Graphic Design | Cambrian College (2024)

Programs

PAGDSchool of Creative Industries

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Graphic Design | Cambrian College (1)

  • Key Details
  • Program Overview
  • Program Highlights
  • Admissions
  • Program Delivery
  • Program of Study
  • Fees
  • Career Outcomes

Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2024

January 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates

Program Delivery

Hybrid / Full-time

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Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Duration

6

Semesters

Program Overview

Graphic Design | Cambrian College (4)Graphic Design | Cambrian College (5)

Combine creativity with strategy and design your best life

Cambrian challenges you to ramp up your creative talents with real-world projects and gain the graphic design skills to go pro. Our curriculum covers all aspects of a compelling career as a professional visual designer, delivered by experienced faculty who are practicing graphic designers. Take your work from concept sketch to strategic design by learning to manipulate space, type, images, motion, code, production equipment, and colour.

Career-focused, with attention to both traditional methods and new technology, you’ll sharpen your concept development skills with strategic and critical thinking. You’ll refine ideas in branding, advertising, environmental design, print and page production, website development, and more, all with your personal flair. You’ll graduate with a professional-grade portfolio prized by potential employers and freelance clients.

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • 5-week placement with industry pros in the fifth semester
  • Industry-standard technology, software, and production equipment (Risograph Press, Process Printers, Professional Photography Studio and more)
  • Opportunities for paid design-related work
  • Annual 3-day field trip to RGD Design Thinkers Conference in Toronto with studio tour
  • Automatic registration as student members of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) with pro perks

Admissions

Admission requirements

or graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations

  • Grade 11 or 12 Credits in Visual Arts and/or Media Arts (M) or (O)
  • Computer competency in relevant software (Adobe Creative Cloud)

The purchase of a laptop is required in first semester. In third semester, students will be required to purchase a digital camera. Students in the Graphic Design program are also student members of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), and graduates are eligible for Provisional RGD status upon graduation.

Graphic Design | Cambrian College (6)

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

  • Academic Upgrading

Program Delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1: Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 5: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 6: Winter 2027

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1: Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2025
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 5: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 6: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
AFP1120Fundamentals of Drawing3
AFP1135Introduction to Digital Photography3
ART1006Digital Design I4
ART1106Design Foundations I4
ART1230Intro Graphic Design3
COM1001Art and Design Communication3
ADV1102Advertising Design3
Credits23
Semester 2
AFP1225Analytical Drawing3
ART1109Design Foundations II3
ART2351Digital Design II3
ART2346Typography I3
ART1246Copywriting I3
ADV1106Digital Advertising3
One General Education course. 13
Credits21
Semester 3
ART1110Production Design4
ART2305Illustration I3
ART2496Accessible Design3
ART2456Advanced Photography3
ART2375Typography II3
ART2360Website Design 3
One General Education course. 13
Credits22
Semester 4
ART1111Package Design4
ART1112Editorial Design4
ART1113Visual Identity I4
ART2416Illustration II3
ART2461Website Development3
ART1126Studio Photography3
One General Education course. 13
Credits24
Semester 5
ART1010Motion Graphics I4
ART1114Visual Identity II4
ART3595Work Placement5
WEB1040Content Management Systems 3
ART3687Creative Thesis Project5
Credits21
Semester 6
ART1011Motion Graphics II4
ART1127Professional Practices3
ART3612Portfolio Preparation5
ART3686Advanced Website Applications5
ART3567Advanced Design Applications4
Credits21
Total Credits132
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, clickhere.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,379.55Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$17,991.58Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

  • Learn more about fees

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

Graphic Design | Cambrian College (7)

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

  • Learn more

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Creative Industries

Looking to further your craft and pursue a career where your creativity can lead to a fulfilling career? At Cambrian, a program in Creative Industries allows you to tap into your talents and develop skills that can allow you to pursue that ideal job. You’ll learn from industry professionals who have been able to create and succeed in the modern workplace.

Learn more

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Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

According to the RGD Creative Earners Salary Survey (2021-2022), Junior Graphic Designers (those recently out of a college program) average a salary of $44,000/ year. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Graphic design firms & studios
  • Web & new media studios
  • App & software start-ups
  • Advertising & marketing agencies
  • Architectural firms
  • Motion picture & television studios
  • Editorial & literary publishing houses
  • Educational institutions
  • Government agencies
  • Commercial printing industry
  • In-house marketing & design departments

Graphic Design | Cambrian College (9)Graphic Design | Cambrian College (10)Graphic Design | Cambrian College (11)

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

  • Take a virtual tour

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

  • View BYOD details

Graphic Design | Cambrian College (13)

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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FAQs

What is the best college major for graphic design? ›

In graphic design, schools tend to offer either a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or both. Both programs will be similar, though BA programs may be more theoretical, while BFA programs may be more technical and creative.

What college has the best graphic design program? ›

2. The best graphic design schools
  1. Rhode Island School of Design. ...
  2. Parson's School of Design | The New School. ...
  3. The Pratt Institute. ...
  4. ArtCenter College of Design. ...
  5. Maryland Institute of Art (MICA) ...
  6. Carnegie Mellon School of Design. ...
  7. Yale University School of Art. ...
  8. 8. California College of the Arts.
Oct 27, 2023

Which degree course is best for graphic design? ›

The best graphic design degrees for your career goals are typically Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design, or related programs in Visual Communication, Digital Media Design, or Interactive Design.

Is college worth it for a graphic designer? ›

Qualify for senior-level positions: Earning a degree typically gives you the additional design and business skills and knowledge needed to qualify for higher-level positions or receive stronger salary offers.

What type of graphic designers make the most money? ›

High Paying Graphic Designer Jobs
  • Graphic Engineer. Salary range: $140,000-$159,000 per year. ...
  • Graphics Artist. Salary range: $127,000-$152,000 per year. ...
  • Mac Artist. Salary range: $127,000-$152,000 per year. ...
  • Brand Designer. ...
  • Design Checker. ...
  • Senior Designer. ...
  • Marketing Designer. ...
  • Senior Graphic Designer.

Is graphic design a good major career? ›

Is Graphic Design a Good Career FAQs. Is graphic design in high demand? Yes, graphic design is in high demand due to the increasing need for visual communication in various industries, such as advertising, marketing, and media.

Is graphic design hard in college? ›

“Is graphic design hard?” — this is a common question that many aspiring designers ask. The answer is both yes and no. The level of difficulty in graphic design varies depending on various factors, including your ability to break down complex processes into simple, manageable steps.

Is it smart to major in graphic design? ›

While having a degree isn't required to become a graphic designer, it can pay off in more ways than you might expect. Earning a degree shows potential employers that you committed time and effort to overcome challenges and hone the skills necessary for the job.

Is graphic design a competitive major? ›

Graphic design is a highly competitive field, but there are ways to edge out the competition. In this article, we'll explore what it's like working as a freelance graphic designer to help you decide if this career path is right for you.

Is graphic design a 2 or 4 year degree? ›

A bachelor's degree is the most popular option for aspiring graphic designers since a four-year degree provides a strong understanding of graphic design theory, history and practice. Most employers expect to hire candidates with bachelor's degrees.

How much a graphic designer earns? ›

Graphic Designer salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.1 Lakhs to ₹ 7.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.8 Lakhs.

Is it hard to be a graphic designer? ›

Learning graphic design is not hard, but it does require creative thinking, an aptitude towards art and design, and time and dedication. Graphic design requires learning the necessary tools, as well as understanding and applying the principles and theories of design.

Will AI replace graphic designers? ›

AI isn't going to replace graphic designers but what it can do is complement and enrich their work. And it's already begun.

What does graphic design fall under in college? ›

Colleges may offer a graphic design degree as a concentration within an art degree or as a standalone degree. Many schools offer online bachelor's degrees in graphic design. The curriculum usually includes a general education foundation with additional courses in art history, art theory, and composition.

What college has the best graphic design program in Canada? ›

FAQs
#Colleges
#1Laval University Quebec, Canada59%ACPT RateApply Now Compare
#2Vancouver Island University British Columbia, Canada98%ACPT RateApply Now Compare
#3St. Thomas University Newbrunswick, Canada49%ACPT RateApply Now Compare
#4University of Quebec at Chicoutimi Quebec, Canada88%ACPT RateApply Now Compare
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Where is the highest demand for graphic designers? ›

The best cities for graphic designers are New York, NY, Virginia Beach, VA, and North Las Vegas, NV, based on factors like average salary and job availability per capita. Jobs and pay for graphic designers vary across the country, but we've determined the ten best cities for graphic designers in the U.S.

Who should study graphic design? ›

Being a creative person helps because graphic design is an essential part of communication and expression so you need a creative mindset to do this. It can help to create a cohesive look for an organization, create a message that is easily understood, and help to promote a product or service.

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