Bachelor of Design

The Bachelor of Design program at the University of Alberta is a comprehensive and innovative degree that focuses on socially responsible and sustainable design. The program offers a range of specializations, including Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design, and allows students to choose from various program routes, such as Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, or the General Route.

Why Study Design at the University of Alberta?

The University of Alberta's Faculty of Arts boasts one of the most diverse Arts programs in Canada, offering top-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in every sector of society. With over 900 distinct courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, students will find an academic pathway that suits their interests and goals. The faculty's nationally and internationally recognized members bring unique perspectives to the classroom, enhancing students' learning experience.

Why Study the General Route in the Bachelor of Design Program?

The General Route is the most flexible route in the Bachelor of Design program, allowing students to select options from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science. Students can combine Visual Communication Design and Industrial Design courses with Fine Arts courses and options to gain experience in various disciplines.

Program Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Design program, students must meet the following requirements:

One from the following courses: English Language Arts 30-1
One from the following subjects:
- Fine Arts
  - Performing Arts 35A
  - Drama 30
  - Choral Music 30
  - Adv Acting/Touring Theatre 35
  - Applied Graphic Arts 35
  - Audio 35
  - Ballet 35
  - Choir 35
  - CommunicationTech Adv(CTS-5Cr)
  - Contemporary Dance 35
  - Dance 35
  - Portfolio Art 35
  - Dance Composition 35
  - Design Thinking Innovation 35
  - Directing 35
  - Drawing(Adv Techn) 35(CTS-5Cr)
  - Film & Media Arts 35(CTS-5Cr)
  - Guitar 35
  - Instrumental Jazz 35
  - Jazz Dance 35
  - Musical Theatre Performance 35
  - Technical Theatre EPS 35
  - Pottery/Ceramics(Adv Techn) 35
  - Technical Theatre 35 (5Cr)
  - Theatre Arts 35
  - Vocal Jazz 35
  - Instrumental Music 30
  - Art 30
  - Art 31
  - Musical Theatre 35
  - General Music 30
- Humanities
  - History Americas 30 (IB)
  - Social Studies 30-1
  - Aboriginal Studies 30
  - Macro-Economics 30 and Micro-Economics 30
  - CTS-Enterprise&Innovat-5Credit
  - CTS-Financial Mgmt Adv-5Credit
  - CTS-Mgmt & Market Adv-5Credit
- Languages other than English
  - French 30-3Y
  - French Language Arts 20-1
  - Am Sgn Lng & Deaf Culture 35
  - Am Sign L & C 35-9Y
  - Spanish Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Spanish Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Spanish Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - Spanish Language Arts 30
  - Punjabi Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Punjabi Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - Punjabi Lang & Culture 35
  - Portuguese Lang &Culture 35-3Y
  - Hungarian Lang & Culture 35-3Y
  - Japanese Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Japanese Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Japanese Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - Dene Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
  - Filipino Lang & Culture 35-3Y
  - Korean Lang & Culture 35
  - Polish Language & Arts 35
  - Nakoda Lang & Culture 35-12Y
  - Polish Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
  - Polish Lang & Culture 35 - 3Y
  - Tsuut'ina Lang &Culture 35-12Y
  - Cree L & C 30-12Y
  - Cree Lang & Culture 30
  - Cree Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Cree Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Cree Language & Culture 30-9Y
  - Swedish L & C 35-3Y
  - Latin 30
  - Ukrainian Lang Arts 30
  - Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - German Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - German Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - German Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - German Language Arts 30
  - Arabic L & C 35-12Y
  - Arabic L & C 35-6Y
  - Arabic Language Arts 30
  - Italian Lang & Culture 30-12Y
  - Italian Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Italian Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Blackfoot Lang & Cult 30
  - Blackfoot Lang & Cult 30-12Y
  - Chinese Lang & Culture 30-3Y
  - Chinese Lang & Culture 30-6Y
  - Chinese Lang & Culture 30-9Y
  - Chinese Language Arts 30
  - Russian Lang & Culture 35 3Y
  - Francais 30-1
  - Francais 30-2
  - French 30-9Y
  - French 31
  - French Language Arts 30-1
  - French Language Arts 30-2
  - Hebrew Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
  - Hebrew Language Arts 35
- Math/Sciences
  - Mathematics 31
  - Mathematics 30-2*
  - Science 30
  - Biology 30
  - Computing Science ADV(CTS-5Cr)
  - Chemistry 30
  - Mathematics 30-1
  - Physics 30

Additional Requirements

Students must also submit a portfolio to meet the academic requirements for the program.

English Language Proficiency

The University of Alberta requires all students to have the language skills necessary to understand, participate, and learn in classes. The primary language of instruction is English, and students must meet the English Language Proficiency policy.

Indigenous Applicants

The University of Alberta is committed to encouraging Indigenous students to pursue higher education. The university's policy aims to increase opportunities for Indigenous students, with the goal of having an Aboriginal student population representative of the public it serves.

Deadline

The application deadline for the Fall semester is May 1, 2026, for both domestic and international students.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the program and student status. Students can use the cost calculator to estimate their tuition fees based on their program of choice, living arrangements, citizenship status, and other factors.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The University of Alberta offers over $52 million in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students each year. Additional scholarships are available for specific faculties and programs.

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Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Design Program