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Graphic Design Program Overview

From branding to book layouts, advertising to animated graphics, and packaging to digital signage, graphic designers have the power to express emotions, influence decisions and bring ideas to life. In Durham College’s comprehensive graphic design program, you’ll develop the skills to craft visually compelling and functional designs that resonate across diverse media.

Our graphic design courses immerse students in the creative process. Students learn to create functional and impactful designs in a multitude of contexts including advertisements, logos, brochures, magazine layouts, annual reports, motion graphics and more. Whether you’re interested in the fine details of branding or the dynamic world of motion graphics, this graphic arts program will equip you with the tools to excel in the design industry.

Graduates of our graphic design program are well prepared to pursue careers that could involve creating advertising and branding campaigns, designing corporate identity systems, designing eye-catching packaging and coming up with integrated content for media networks and the web.

If you have been looking for graphics and design programs, the graphic design program at Durham College could be perfect for you.

Intakes and Availability

• September 2025: Open for domestic and international students

Program Highlights

• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
• Senior-level visual or media arts credits or portfolio of work

Additional Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program MAY require the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their creative ability.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $3,188 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,775 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Design 1 (DESG 1104)
• Design Tools 1 (DESG 1105)
• New Media Design 1 (DESG 1106)
• Typography 1 (DESG 1107)
• Photography and Illustration (PHOT 1103)

Career Options

Graduates of the diploma in graphic design program are equipped with a diverse skill set and strong foundation in design principles, which can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

• Graphic designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• Freelance graphic designer
• Digital production designer
• Marketing coordinator
• Production artist
• Prepress technician
• Web designer
• Motion graphic designer
• Agency studio artist
• UX/UI designer
• Brand strategist
• Packaging designer
• Layout artist
• Exhibit designer
• Digital content creator
• Advertising designer

Experiential Learning

Your graphic design courses will be complemented by a 14-week field placement in the last semester of the graphic design program. The field placement provides you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice at an agency or studio under the supervision of an industry professional.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

If you would want to continue your education after completing your study in graphic design, Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.

• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Ontario Tech
• Bachelor of Professional Arts – Communication Studies – Athabasca University
• Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business - Davenport University
• Bachelor of Design - Griffith University
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (Honours) - Media Studies – Lakehead University
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design Communications – Technological University of the Shannon
• Bachelor of Education - Technological Education - York University

Tech Requirements for Graphic Design

• Laptop requirements: A Mac notebook computer is recommended.
• Software requirements:
  • Operating System (bundled with new notebook computer purchase)
  • Membership in Adobe Creative Cloud™ is included in your Student Fees and will be made available during your first week.
  • Microsoft Office (Available for free for students from Microsoft through your DC Mail account. Please do not buy it.)

Meet Your Faculty Experts

• Shaun Feldman
• Rhian Moore
• MaryRose Ouellette-Thaler