Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Graphic Design program at St. Lawrence College (Kingston Campus) is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares students for careers in the growing field of graphic design. The program focuses on developing students' creative potential and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths, including graphic designer, web designer, and art director. The program emphasizes the application of design thinking to solve complex communication problems and provides students with direct experience working with clients.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graphic Design program prepares students for direct entry into dynamic and rewarding work environments in the growing profession of Graphic Design. It's a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that trains students in the foundations of composition and layout, typography, colour, interactive and accessible design principles, and the use of industry-standard software. The program focuses on developing the creative potential of each student and prepares them for a career in various creative industries.
Outline:
- Semester 1:
- DESI 101: Graphic Design 1
- DESI 151: Colour Theory and Perception
- DESI 181: Typography 1
- DESI 191: Digital Tools 1
- COMM 110: Communications for College
- DESI 1002: Sketching and Ideation
- DESI 1003: Digital Media 1
- Semester 2:
- COMM 79: Communications for Graphic Designers 2
- DESI 102: Graphic Design 2
- DESI 111: Interaction Design 1
- DESI 171: Design Illustration
- DESI 182: Typography 2
- DESI 192: Digital Tools 2
- GENE: General Education Course
- Semester 3:
- DESI 201: Graphic Design 3
- DESI 211: Interaction Design 2
- DESI 261: Design History
- DESI 281: Typography 3
- DESI 291: Digital Tools 3
- DESI 2000: Digital Media 2
- Semester 4:
- DESI 202: Graphic Design 4
- DESI 212: Interaction Design 3
- DESI 231: Brand Identity Design 1
- DESI 282: Typography 4
- DESI 292: Web Applications
- GENE: General Education Course
- Semester 5:
- COMM 85: Career Planning and Portfolio Preparation
- DESI 301: Graphic Design 5
- DESI 311: Interaction Design 4
- DESI 331: Brand Identity Design 2
- DESI 381: Typography 5
- GENE: General Education Course
- Semester 6:
- DESI 251: Design Research
- DESI 351: Final Portfolio
- DESI 361: Graphic Design Field Placement
- DESI 391: Design Thinking Capstone Project
- DESI 3000: Entrepreneurship and Professional Practice
- DESI 3001: Graphic Design Production
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the Graphic Design program include:
- Formative assessments: Regular feedback throughout the program through critiques, quizzes, and class participation.
- Summative assessments: Evaluation of student learning at the end of each course through projects, presentations, and examinations.
- Portfolio development: Continuous development and refinement of a professional portfolio showcasing the student's skills and knowledge.
Teaching:
The Graphic Design program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lecture/discussion format: Interactive lectures combined with class discussions to enhance critical thinking and analysis skills.
- Studio-based learning: Hands-on learning in dedicated studio spaces with individual and collaborative projects.
- Project-based learning: Real-world projects with clients to apply design principles and gain practical experience.
- Industry-standard software: Training in industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud for professional design skills.
- Guest speakers: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights with students.
Careers:
Graduates of the Graphic Design program are prepared for diverse career paths in creative industries, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Brand Strategist
- Marketing Specialist
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Photographer
Other:
- The program has a dedicated studio, lecture, and Mac lab spaces for collaborative projects and social networking.
- The program emphasizes the application of design thinking to solve complex communication problems.
- Students gain direct experience working with clients throughout their final year of study.
- The program has a strong focus on developing professional skills and ethical design practices.
- Graduates are highly skilled and competitive in the job market.
St. Lawrence College
Overview:
St. Lawrence College is a public college in Ontario, Canada, offering a wide range of full-time and part-time programs across its three campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall, as well as online. The college boasts over 100 programs, including fast-track delivery, graduate certificates, and four-year degrees.
Services Offered:
St. Lawrence College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic & Student Success:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and other resources to help students succeed in their studies.Athletics & Recreation:
Intramural sports, fitness facilities, and recreational activities.Campus Services:
Information technology services, libraries, parking, and other essential services.Career Services:
Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Housing:
On-campus residence options for students.Indigenous Services:
Support and resources for Indigenous students.International Services:
Support for international students, including visa assistance and cultural adjustment programs.Student Life:
Student clubs and organizations, social events, and other activities to enhance the student experience.Student Wellness & Accessibility:
Counseling services, accessibility resources, and support for student well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
St. Lawrence College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with opportunities for students to connect with their peers, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop their leadership skills. The college provides a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Wide Range of Programs:
St. Lawrence College offers a diverse selection of programs across various fields of study, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations.Flexible Learning Options:
Students can choose from full-time, part-time, online, and blended learning options to suit their individual needs and schedules.Industry-Relevant Curriculum:
The college's programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in their chosen fields.Strong Industry Partnerships:
St. Lawrence College has strong connections with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable internship and job placement opportunities.Supportive Campus Community:
The college fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel supported and encouraged to succeed.Academic Programs:
St. Lawrence College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts, Media & Design:
Graphic Design, Photography, Music, and more.Business:
Business Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, and more.Community and Social Services:
Social Work, Child and Youth Care, and more.Graduate Certificates:
Specialized programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Paramedicine, and more.Hospitality & Culinary:
Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, and more.Justice Studies:
Criminal Justice, Law and Security, and more.Science & Technology:
Computer Programming, Engineering Technology, and more.Skilled Trades:
Carpentry, Electrician, and more.Other:
St. Lawrence College is committed to sustainability and has been awarded a Silver designation in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The college also has a strong focus on internationalization and welcomes students from around the world.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Students:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level.
- Completion of the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math at the C, U or M level
- Completion of the following prerequisites:
- Equivalent of Grade 12 English
- Equivalent of Grade 11 Math
- Completion of a course-related Portfolio Assignment
Additional Requirements:
- Required Computer Hardware: Starting in Fall 2023, students in the Graphic Design program will require access to a MacBook with the following specifications.
- Minimum:
- Intel 5th Gen or newer (M1)
- OSX 10.15 or higher
- 16GB RAM
- 2GB GPU VRAM
- 1280 x 800 video display
- Internal SSD - 250Gb - 500Gb
- 1280 X 800 Display
- Recommended:
- Intel 6th Gen or newer (M1)
- OSX 12.0 or higher
- 32GB RAM
- 4GB GPU VRAM
- 1080HD video display
- Internal SSD - 500Gb - 1Tb
- 1920 X 1080 or higher
- Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score on one of the following tests:
- TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with a minimum of 20 in each section
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- PTE Academic: 58 overall with a minimum of 50 in each section
- CAEL: 70 overall with a minimum of 60 in each section
- CanTEST: 4.5 overall with a minimum of 4.0 in each section
- The program may have additional requirements for specific applicant groups, such as mature students or students with prior learning experience.