康尼斯托加學院

The Bachelor of Design is a four-year degree in graphic design with a complement of courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. The program will ensure graduates have both the creative and visual acuity, and the knowledge of business strategy, that are necessary to create design solutions for current market needs.

Conestoga's Bachelor of Design is unique in Ontario for offering students a truly inter-professional perspective that blends graphic design, entrepreneurship, and liberal studies courses with co-op opportunities. Enhanced studio space and technologies, including state-of-the-art software, hardware, and printing facilities, are provided. Limited enrollment and small class sizes ensure student access to faculty with professional experience in the fields of graphic design and business development. As well, the program supports student memberships in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) and provides access to the Design Thinkers Conference.

As a comprehensive design program, students take courses in typography, visual design, colour theory, design studio, drawing and illustration, photography, interactive design, as well as entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, business management, writing and presentation skills, and group dynamics.

The program employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design and entrepreneurship skills, as well as a variety of prescient issues including accessibility, sustainability, and corporate and social responsibility. Students engage in dynamic studio projects for both in-class and live clients. As well, the program offers numerous opportunities for research and networking through field trips, guest speakers and lectures, and collaborations with outside organizations.

Program Outcomes

• Prepare effective and persuasive communications through written, oral, and visual media in the development of research reports, rationales, final design projects and presentations, and thesis work
• Apply professional, ethical and legal codes of practice and comply with labour and environmental legislation
• Integrate marketing, advertising, consumer research, universal design principles, environmental sensitivity and sustainability into the development of visual design solutions
• Communicate and collaborate effectively as a team member or leader, with other team members, clients, employers, and other graphic design service practitioners through the application of principles of human relations and organizational behavior
• Assess cultural diversity in the development and execution of design solutions
• Create plans for lifelong learning, professional development, and the maintenance of technological currency
• Utilize critical thinking skills in the development of research, design elements, strategies, and techniques for design problems and projects
• Evaluate information and content through the use of advanced research techniques in all aspects of design exploration, development, and execution
• Develop and present effective and professional graphic design solutions based upon clients' needs and parameters

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design program will develop unique portfolios and be well prepared for positions involving design research, conceptual development, design implementation, and strategy and management. Graduates may find employment in diverse roles in design studios, ad agencies, corporate and not-for-profit communication departments, and new business ventures.