a graphic designer

Program code GRDE

Duration 3 Years

Credential Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Delivery Full-time

Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

This program is designed provide students with an education in the principles and practices of visual communication design. Students learn the skills and knowledge necessary to create effective designs for a wide range of both traditional and digital applications, including branding, editorial, advertising, information design, user interfaces, web and social media, and motion graphics. Throughout the program, students explore a variety of design topics, including layout, typography, composition, colour theory, and production. They develop skills in industry-standard software and tools while working in a hands-on, project-based learning environment. The depth and breadth of instruction in design and technology is reflected in the portfolio developed in this three-year program, preparing students to take on more creative and independent roles once they enter the workplace.

Please note: Most of this program is delivered in the downtown Barrie location (5 Ross St.) with Student Services offered at the main Barrie Campus. The Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre is located just minutes away from the waterfront. You’ll learn in our fully equipped studios using industry standard tools, and you’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in your field and real-world clients.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Barrie Downtown

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Graphic Design program?

Graphic Design admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status

Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process
All applicants must submit 3 to 5 samples of creative work that represents their interest in the field of Graphic Design. Samples may be created using digital or traditional media (ie; sketches, paintings, photography, graphic design work – print or digital, etc.). Work can be submitted in pdf or jpeg format, or you may provide a link to an online portfolio. We accept submissions by e-mail only. For email submissions, send to the Academic Program Assistant at portfolios@georgiancollege.ca. Please include your name, student number and OCAS number.

Please note, successful graduates of the Art and Design Fundamentals one-year Certificate program (Program Major: AADF) at Georgian College are exempt from this requirement.

Contact the program coordinator to obtain additional information.

Why take the Graphic Design program at Georgian College?

What career paths can I take as a graphic designer?

Your Graphic Design diploma gives you many career opportunities

At an entry-level of responsibility, graduates create and produce effective visual communications, in print and digital media, within constraints set by employers, clients, and the market. Graduates may find employment with design studios, advertising agencies, newspapers and magazines (online and print), web/interactive studios, corporations with in-house design departments, government agencies, or educational institutions. Graduates may also choose to work independently as freelance graphic designers.

What courses are included in the Graphic Design diploma program?

Course overview

28 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
4 General Education Courses
1 Field Training

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Graphic Design program outline.