Graphic Design
Develop professional expertise in Graphic Design with our state-of-the-art curriculum, industry-led instruction, and hands-on training.
Credential
DIPLOMA
Duration
2 Years
Credits
60 Canadian CR
Campus Location
Ottawa, ON (Main)
Study Format
Full-Time & Co-op
Program Overview & Objectives
Develop professional expertise in Graphic Design with our state-of-the-art curriculum, industry-led instruction, and hands-on training.
Offered through the Department of Media and Creative Arts within the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, this program provides students with direct access to Cannoga’s state-of-the-art academic resources, experiential learning laboratories, and comprehensive Admissions Services.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
Designed in collaboration with Canadian industry partners. View all Degree Programmes.
Hands-On Practicum & Co-op
Embedded terms providing direct workplace experience in Ottawa. See International Student Support.
Curriculum & Course Structure
Required core subjects, specialized courses, and capstone modules:
| Code | Area | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite / Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS 1021 | Core | Creative Practice Foundations Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1022 | Core | Visual Communication Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1023 | Core | Drawing and Observation Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1024 | Core | Design Principles Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1025 | Core | Digital Tools for Creative Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1026 | Core | Typography and Layout Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1027 | Core | Photography and Image Making Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1028 | Core | Media Production Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1029 | Core | Creative Coding and Interactive Media Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1030 | Core | Art History and Visual Culture Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2031 | Core | Studio Practice I Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2032 | Core | Studio Practice II Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2033 | Core | Design Research Methods Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2034 | Core | Professional Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2035 | Core | Creative Project Development Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2036 | Core | Advanced Studio Practice Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2037 | Core | Portfolio Development Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2038 | Core | Industry Collaboration Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2039 | Core | Creative Entrepreneurship Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2040 | Core | Graduating Project Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1121 | Core | Creative Practice Foundations Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1122 | Core | Visual Communication Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1123 | Core | Drawing and Observation Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1124 | Core | Design Principles Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1125 | Core | Digital Tools for Creative Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1126 | Core | Typography and Layout Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1127 | Core | Photography and Image Making Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1128 | Core | Media Production Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1129 | Core | Creative Coding and Interactive Media Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 1130 | Core | Art History and Visual Culture Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2131 | Core | Studio Practice I Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2132 | Core | Studio Practice II Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2133 | Core | Design Research Methods Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2134 | Core | Professional Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2135 | Core | Creative Project Development Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2136 | Core | Advanced Studio Practice Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2137 | Core | Portfolio Development Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2138 | Core | Industry Collaboration Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2139 | Core | Creative Entrepreneurship Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| ARTS 2140 | Core | Graduating Project Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
Career Prospects & Industry Pathways
Graduates of the Graphic Design are equipped for high-demand roles across public and private sector organizations in Ontario and Canada. Learn more about Tuition & Financial Aid Options or connect with our Career Advisory Team.
Target Roles & Career Positions
Graphic Design Practitioner, Industry Specialist, Professional Assistant.
Average Starting Salary
$58,000 – $74,000 CAD
Graduate Employment Rate
94.2% within 6 Months
Work Permit Eligibility
Eligible (PGWP Pathway)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirement:
Secondary school diploma or equivalent. English proficiency test results (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent). Minimum average of 65% in required courses required.
Minimum Admission Grade:
65%
Language Proficiency:
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band under 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 80. See International Requirements.
Estimated Tuition (2026–2027)
Department Faculty
Ada O'Neill
Associate Professor
Mia Campbell
Professor
Russell Rossi
Associate Professor