Program Overview

Graphic Design for Marketing

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design for Marketing is a challenging four-year (eight semester), 120-credit program. Our innovative curriculum includes a broad range of project work, including:

• Web and integrated media design
• Information and publication design
• Packaging and display design
• Corporate communications, branding and advertising design
• UX/UI research, prototyping and design

Project work challenges you to conceptualize, experiment, and innovate to create designs that solve problems. You’ll also fine-tune your research and writing skills to create design briefs, write reports, and produce research studies. The end result will be a market-ready portfolio.

Our cohorts of 22 students per year ensure that you’ll receive one-on-one attention from your instructors in a supportive and collaborative environment. In our studios, you'll use the same tools as graphic design professionals, including large-scale colour plotters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and a maker's workshop.

Applicants with experience in the graphic design field may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Depending on seat availability, we allow working professionals looking to upgrade their skills to take single courses or enroll on a part-time basis. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

Students may obtain transfer credit for course work taken in other programs at KPU, or at other institutions. All applications for transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information about transfer credit applications, please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Admission Requirements

Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your Portfolio and other required documents through an online submission platform.

Your portfolio is your chance to show us your creative skills and interests. Our Admission Requirements section will help you submit the strongest portfolio possible.

Tuition and Fees

For information on tuition, please visit our Tuition Estimator. There are also mandatory student fees and other fees that you are subject to. You should also be prepared to spend approximately $600-$1000 per year on books and materials.

You may be eligible for scholarships, student loans or other financial aid. Visit Student Awards and Financial Assistance for more information.

Laptop Requirements

The Graphic Design for Marketing program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. To find out minimum specifications and recommended software, please visit Equipment & Software.

Career Information

Graduates of the GDMA program are prepared for a wide range of entry-level graphic design positions:

• Generalist graphic designers for corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and agencies in general marketing or communications roles that draw on their graphic design skills
• In-house graphic designers for large corporations or institutions with their own marketing communications department
• Specialist graphic designers with expertise in UX and UI design, packaging design, advertising design and display design
• Freelance or entrepreneur designers with the business and marketing savvy needed to launch their own businesses

Today, the visual communication design field is broader than ever, and graphic designers have a wide range of career opportunities. Our graduates create brand identities for corporations, launch marketing campaigns for non-profits, and create everything from product packaging to websites to retail displays.

To see what our graduates are up to, check out our alumni page.