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Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Program Code: GRA Campus: Seneca@York
Duration: 6 Semesters (3 Years) Start Dates: Summer, Fall, Winter
Start dates are subject to change
Credential Awarded: Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program Description

The Graphic Design program focuses on the creative aspects of designing print and web-based graphic materials. Attention is paid to applications within the corporate, publications and advertising context. The production of graphic materials via computer-assisted design is also addressed.

Students will learn the principles, materials, and skills necessary to bring a design problem to a logical solution. The first year concentrates on developing the students’ understanding of design fundamentals. The second and third years provide the opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of design problems. Students in the third year will design materials for print and the web, and will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement.

Areas of study include visual design concepts, colour theory, drawing, typography, print production, advertising, corporate design, publications design, and photography. Computer design skills are integrated into various subjects throughout the program. Graduates will be proficient in computer design applications in both the Mac and PC environments.

Note: This program is recommended for students interested in working as a designer within the graphics industry.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
  • Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

  • In the event of oversubscription, applicant selection may be a two-step process. In Step 1, academic achievement (i.e. grades in pre-requisite subjects and/or scores in English and Reading Achievement Tests) and demonstration of written communication skills via academic achievement or written test may be used to select applicants who are eligible for Step 2. The second step will require attendance at an orientation session and the completion of program-related assignments. This includes satisfactory completion of a creative test and a drawing test. Three 8.5" x 11" design/art samples will be required. These samples will not be returned. Applicants who are unsuccessful in Step 1 will be notified by mail, and will not be included in Step 2 of the selection process.

Note: Although not required for admission, any art and/or computer graphics credit and keyboarding skills are suggested.

Your Career

Graduates may find employment within the graphics industry as a graphic and webpage designer, corporate designer, desktop publisher, advertising art director, multimedia developer or print production manager.

Affiliations and Associations

  • Design Exchange
  • Graphic Design Education Association
  • The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Canada

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject for which EAC150 is the pre-requisite.

For more information, please visit our website at els.senecac.on.ca.http://els.senecac.on.ca.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

Toronto

University/CollegeDegrees Available
York University• Any relevant major

Ontario

University/CollegeDegrees Available
Algoma University• Bachelor of Arts

Canada

University/CollegeDegrees Available
Athabasca University• Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies
Concordia University• Bachelor of Fine Arts
Royal Roads University• Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication

U.S.

University/CollegeDegrees Available
University at Buffalo• Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art or Bachelor of Fine Arts

International

University/CollegeDegrees Available
Griffith University• Bachelor of Design
• Master of Arts in Visual Arts

Curriculum

Semester 1 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
EAC150 College English 3
GRA120 Software Training I 3
GRA130 Typography I 3
GRA160 Colour Theory 3
GRA170 Visual Fundamentals 3
GRA180 Drawing 3
ICA001 Introduction to Computers and Applications 2
 
Semester 2 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
GRA210 Graphic Design I 3
GRA220 Software Training II 3
GRA230 Typography II 4
GRA241 History of Graphic Design I 2
GRA270 Design Process 3
SCA266 Photography I 3
XXXXXX General Education Option 3
 
Semester 3 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
EAC394 Effective Business Writing 3
GRA310 Graphic Design II 3
GRA320 Software Training III 3
GRA341 History of Graphic Design II 2
GRA350 Design Production I 3
GRA361 Web Software I 3
XXXXXX General Education Option 3
 
Semester 4 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
GRA410 Graphic Design III 3
GRA411 Corporate Design 3
GRA450 Design Production II 3
GRA461 Web Software II 3
GRA462 Interactive Design I 3
GRA490 Job Readiness 3
XXXXXX General Education Option 3
 
Semester 5 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
GRA510 Graphic Design IV 3
GRA550 Electronic Pre-Press 3
GRA562 Interactive Design II 3
GRA570 Portfolio Preparation 4
 
Semester 6 Subject Name Hrs/Wk
GRA610 * Graphic Design V 3
GRA630 * Type in Motion 2
GRA690 * It's Your Business 3
GRA691 * Professional Practices 3
FPL600 or
GRA600 *
Field Placement
In-Studio Practicum
-
3

* Each subject will run double time for half the semester; the other half will be field placement or in-studio practicum.

For More Information, Contact:

For more information, please visit our website at: http://sca.senecac.on.ca.
Program Coordinator: Lauretta Wood
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 3404
Email: Lauretta.Wood@senecac.on.ca
Student Advisor: Donna Saccutelli
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 3441
Email: donna.saccutelli@senecac.on.ca
Program Chair: Jed DeCory
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 3401
Email: jed.decory@senecac.on.ca
Admissions Advisor: Milad Tabataba
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 2807
Email: milad.tabataba@senecac.on.ca
Registration & Records Contact: Sharina Khan
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 3007
Email: Sharina.Khan@senecac.on.ca

Video

GRA Video

Graphic Design student David talks about his program, his professors and the benefits of a Seneca education. Click on the image above to begin the video.

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology