Bachelor of Arts, Majors and Minors

Graphic Design

• A Major is offered
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

General Description

The BA Major 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, environmental and exhibit design, signage, and related occupations.

This degree program is hands-on and rich in applied elements and simulations of real employment-type learning to prepare students for the evolving requirements of the Graphic Design and Digital 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 will build on a solid foundation of general skills at the first-year level. Second-year courses will require that students apply and expand upon foundational skills in more detailed and specific sub-fields. Upper-level courses in the degree will explore problem-solving, research, creative exploration, innovation and cultural and contextual issues at a deeper and more complex level. Students must take 24 credits of electives and may select both employment-oriented and academic electives such as Art History, Management, Marketing, Media Studies, Sociology, Video, etc. (in consultation with the program).

Students are required to purchase industry standard laptop computers and software (as specified by the program), as well as supplies and textbooks for classes.

A free information session for prospective students is usually held in February. Check with the Advising Centre 250-740-6410, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.

Requirements for a BA Major in Graphic Design

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 BA, Major in Graphic Design, all students must complete 123 credits over 4 years as specified in the matrix. The program consists of 78 credits of required Graphic Design courses (42 in 1st and 2nd year and 36 upper-level credits), 15 credits of required Digital Media courses (6 in 1st and 2nd year and 9 upper-level credits), 6 required credits of English (in 1st and 2nd year), and 24 non-Graphic Design elective credits (normally 8 courses), to ensure breadth of experience and knowledge. 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 and elective choices must be approved prior to registration in elective courses.

All students must maintain a grade of "C" in all required courses to continue to the next level of study in this degree.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• Grade 12 graduation and English 12 with a minimum grade of "C". Note that for students taking the Management Stream (or other certain electives), Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C+", or Principles or Applications of Math 12 with a minimum grade of "C" may be required.
• All students seeking enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Graphic Design program must have an interview with the Faculty Selection Committee prior to admission. For interview dates, please contact the Admissions office, 250-740-6400.
• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Graphic Design students must bring the following to the interview:
• A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession,
• a resume including two references,
• A portfolio demonstrating aptitude as described below:
• a minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
• 2-3 original black and white drawings in a variety of media.
• 2-3 original paintings or illustrations in a variety of media demonstrating the use of colour.
• And a variety of examples from the following to make up the balance:
• Digital design work.
• Original collages or mixed-media pieces exploring specific themes.
• Photos, slides, and/or original digital files of three-dimensional art such as installation, sculpture, and pottery.
• Traditional and digital photography utilized as a means of personal expression and/or communication.
• Print work such as linocuts, woodcuts, silk screens, etc.
• Photographs of mural art.
• Photographs or originals of various crafts such as quilting, stichery, fashion design, or jewellry design.

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. For interview dates please contact the Admissions office. Transfer students must proceed through the same admission process. For students outside the BA Major in Graphic Design program, a number of program courses will have spaces available for elective purposes. Students from some pertinent disciplines (e.g., Visual Arts, Marketing, or Digital Media Technologies) may be permitted to apply for reserved 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 in order to enter individual courses.

Admission with Advanced Standing

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts, Major 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 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 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.

Special Expenses

Students should expect to spend at least $1500 each semester for books, supplies, and equipment and be prepared to provide their own laptop computer with Graphic Design software as specified by the Graphic Design area. To download hardware and software specifications, please refer to the Graphic Design web page.

Note: Above expenses are estimates only and are subject to change.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September, and applications are accepted anytime between November 15 and March 31. Late applications may be considered depending on availability of space.

General Graphic Design Stream

Management Stream

Students who wish to enroll in the BA Graphic Design Management Stream must notify the department at the time of application and must fulfill the requirements for Management courses including mathematics prerequisites. Management Stream students must take the same core courses defined in the General Graphic Design Stream. For their electives students must take the following courses:

• MGMT 192 - (Principles of Management) and,
• MGMT 292 - (Organizational Behaviour) and,
• MGMT 381 - (Entre/Intrapreneurship) and,
• ONE of the following courses:
• MGMT 294 - (Management Skills I) or,
• MGMT 230 - (Introduction to E-Management) or,
• MGMT 293 - (Human Resource Management) or,
• MGMT 392 - (Negotiations)
• AND four other electives.

Note: Prerequisites must be considered.

Updated February 18, 2010