Graphic Design

Program Description

Throughout the program, your studies will focus on the creative aspects of designing and producing print, web-based and interactive graphic materials for use by corporate, publishing and advertising clients.

You’ll learn the principles, materials, and skills necessary to bring a design problem to a logical solution. In your first year, you’ll concentrate on developing your understanding of design fundamentals. Your second and third years will provide you with the opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of design problems. In your third year you'll design materials for print and the web, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a field placement.

Your studies will include visual design concepts, colour theory, drawing, typography, print production, advertising, corporate design, publications design, packaging design, website design and photography. Computer design skills are integrated into various subjects throughout the program. Upon graduation, you’ll be proficient in computer design applications in both the Mac and PC environments.

Note: This program is recommended for students interested in working as a designer within the communications industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards for all Ontario College Credential programs as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the following:

• develop and implement solutions to problems encountered in all phases of the graphic design process.
• create visual communications through the application of design theories and principles to develop effective design solutions.
• apply typographic skills and knowledge to create effective visual communications.
• use a variety of technologies to create, capture, and manipulate design elements in producing a final product.
• communicate effectively, credibly, and accurately with clients, supervisors, coworkers, and target audiences by using a variety of media.
• apply effective business practices and project management skills appropriate to his/her position in the graphic design field.
• develop personal and professional strategies and plans to improve job performance and professional relationships with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• In the event of oversubscription, applicant selection may be a two-step process. In Step 1, academic achievement (i.e. grades in pre-requisite subjects and/or scores in English and Reading Achievement Tests) and demonstration of written communication skills via academic achievement or written test may be used to select applicants who are eligible for Step 2. The second step will require attendance at an orientation session and the completion of program-related assignments. This includes satisfactory completion of a creative test and a drawing test. Three 8.5" x 11" design/art samples will be required. These samples will not be returned. Applicants who are unsuccessful in Step 1 will be notified by mail, and will not be included in Step 2 of the selection process.

Note: Although not required for admission, any art and/or computer graphics credit and keyboarding skills are suggested.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

The world of art and design is calling. With the Graphic Design advanced diploma program, you’ll turn your passion for design into a career in the communications industry. In three years you could enjoy a creative and challenging career as a graphic designer, web designer, in-house designer for a corporation, desktop publisher, advertising art director, multimedia designer or print production manager.

Affiliations and Associations

• Design Exchange
• Graphic Design Education Association
• The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Canada

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject for which EAC150 is the pre-requisite.

For more information, please visit our website at els.senecac.on.ca: http://els.senecac.on.ca.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Curriculum

* Each subject will run double time for half the semester; the other half will be Field Placement or In-Studio Practicum.

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