• Application Deadline: 
    March 1
  • Program Code: 
    570.G0
  • DEC in: 
    Graphic Design
  • Program Length: 
    3 years

The Graphic Design Program will prepare you to work in a dynamic, evolving industry. You will study in an engaging environment with teachers who can deliver one-on-one instruction for a truly unique college experience. You will learn the foundational drawing techniques as well as the digital skills necessary to meet the needs of your clientele. You will also acquire the confidence to manage projects independently and build an impressive portfolio of work.

The teachers in this program prepare us for professional life by sharing experience, knowledge and valuable lessons about the design world.
— Vivian B.

FAQ

  • To communicate effectively using graphic design
  • To develop graphic design for branding, publication design, advertising, packaging, websites and other promotional material
  • To use the software used in the industry, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and others
  • To use website design and multimedia applications
  • To explore the creative and technical aspects of graphic design

Graduates of the Graphic Design Program often pursue careers in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, multimedia studios and publishing houses. Others work independently as freelance graphic designers. Graduates can also choose to continue on to university studies in Design, Arts, Marketing, Communication Studies, Animation and more.

As a student in the Graphic Design Program, you will have access to the most advanced industry-level computer labs, a multipurpose studio and complete printing facilities. Third-year students enjoy individual work stations as they prepare their final portfolios for exhibition.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by leaders of the industry and enter design contests in order to hone your skills throughout your college career.

  • A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES
  • Secondary V Art is considered an asset
  • Portfolio

Academic Information

Course List

The Course List displayed here is for the most recent version of the program only. Current students should always consult their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on myDawson.

Term 1

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
510-911-DW Basic Drawing 1 - 2 - 2 45 
520-921-DW Art and Design History 2 - 1 - 2 45 
570-161-DW Typography I 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-162-DW Introduction to Page Layout Software 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-163-DW Colour and Communication 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-164-DW Basic Design I 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-165-DW Introduction to Vector Graphics Software 1 - 2 - 1 45 
General Education
603-101-MQ Introduction to College English 2 - 2 - 4 60 
109-10x-MQ Physical Education 101 or 102    
COM-001-03 Complementary 1 2 - 1 - 3 45 
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Term 2

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
510-921-DW Life and Still Life Drawing 1 - 2 - 2 45 
510-922-DW 3D Foundations 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-261-DW Typography 2 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-262-DW Photography for Graphic Design 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-263-DW Typographic Grid Systems 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-264-DW Basic Design 2 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-266-DW Digital Imaging I 1 - 2 - 1 45 
General Education
603-10x-DW English 102 or 103 2 - 2 - 3 60 
109-10x-MQ Physical Education 101 or 102    
602-10x-MQ French Block A 2 - 1 - 3 45 
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Term 3

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
570-361-DW Typographic Explorations 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-362-DW Photographic Lighting for Graphic Design 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-363-DW Pictogram and Icon Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-365-DW Illustration Techniques 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-366-DW Digital Imaging 2 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-368-DW Visual Communication I 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-369-DW Print and Web Production Processes 1 - 2 - 1 45 
General Education
603-10x-DW English 102 or 103 2 - 2 - 3 60 
345-101-MQ Knowledge 3 - 1 - 3 60 
109-103-MQ Physical Activity and Autonomy 1 - 1 - 1 30 
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Term 4

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
570-461-DW Semiotics and Visual Communication 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-462-DW Motion Graphics 1 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-463-DW Logotype Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-465-DW Explorations in Printed Illustration 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-466-DW Advertising Design 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-468-DW Visual Communication 2 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-469-DW Web Design I 1 - 2 - 1 45 
General Education
603-BXE-DW Applied Themes in English 2 - 2 - 2 60 
345-102-MQ World Views 3 - 0 - 3 45 
602-10x-DW Block B French 2 - 1 - 3 45 
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Term 5

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
570-560-DW 2D and 3D Technical Production for Print 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-561-DW Professional Graphic Design Practice I 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-562-DW Motion Graphics 2 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-563-DW E-book Design 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-565-DW Explorations in Video Production 1 - 2 - 2 45 
570-566-DW Information Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-568-DW Packaging Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-569-DW Web Design 2 1 - 2 - 1 45 
General Education
COM-002-03 Complementary 2 2 - 1 - 3 45 
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Term 6

Course Number Course Name C - L - H Hrs
Concentration
570-661-DW Professional Graphic Design Practice 2 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-662-DW Interactive Design and Motion Graphics 1 - 5 - 2 90 
570-663-DW Publication Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-665-DW Branding Design 1 - 5 - 2 90 
570-666-DW Social and Cultural Promotional Design 1 - 2 - 1 45 
570-668-DW Production Constraints 2 - 1 - 1 45 
General Education
345-BXH-DW Applied Ethics in Humanities 3 - 0 - 3 45 
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Course List Updated: March 27, 2023

Application Deadline

March 1



Last Modified: October 8, 2020