Graphic and Digital Design — Bachelor of Fine Arts
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.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Develop a professional foundation in communication design, brand identity, dynamic media, and interactive design.
- Build integrative skills through creative leadership, elective options, and work experience.
- Provide a solid foundation in design thinking and digital skills for diverse professional settings.
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic and Digital Design at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) equips students with the skills and knowledge to become successful visual communicators. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students gain expertise in various design fields, including:
- Communication design: Creating visual messages for effective communication and engagement.
- Brand identity: Developing and managing visual elements that represent a brand's personality and values.
- Dynamic media: Designing and producing engaging content for digital platforms, such as video, animation, and interactive experiences.
- Interactive design: Creating user-centered interfaces and experiences for websites and applications. The program emphasizes practical application, with students tackling real-world projects and issues using industry-standard digital tools. Students also benefit from:
- Mentored by dedicated faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who are active in the field.
- Industry-standard tools and labs: Gain hands-on experience with the latest design software and technologies.
- Engagement with the creative industry: Participate in events, guest lectures, study tours, workshops, and internships.
- Creative community involvement: Showcase work at exhibitions, portfolio shows, and industry nights.
Optional Streams:
- Dynamic Media: Focus on animation, motion graphics, and interactive media.
- Interactive Design: Specialize in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
- Communication Design: Emphasize visual communication principles and strategies.
- Visual Identity: Develop expertise in branding and visual identity development.
Career Preparation:
Graduates are prepared for careers in various creative industries, including:
- Graphic design
- Web design
- User interface (UI)/User experience (UX) design
- Motion graphics
- Animation
- Marketing and advertising
Teaching:
- Mentored by dedicated faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who are active in the field.
- Industry-standard tools and labs: Gain hands-on experience with the latest design software and technologies.
- Industry engagement: Participate in events, guest lectures, study tours, workshops, and internships.
Careers:
- Career outlook: High demand for skilled visual strategists due to the rise of digital platforms.
- Job opportunities: Graphic designer, web designer, user experience designer, visual influencer, and more.
- Career progression: Senior designer, art director, creative director with experience and further education.
- Additional skills: Photography, motion graphics, interactive design, marketing, copywriting, public speaking.
Other:
- Creative community involvement: Participate in exhibitions, portfolio shows, open houses, and industry nights.
Overview:
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. UFV is known for its commitment to accessibility and its focus on providing a student-centered learning experience.
Services Offered:
UFV provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Student Services:
Support for student life, including financial aid, career counseling, and health and wellness services.IT Service Desk:
Technical support for students and faculty.Bookstore:
Purchase textbooks, course materials, and UFV merchandise.Shuttle Bus:
Transportation between UFV campuses and surrounding areas.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UFV offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Join student groups based on interests, hobbies, and career aspirations.Athletics:
Participate in varsity sports or recreational activities.Events:
Attend campus events, concerts, and workshops.Community Engagement:
Get involved in volunteer opportunities and community initiatives.Key Reasons to Study There:
Accessible and Inclusive Environment:
UFV is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.Student-Centered Approach:
The university prioritizes student success and provides personalized support.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs cater to various interests and career goals.Strong Faculty:
Experienced and dedicated faculty members provide high-quality instruction.Vibrant Campus Life:
Opportunities for students to connect with peers, explore their passions, and build a sense of community.Academic Programs:
UFV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Agriculture:
Agricultural Science, Agriculture Management, Agriculture Technology, and various certificates.Aviation:
Aviation Diploma, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, and Integrated Studies with an Aviation theme.Business and Management:
Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing and Sales, and various certificates.Computer Systems and Technology:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Automation and Robotics Technician, Computer Information Systems, Computing Science, Digital Manufacturing, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Library Information and Technology, Media Arts, and Data Analysis.Creative Arts and Design:
Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts, and various diplomas.Earth and Environmental Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographic Information Systems.Education:
Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Education, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Integrated Learning Design, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, School and Community Support Worker, and Teaching English as a Second Language.Graduate Studies:
Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Migration and Citizenship, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, Program Evaluation, and Social Work.Health Sciences and Services:
Certified Dental Assistant, Child Life and Community Health, Health Care Assistant, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Practical Nursing.History and Culture:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Art History, Arts, Creative Writing, Diaspora Studies, English, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Language Proficiency, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Stó:lō Studies, and Theatre.Indigenous Studies:
Indigenous Studies, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus), and Stó:lō Studies.Interdisciplinary Programs:
Diaspora Studies, Early Modern Studies, General Studies, Global Development Studies, Graphic Design, India-Canada Studies, Indigenous Studies, Integrated Learning Design, Integrated Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and various certificates.Media and Communications:
Arts, Communications, Creative Writing, English, Essentials of Journalism, French, Graphic and Digital Design, Language Proficiency, Liberal Arts, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Media Literacy, and Professional Communications Essentials.Office Administration:
Applied Business Technology, Advanced Medical Office Assistant, Bookkeeping for Small Business, Dental Office Receptionist, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing Unit Clerk, Records Management, and Veterinary Administrative Assistant.Legal and Criminal Justice:
Criminal Justice, Political Science, Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, and various diplomas.Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Geography, Physics, Data Analysis, Science, and various diplomas.Social Work & Human Services:
Child and Youth Care, Diaspora Studies, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, School and Community Support Worker, Social Service Worker, Social Work, and various diplomas.Society, Politics, and Policy:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Arts, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, Global Development Studies, International and Development Studies, Liberal Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Program Evaluation, Psychology, and Sociology.Trades:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Collision Repair and Refinish, Automation and Robotics Technician, Automotive Service, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Digital Manufacturing, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Plumbing and Piping, Trades Management, and Welding.Upgrading:
Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and Workplace TASK.Other:
UFV is situated on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The university acknowledges and respects the Stó:lō's historical and cultural connection to the land.
Entry Requirements:
High School Completion:
- Applicants must have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Specific course requirements include English 12 and either pre-calculus or calculus (or equivalent).
- Applicants with relevant work experience may be considered for mature student entry.
International Students:
- International students must meet all regular admission requirements and provide proof of English language proficiency.
- Accepted English proficiency tests are:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88, with no section score below 20
- CAEL: Overall score of 70, with no section score below 60
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no section score below 54
Transfer Students:
- Transfer students with relevant college or university coursework may be eligible for advanced standing.
- Students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in transferable courses will be considered.
- Specific transfer course requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Accepted tests and required scores are outlined in the "International Students" section above.
Please Note:
- Admission requirements may vary slightly depending on the applicant's specific academic background and program availability.