Program Overview

Program Overview

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic and Digital Design Major

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic and Digital Design Major is designed to develop a professional foundation in four fields of design practice: communication design, brand identity, dynamic media, and interactive design. Students will build integrative skills through creative leadership, elective options, and work experience essential to creative practice.

Program Objectives

• Develop a professional foundation in graphic and digital design
• Build integrative skills through creative leadership, elective options, and work experience
• Prepare students for a career in the creative industry or further education in the arts or a complementary discipline

Program Structure

• Four fields of design practice: communication design, brand identity, dynamic media, and interactive design
• Creative leadership, elective options, and work experience
• Optional streams in Dynamic Media, Interactive Design, Communication Design, or Visual Identity

Career Outlook

The emergence of digital platforms has increased the demand for skilled visual strategists. Every brand needs a designer to boost the visual impact of its communications in order to engage, motivate, inform, and inspire action.

• With the decline of print, the demand for designed experiences that span all media is increasing
• More and more businesses and organizations are hiring designers for in-house positions to manage their brands
• Exponential growth in the digital media sector is creating openings for web designers, user experience or user interface designers, and other visual influencers

Career Opportunities

• Skilled visual strategists
• Designers for in-house positions
• Web designers, user experience or user interface designers, and other visual influencers
• Leadership positions such as senior designer, art director, or creative director

Program Details

• Mentored by dedicated faculty who are active in the field
• Real-world projects and issues using industry-standard digital tools in UFV's networked studios and labs
• Opportunities to engage with the creative industry through special events, guest lectures, study tours, field trips, workshops, practicum, and mentorship opportunities
• Engagement with the larger creative community at department events such as exhibitions, an annual portfolio show, open houses, and industry nights

Minor and Extended Minor Options

• Graphic and Digital Design minor or extended minor
• Combine an extended minor in Graphic design with another extended minor in one of five fine arts disciplines, including Art History and Visual Studies, Creative Writing, Media and Communication Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts.