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Programs

Graphic Design

PAGDSchool of Creative Industries

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Flex / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Duration

6 Semesters / 3 Years

Program Contacts

Sean Grant

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7862
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Two students sitting at a table with a tablet and product boxes, discussing packaging.

Combine creativity with strategy and design your best life

Cambrian challenges you to ramp up your creative talents with real-world projects and gain the graphic design skills to go pro. Our curriculum covers all aspects of a compelling career as a professional visual designer, delivered by experienced faculty who are practicing graphic designers. Take your work from concept sketch to strategic design by learning to manipulate space, type, images, motion, code, production equipment, and colour. 
 
Career-focused, with attention to both traditional methods and new technology, you’ll sharpen your concept development skills with strategic and critical thinking. You’ll refine ideas in branding, advertising, environmental design, print and page production, website development, and more, all with your personal flair. You’ll graduate with a professional-grade portfolio prized by potential employers and freelance clients. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Five-week placement with industry pros in the fifth semester 
  • Industry-standard technology, software, and production equipment (Risograph Press, Process Printers, Professional Photography Studio and more) 
  • Opportunities for paid design-related work 
  • Annual three-day field trip to RGD Design Thinkers Conference in Toronto with studio tour 
  • Automatic registration as student members of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) with pro perks

Admissions

Admission requirements

or graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations

  • Grade 11 or 12 Credits in Visual Arts and/or Media Arts (M) or (O)
  • Computer competency in relevant software (Adobe Creative Cloud)

The purchase of a laptop is required in first semester. In third semester, students will be required to purchase a digital camera. Students in the Graphic Design program are also student members of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), and graduates are eligible for Provisional RGD status upon graduation.

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026
  • Semester 5: Fall 2026
  • Semester 6: Winter 2027

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027
  • Semester 5: Fall 2027
  • Semester 6: Winter 2028

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027
  • Semester 5: Fall 2027
  • Semester 6: Winter 2028

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
AFP 1120Fundamentals of Drawing3
AFP 1135Introduction to Digital Photography3
ART 1006Digital Design I4
ART 1106Design Foundations I4
ART 1230Intro Graphic Design3
COM 1001Art and Design Communication3
 Credits20
Semester 2
AFP 1225Analytical Drawing3
ART 1109Design Foundations II3
ART 2351Digital Design II3
ART 2346Typography I3
ART 1246Copywriting I3
ADV 1106Digital Advertising3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits21
Semester 3
ART 1110Production Design4
ART 2305Illustration I3
ART 2496Accessible Design3
ART 2456Advanced Photography3
ART 2375Typography II3
ART 2360Website Design 3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits22
Semester 4
ART 1111Package Design4
ART 1112Editorial Design4
ART 1113Visual Identity I4
ART 2416Illustration II3
ART 2461Website Development3
ART 1126Studio Photography3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits24
Semester 5
ART 1010Motion Graphics I4
ART 1114Visual Identity II4
ART 3595Work Placement5
WEB 1040Content Management Systems 3
ART 3687Creative Thesis Project5
 Credits21
Semester 6
ART 1011Motion Graphics II4
ART 1127Professional Practices3
ART 3612Portfolio Preparation5
ART 3686Advanced Website Applications5
ART 3567Advanced Design Applications4
IND TBD-21
 Credits22
 Total Credits130
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,414.54Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,509.92Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Creative Industries

Looking to further your craft and pursue a career where your creativity can lead to a fulfilling career? At Cambrian, a program in Creative Industries allows you to tap into your talents and develop skills that can allow you to pursue that ideal job. You’ll learn from industry professionals who have been able to create and succeed in the modern workplace.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

According to the RGD Creative Earners Salary Survey (2021-2022), Junior Graphic Designers (those recently out of a college program) average a salary of $44,000/ year. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Graphic design firms and studios
  • Web and new media studios
  • App and software start-ups
  • Advertising and marketing agencies
  • Architectural firms
  • Motion picture and television studios
  • Editorial and literary publishing houses
  • Educational institutions
  • Government agencies
  • Commercial printing industry
  • In-house marketing and design departments 
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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