At OCAD University, you’ll learn to use design to communicate ideas, solve problems and shape how people experience the world. Through hands-on studio practice and interdisciplinary learning, you’ll combine typography, imagery, photography, digital media and emerging technologies to create visual systems in the form of brands, publications, digital experiences, products and more. You’ll also learn to think analytically about the people and communities you’re designing for, and how design can challenge barriers and create positive social change.
Artificial intelligence is transforming how creative work gets done, but it isn’t replacing the need for thoughtful, creative designers. As technology evolves the, creativity, critical thinking, strategy and human insight that graphic designers bring becomes even more important.
You’ll graduate with more than technical skills. Through a “making-first” approach, you’ll develop the creativity, adaptability and design thinking to navigate a rapidly changing industry and continue learning throughout your life.
Working alongside artists, makers, entrepreneurs, theorists, and technologists, you’ll build skills in research, storytelling, typography and collaboration while developing a portfolio that reflects your unique perspective. You’ll also learn the business and professional skills needed to work in a creative studio, in-house for an organization or as an independent designer.
Whether you go on to design visual identities, books, digital experiences, products and packaging, campaigns, video games or creative ventures that don’t yet exist, you’ll graduate ready to shape the future.
At the End of this Program...
At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Design degree (BDes).
Admissions Requirements
- For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
- Portfolio
- Statement of Intent
- Official transcripts
- See detailed academic requirements here
Jobs You Can Get
Graduates of the program pursue careers in:
- Graphic design, branding and communications
- Publication and editorial design
- UX, product and interaction design
- Software development
- Data journalism
- Service design and design research
- Advertising, strategy and creative direction
- Cultural, public and media institutions
- Independent, freelance and arts-based practice
Internships & Experiential learning
OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:
- Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
- Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
- Exclusive summer internships
- Gallery exhibitions of your work
- Freelance creative opportunities
- Jobs after graduation
In first year, you'll take a wide breadth of classes to develop a process of thinking through making. Introductory classes cover topics such as:
- Design process
- Typography
- Drawing
- Photography for communication
- History and theory of visual culture
In second year, you will learn contemporary tools and practices of the trade by studying such topics such as:
- Advanced typography
- Motion Design and Narrative
- Digital-first and Interactive Design
Third year will give you the opportunity to hone your interests and skills by selecting more advanced courses, such as:
- Research methods for graphic design
- Experimental typography
- Packaging design
- Editorial design
- Wayfinding
- Data visualization
- Advanced motion design
- Typeface design
In fourth year, you will focus on developing work that reflects your personal interests, values, and the direction you want to pursue after graduation. Many students opt to take Workshop 1 & 2, courses devoted to developing a comprehensive final project. You'll work closely with faculty members, as well as visiting professionals and critics to complete projects. In preparation for your working life you will also have the option to take Professional Practice alongside many other open electives. You'll showcase your work at GradEx – OCAD U's Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors.
Minors
In all undergraduate programs, you can choose a minor to go along with your major. A minor gives you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field, helping you expand your practice, skills and knowledge. They can make you stand out to employers, graduate schools, or in grant applications by showing expertise in more than one field.
You don't need to choose a minor on your application; once you start at OCAD U, you'll be able to choose from over 90 electives that can build towards one of our 25 focused minors. Learn more about Minor Programs here.
Meet our alumni
Take the Next Step
