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  • Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Ministry-approved title: Graphic Design


Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
GDES
Next Intake
September 2025
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD)
Length
Six semesters
Laptop
Learn more about laptop requirements
Delivery
Hybrid Learn more.
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PROGRAM
Information
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May 14 Register Now for Program Information Nights

Graphic Design Program Overview

From branding to book layouts, advertising to animated graphics, and packaging to digital signage, graphic designers have the power to express emotions, influence decisions and bring ideas to life. In Durham College’s comprehensive graphic design program, you’ll develop the skills to craft visually compelling and functional designs that resonate across diverse media.

Our graphic design courses immerse students in the creative process. Students learn to create functional and impactful designs in a multitude of contexts including advertisements, logos, brochures, magazine layouts, annual reports, motion graphics and more. Whether you’re interested in the fine details of branding or the dynamic world of motion graphics, this graphic arts program will equip you with the tools to excel in the design industry.

Graduates of our graphic design program are well prepared to pursue careers that could involve creating advertising and branding campaigns, designing corporate identity systems, designing eye-catching packaging and coming up with integrated content for media networks and the web.

If you have been looking for graphics and design programs, the graphic design program at Durham College could be perfect for you.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability PGWP eligible program. Learn more
September 2025OpenOpenApply now
ProgramHighlights
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Admission Requirements

To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
  • Senior-level visual or media arts credits or portfolio of work

Please note: For applicants who have a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit (C, M or U levels) on their high school transcript, a portfolio submission is not required to apply to take graphic design courses. Applicants without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, must submit a portfolio of work. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your graphic and design course application.

Additional requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program MAY require the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their creative ability.

For more information on submitting a portfolio, you are welcome to attend one of our Portfolio Information Sessions.

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.


Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $3,188 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,351 (CAD)

View full costs


Semester 1 Courses

In the first semester of the graphic design program, students build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of graphic design. 

Through a series of carefully planned graphic design courses, they explore essential principles of design, learning to create visually appealing compositions. Students also gain valuable experience using industry-standard tools and software, which are crucial for success in their graphic design courses and beyond.

The first semester’s courses in graphic design cover the basics of typography and introduce them to the fundamentals of new media design. Students also learn practical skills in photography and illustration in these initial classes in graphic design. The comprehensive introduction students receive in these introductory graphic design courses starts them on the core competencies they will need to succeed in the graphic design field. 

  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • Design 1 (DESG 1104)
  • Design Tools 1 (DESG 1105)
  • New Media Design 1 (DESG 1106)
  • Typography 1 (DESG 1107)
  • Photography and Illustration (PHOT 1103)

View all courses


Career Options

Graduates of the diploma in graphic design program are equipped with a diverse skill set and strong foundation in design principles, which can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

Whether you're drawn to the world of branding, the field of digital media, or the realm of advertising, there are numerous possibilities for how you can apply the skills and knowledge gained in your graphic design courses. The design industry offers an increasing number of paths for both personal expression and professional growth, making it an ideal field for those who excelled in their graphic design courses.

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Graphic designer 
  • Art director 
  • Creative director 
  • Freelance graphic designer 
  • Digital production designer 
  • Marketing coordinator 
  • Production artist 
  • Prepress technician 
  • Web designer 
  • Motion graphic designer 
  • Agency studio artist 
  • UX/UI designer
  • Brand strategist
  • Packaging designer
  • Layout artist
  • Exhibit designer
  • Digital content creator
  • Advertising designer

View all career options

Connect with us

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Graphic Design Program Details

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here. 

The six-semester graphic design program at Durham College prepares graduates for work as entry-level designers in a wide variety of professional roles and contexts.

Through a meticulously planned series of graphic design courses, students learn the skills required to solve specific visual problems through practical work, using cutting-edge hardware and software. Their graphic design courses cover a broad spectrum of visual communication in corporate, editorial, advertising and package design.

The program of studies in the first year lays the foundation for more advanced classes in graphic design. It includes the study of:

  1. Design concepts
  2. Motion graphics and web design
  3. Illustration and photography
  4. Fundamentals of design
  5. Typography 

In the second and third year of the graphic design program, students apply these principles to a variety of design problems. For example, they might work on developing a cohesive brand identity for a fictional company, which could involve creating a logo, selecting appropriate typography, and designing marketing materials that represent the brand and communicate its message effectively to the target consumer group. Another design problem commonly used in graphic design courses involves creating a layout for a magazine. In this work, students enrolled in the graphic design program have to figure out how to balance text and images while maintaining readability and visual appeal. Graphic design program students might also work on designing digital interfaces, solving issues related to user experience and functionality. These hands-on projects help students build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for real-world design scenarios.

Associated areas of study that overlap with graphic design and are often included in graphic design courses are:

  • Advertising
  • Branding and campaigns
  • Editorial and corporate design
  • Packaging
  • The business of graphic design 

Students who study the graphic design program may go on to specialize in one of these areas if they are drawn to them.

In Durham College’s Graphic Design program, students spend your their sixth semester off campus as an intern at a design or in-house studio, There, they get an opportunity to apply their accumulated knowledge and skill in a professional context, under the supervision of an experienced designer or team of graphic design specialists. 

Graphic Design Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing your classes in graphic design and your internship, you can expect to understand and be able to do the following:  

  1. Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
  2. Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
  3. Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
  4. Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
  5. Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others
  6. Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
  7. Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
  8. Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
  9. Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.

Graphic Design Program Admission Requirements

To apply to take graphic design courses in our program you will need:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
  • Senior-level visual or media arts credits or portfolio of work

Please note: For applicants who have a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit (C, M or U levels) on their high school transcript, a portfolio submission is not required to apply to take graphic design courses. Applicants without a senior-level visual arts or media arts credit, must submit a portfolio of work. Please submit your portfolio as a digital pdf file or include a website address with your graphic and design course application.

Additional requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program MAY require the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their creative ability.

For more information on submitting a portfolio, you are welcome to attend one of our Portfolio Information Sessions.

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Graphic Design Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.

Semester 1

  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • Design 1 (DESG 1104)
  • Design Tools 1 (DESG 1105)
  • New Media Design 1 (DESG 1106)
  • Typography 1 (DESG 1107)
  • Photography and Illustration (PHOT 1103)

Semester 2

  • Design 2 (DESG 1211)
  • Design Tools 2 (DESG 1212)
  • 3D and Materials (DESG 1213)
  • New Media Design 2 (DESG 1214)
  • Typography 2 (DESG 1215)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)

Semester 3

  • Advertising and Campaigns (DESG 2104)
  • Branding Identity (DESG 2105)
  • Design Tools 3 (DESG 2106)
  • New Media Design 3 (DESG 2107)
  • Typography 3 (DESG 2108)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)

Semester 4

  • Design Studio (DESG 2206)
  • Editorial Design (DESG 2207)
  • Packaging Design (DESG 2208)
  • Workflow Production (DESG 2209)
  • New Media Design 4 (DESG 2210)
  • Portfolio Assessment (DESG 2211)
  • Visual Style (DESG 2212)

Semester 5

  • Portfolio Studies (DESG 3100)
  • Industry Directions (ENTR 3100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)

Semester 6

  • Field Placement - Graphics (GDES 3200)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Course delivery

Hybrid

The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

In person:
Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Hybrid:
Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:
Fully remote course delivery.

Costs For The Graphic Design Program

Career Options for Graphic Design Program Graduates

As a graduate of the graphic design program at Durham College, you will be equipped with everything you need to enter the profession and take on one of many exciting roles. With the most up-to-date knowledge, skills, and familiarity with cutting-edge tools and technology, you can strike confidently toward a future in this dynamic, ever-changing field.

Graduates from graphic arts programs typically have many options that are not listed below. We encourage you to think openly and broadly about the possibilities for applying what you learned in your graphic design courses, much of which is transferable to other fields.

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Graphic designer 
  • Art director 
  • Creative director 
  • Freelance graphic designer 
  • Digital production designer 
  • Marketing coordinator 
  • Production artist 
  • Prepress technician 
  • Web designer 
  • Motion graphic designer 
  • Agency studio artist 
  • UX/UI designer
  • Brand strategist
  • Packaging designer
  • Layout artist
  • Exhibit designer
  • Digital content creator
  • Advertising designer

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

  • Advertising agencies 
  • Graphic design studios 
  • In-house corporate design studios 
  • Package design studios 
  • Printing companies 
  • Publishing companies 
  • Self-employment (freelance) 
  • Web development studio 
  • Media networks
  • Marketing agencies
  • Animation studios
  • Film and television production companies
  • Museums and cultural institutions
  • Fashion brands

Experiential Learning

Your graphic design courses will be complemented by a 14-week field placement in the last semester of the graphic design program. The field placement  provides you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice at an agency or studio under the supervision of an industry professional. 

The placement must be approved by faculty, and we will remain in contact with you to monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have while you were away from campus. Many graduates from graphic arts programs are offered employment at the end of their field placement, making it a particularly valuable experience!

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

If you would want to continue your education after completing your study in graphic design, Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Ontario Tech
  • Bachelor of Professional Arts – Communication Studies - Athabasca University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business - Davenport University
  • Bachelor of Design - Griffith University
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science (Honours) - Media Studies – Lakehead University 
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design Communications – Technological University of the Shannon
  • Bachelor of Education - Technological Education - York University

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.

Tech Requirements for Graphic Design

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. 

Laptop requirements

For the graphic design program, a Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.

Software requirements

  • Operating System (bundled with new notebook computer purchase)
  • Membership in Adobe Creative Cloud™ is included in your Student Fees and will be made available during your first week. There is no need to purchase a subscription.
  • Microsoft Office (Available for free for students from Microsoft through your DC Mail account. Please do not buy it.)

DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.

Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, After Effects®, InDesign® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.

Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):

  • Mozilla Firefox web browser
  • Google Chrome web browser 
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Teams

OTHER RECOMMENDED HARDWARE

  • USB flash drive for storing smaller amounts of data
  • External hard disk 1 TB or larger for storing larger files
  • Wacom or iPad Tablet [optional]

NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.  

Meet Your Faculty Experts

  • Shaun Feldman

    Faculty Member, Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD)

    With over eight years of experience in graphic design, motion design, brand development and an MA - Design, Shaun specializes in creating impactful visual identities and campaigns for national brands and broadcasts. He leverages industry expertise to deliver innovative, real-world design education.

  • Rhian Moore

    Faculty Member, Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD)

    Rhian is an award-winning and published designer with 20+ years of experience in graphic design, specializing in package design. She has developed, revitalized and strengthened brands for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods markets in North America, United Kingdom, Russia and Australia. Rhian led students to two bronze placements at the Global PAC Competition.

  • MaryRose Ouellette-Thaler

    Faculty Member, Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD)

    A Professor of Graphic Design, MaryRose has taught since 2012. As a Multimedia Designer, she worked in many niches of art and design, including exhibition design, animation, photography, web and brand development. MaryRose aims to motivate and inspire students, developing specializations in inclusive, human-centered design by merging technology with art and culture.

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