Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Are you a visual communicator and think you would enjoy a creative career? The four-year Graphic Design degree program at VIU is taught by professors who are graphic designers, artists and photographers themselves, and is a hands-on program taught in studios using industry-leading technologies.
Why a graphic design degree? Every company, organization and product needs a designer. Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design students graduate industry-ready with a killer portfolio to add to their resume. Are you ready to start creating?
The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design Program
The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design is intended for students who wish to pursue a professional career in the creative discipline of digital and print Graphic Design. "Graphic Design is an interdisciplinary problem-solving activity that combines visual sensitivity with skill and knowledge in areas of communication, technology and business. A Graphic Designer specializes in the structuring and organizing of visual information and to aid communication and orientation. They provide clients with the following: research, costing, planning, coordination, project management, quality control, design and aesthetic judgment, advertising and art direction." (Ashworth, Hilary ed. The Business of Graphic Design, A Professional's Handbook. Toronto: Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario, 2001).
Graphic designers work in new media and web design, packaging, illustration, animation, production and prepress, advertising, marketing communications design, art and creative direction, corporate identity, broadcast design, corporate communications, information design, editorial design, education, experiential and exhibit design, signage, and related occupations. Graphic designers develop skills that are in demand in today's economy and that can be applied to nearly any career, including creative problem solving and design thinking.
This degree program is hands-on and rich in applied elements and experiential learning to prepare students for the evolving requirements of the graphic design and visual communication industry in today's knowledge and information-based culture. The degree also promotes the skills associated with Bachelor of Arts programs, including analytical and critical thinking skills, solid oral and written communication skills, and general flexibility and adaptability. Students will develop awareness of social responsibility, ethics, cultural contexts and global communications considerations. The program features lectures, studio classes, computer lab instruction, critiques, project work, portfolio development and a graduation show. A rigorous work ethic and time-management skills are required for all courses. As in the profession, students juggle multiple projects and deadlines, undertake projects as teams, research, report, cooperate, communicate and present their work.
The program builds on a solid foundation of general skills at the first-year level. Second-year courses require students to apply and expand upon foundational skills in more detailed and specific sub-fields. Upper-level courses in the degree explore problem-solving, research, creative exploration, innovation and cultural and contextual issues at a deeper and more complex level and include an industry-related summer internship. Students must take 18 credits of electives and select various employment-oriented and academic electives.
Students are required to purchase industry standard laptop computers and software (as specified by the program), as well as supplies and textbooks for classes.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 110 - (Professional Practice 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 120 - (Core Studio 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 124 - (Technology 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 130 - (Technology 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 140 - (Core Studio 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 150 - (Core Studio 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 160 - (Core Studio 4) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 210 - (Professional Practice 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 211 - (Design Culture) | 3 |
| ARTG 237 - (Technology 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 241 - (Core Studio 5) | 3 |
| ARTG 251 - (Core Studio 6) | 3 |
| ARTG 261 - (Core Studio 7) | 3 |
| ARTG 271 - (Technology 4) | 3 |
| ARTG 272 - (Technology 5) | 3 |
| ARTG 273 - (User Interface/User Experience Design I) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 310 - (Professional Practice 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 345 - (Core Studio 8) | 3 |
| ARTG 351 - (Design Studio 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 371 - (Core Studio 9) | 3 |
| ARTG 373 - (User Interface/User Experience Design II) | 3 |
| ARTG 374 - (Core Studio 10) | 3 |
| INTP 300 - (Planning for Upper-Level Internship) | 3 |
| ITRN 303 - (Third-Year Internship) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 410 - (Professional Practice 4) | 3 |
| ARTG 472 - (Design Studio 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 473 - (User Interface/User Experience Design III) | 3 |
| ARTG 474 - (User Interface/User Experience Design IV) | 3 |
ARTG 475 - (Design Studio 3)
| 3 |
| ARTG 476 - (Core Studio 11) | 3 |
| ARTG 480 - (Core Studio 12) | 3 |
| ARTG 482 - (Design Studio 4) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Note: ARTG 377 can be substituted for any upper-level ARTG required course, with the exception of ARTG 480, with approval from program chair and instructor.
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English Requirements, the requirements listed below, and the courses listed in the matrix.
To meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design, all students must complete 120 credits over 4 years as specified in the matrix. Electives for the degree can be chosen from a wide range of course options. Students must check the University Calendar, the timetable, seat availability and the necessary prerequisites for all selected electives. Students are encouraged to select courses that complement their graphic design studies.
Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design students must submit the following to support their application:
- A portfolio
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession
- A résumé including two reference letters
Applicants' portfolios should include 6-12 items. The work can come from a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to:
- hand rendered sketching (pencil, ink)
- painting (water colour, oils, acrylics)
- collage (mixed media, other)
- photography
- 3D sculpture or prop building
- writing (essays, poems, blogs)
- digital work (commissioned or not)
- jewelry making
- pottery
- fabric work (original sewing, needle work)
- motion (video, digital)
- websites (blogs, animation)
- sound (music, recordings)
- journals (sketching, writing)
- process sketch books
Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
The degree program will be limited to 24 students. Transfer students must proceed through the same admission process. For students outside the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program, some program courses will have spaces available for elective purposes. Students from other disciplines may be permitted to apply for spaces providing they have met the required prerequisites and program requirements, and have permission from the department. Course applicants from other programs may be required to submit a portfolio and other documentation and be screened for required hardware and software experience in order to enter individual courses.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Admission to the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design at the second or third-year levels may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of a portfolio interview and credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institutions and/or PLA. Official post-secondary transcripts are required. Candidates with an Applied Arts Diploma in Graphic Design from Vancouver Island University who have been interviewed and meet the requirements for continuing students will qualify for entry into the third year but may not be guaranteed a seat as enrolment in limited.
Notes on Admission
- Why do we want a portfolio?
The Graphic Design program values creativity in many forms including sketches, paintings, photography, 3D work and sculpture, as well as other forms of creativity like poetry or film/video. A variety of work can be included as part of the portfolio. Applicants may also consider adding work that demonstrates exploration and independent thinking including rough sketches and processes leading to final outcomes.
- Note that for students taking the Management Stream (or other certain electives), a minimum grade of "C+" is required in either Principles of Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11.
- Aboriginal students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Notes on Progression
Students must obtain a minimum grade of "C" in each ARTG course in order to graduate from the program. If a "C" is not obtained, students may continue with the program, only with the approval of the program Chair.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 199.68 |
| Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs)** | 3,000.00 |
| Total | 8,897.98 |
| Fees for Year 2* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 199.68 |
| Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,100.00 |
| Total | 7,997.98 |
| Fees for Year 3* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 199.68 |
| Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 3: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 8,197.98 |
| Fees for Year 4* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 199.68 |
| Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 4: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,800.00 |
| Total | 8,697.98 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
** Students are required to purchase a MacIntosh laptop and specified software prior to commencing the program. Refer to the software and hardware requirements for further details and estimated costs.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) | 23,993.10 |
| Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) | 926.80 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs)** | 3,000.00 |
| Total | 28,405.70 |
| Fees for Year 2* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) | 23,993.10 |
| Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) | 926.80 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,100.00 |
| Total | 27,505.70 |
| Fees for Year 3* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) | 23,993.10 |
| Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) | 926.80 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 3: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 27,705.70 |
| Fees for Year 4* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) | 23,993.10 |
| Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) | 926.80 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Year 4: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,800.00 |
| Total | 28,205.70 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
** Students are required to purchase a MacIntosh laptop and specified software prior to commencing the program. Refer to the software and hardware requirements for further details and estimated costs.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Year 1 | |
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program has one start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Nic Ismirnioglou Email: Nicolas.Ismirnioglou@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brad Harris Email: Brad.Harris@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The portfolio, 100-300 word description of why you want to take the program and your career goals and a resumé, including two references are due by May 12, 2025.
Comments:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application/portfolio by January 31, 2025, for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in January, after an initial portfolio review period. A maximum of 14 applicants for early acceptance will be considered. Applications submitted/completed after January 31, 2025 (and those that did not receive early consideration), will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications are open until April 30, 2025, or until the program is filled. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted. |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Year 1 | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Chair Contact:
Name: Brad Harris Email: Brad.Harris@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Nicolas Ismirnioglou Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The portfolio, 100-300 word description of why you want to take the program and your career goals and a resumé, including two references are due by May 12, 2025.
Comments:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application/portfolio by January 31, 2025 for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in January, after an initial portfolio review period. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.