Graphic Design Program (G102)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) – Canada’s largest professional association of graphic designers has given George Brown College’s School of Design top marks, naming it the number-one design school in the country based on students’ work in 2024.
Program Overview
Elevate your design prowess with our dynamic three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program. This immersive journey allows you to master core design principles while choosing to specialize in either Communication or Advertising Design. With a wide array of engaging electives, you'll have the chance to explore illustration, motion graphics, interaction design, web design, editorial design and environmental design. This program is your gateway to a well-rounded and innovative education, designed to ignite your creativity and prepare you for a vibrant career in the design industry. Join us and transform your passion into professional excellence.
Full Description
Immerse yourself in the Graphic Design three-year advanced diploma program, where you'll work on real-life projects in cutting-edge labs and benefit from robust industry networking opportunities.
In the first three semesters, you'll build a solid foundation in essential design subjects, including design principles, typography, production, digital applications and beyond. By the fourth semester, you'll choose to specialize in either Communication Design, setting the stage for a career in Corporate Design or Advertising Design, gearing you up for a role in an advertising agency. Throughout this time, you'll enhance your skills through intensive studio projects.
In your final year, you'll undertake a thesis or major project, synthesizing all the knowledge and skills you've gained. Additionally, you'll participate in professional practice classes, ensuring that you're well-prepared for a smooth transition into the professional world. Join us and transform your passion for design into a thriving career backed by a comprehensive and innovative education.
George Brown College's School of Design was rated #1 in Canada by the Association of Graphic Designers (RGD). Find out why.
Please note:
- Membership in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is included in your tuition, giving you access to a network of Canada's top design professionals and a head start in becoming a Registered Graphic Designer.
- Will the best student work be displayed? YES, in our annual graduate exhibition and publication distributed to industry and the general public.
Your Field Education Options
All students are encouraged to conduct a self-directed search in order to secure a work experience for the Field Placement course (GRAF 3017) in Semester 6. However, only students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the end of Semester 4 will have access to a job board with postings from employers the Field Education Office has recruited.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
The following courses are required to graduate successfully:
- 25 design required courses
- 5 design elective courses
- 3 general education elective courses
- 33 total courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| GRAF 1003 | Drawing 1 |
| GRAF 1004 | Typography 1 |
| GRAF 1005 | Design 1 |
| GRAF 1081 | Digital Applications 1 |
| GRAF 1083 | Production 1 |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 1014 | Typography 2 |
| GRAF 1015 | Design 2 |
| GRAF1038 | Drawing 2 |
| GRAF1039 | Design Culture |
| GRAF1082 | Digital Applications 2 |
| GRAF1084 | Production 2 |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 1056 | Advertising 1 |
| GRAF 1106 | Corporate Design 1 |
| GRAF 2024 | Web Design 1 |
| GRAF 2026 | Typography 3 |
| GRAF 2037 | Production 3 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Description of Majors
Advertising Design
The Advertising Design major prepares you for a design career in the exciting global advertising industry. You will learn how to research market opportunities and solve complex business problems through strategic brand positioning; you will also learn how to build customer awareness and loyalty through innovative and creative solutions that are brand-specific to packaged goods products and vital to consumer services.
Communication Design
The Communication Design major prepares you for a graphic design career focused on corporate identity, branding and the management of communication design projects. Learn to design strategically and meet the needs of corporate clients.
Advertising Design Major
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1138 | Interaction Design |
| GRAF 1064 | Advertising 2 |
| GRAF 1114 | Ideas and Images |
| GRAF 1133 | Art Direction |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| Choose one Program related elective from the list below | |
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 1134 | Art Direction 2 |
| GRAF 1135 | Advertising 3 |
| GRAF 3014 | Professional Practice Advertising |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| Choose two Program related electives from the list below | |
Semester 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 3013 | Design Thesis Advertising |
| Choose two Program related electives from the list below | |
Communication Design Major
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1138 | Interaction Design |
| GRAF 1086 | Information Design |
| GRAF 1095 | Editorial Design 1 |
| GRAF 1114 | Ideas and Images |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| Choose one Program related elective from the list below | |
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 1108 | Corporate Design 2 |
| GRAF 1150 | Design Research |
| GRAF 3005 | Professional Practice Corporate |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| Choose two Program related electives from the list below | |
Semester 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GRAF 3006 | Design Thesis Corporate |
| Choose two Program related electives from the list below | |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
Design Electives
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COPY 3001 | Copywriting and Brand Narrative |
| GRAF 1012 | Illustration |
| GRAF 1032 | Exhibit Design |
| GRAF 1033 | Package Design 1 |
| GRAF 1065 | Storyboarding/Visualization |
| GRAF 1087 | Advanced Imaging |
| GRAF 1101 | Introduction to Design Management |
| GRAF 1105 | Motion Graphics 1 |
| GRAF 1109 | International Charrette |
| GRAF 1110 | Motion Graphics II |
| GRAF 1112 | Editorial Design 2 |
| GRAF 1119 | Modelling and Animation |
| GRAF 1128 | Audio/Video Design |
| GRAF 1136 | Studio Lab |
| GRAF 1143 | Digital Advertising |
| GRAF 1147 | Package Design 2 |
| GRAF 1148 | Information Design II |
| GRAF 1149 | Practical Ethics for Graphic Design |
| GRAF 2028 | Web Design 2 |
| GRAF 2045 | Experimental Typography |
| GRAF 2046 | Digital Photography |
| GRAF 3017 | Field Placement |
| GRAF 3018 | Advanced Techniques in Design Practice |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
Graphic Design Information Session
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the estimated total tuition, materials(non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
Applicants may be accepted upon completion of the George Brown Art and Design Foundation certificate program (G108) with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. There are a limited number of seats and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2137
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
Graphic Design Program (G102)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Graphic Design three-year advanced diploma program is the perfect way to hone your design skills. Throughout your studies, you'll develop a comprehensive grasp of design principles, with the choice to major in Communication Design or Advertising Design. A variety of design electives will offer you the chance to delve into illustration, motion, interaction, web, book, and environmental design for a well-rounded education.
Full Description
With the Graphic Design three-year advanced diploma program, you can look forward to working on real-life projects in state-of-the-art labs and through the power of industry networking.
You'll spend the first three semesters building a strong foundation in the core subjects of design, typography, production, digital applications, drawing for design, and design culture. In your fourth semester, you'll select a major in either Communication Design, preparing you for a career in Corporate Design, or Advertising Design, which prepares you for a career at an advertising agency. During this time, you'll continue developing applied skills through intensive studio projects.
In the final year of your program, you'll dive into a thesis or major project, where you can bring together all the skills you've learned throughout your studies. You'll also take professional practice classes, which will prepare you for a seamless transition into the workplace.
George Brown College's School of Design was rated #1 in Canada by the Association of Graphic Designers (RGD). Find out why.
Please note:
- Membership in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is included in your tuition, giving you access to a network of Canada’s top design professionals and a head start in the process of becoming a Registered Graphic Designer.
- The best student work will be displayed in annual exhibitions and a publication distributed to industry and the general public.
Your Field Education Options
All students are encouraged to conduct a self-directed search in order to secure a work experience for the Field Placement course (GRAF 3017) in Semester 6. However, only students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the end of Semester 4 will have access to a job board with postings from employers the Field Education Office has recruited.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
The following courses are required to graduate successfully:
- 25 design required courses
- 5 design elective courses
- 3 general education elective courses
- 33 total courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 1003 | Drawing 1 | |
| GRAF 1004 | Typography 1 | |
| GRAF 1005 | Design 1 | |
| GRAF 1081 | Digital Applications 1 | |
| GRAF 1083 | Production 1 | |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 1014 | Typography 2 | GRAF1004 and GRAF1081 |
| GRAF 1015 | Design 2 | GRAF1005 |
| GRAF 1038 | Drawing 2 | GRAF1003 |
| GRAF 1082 | Digital Applications 2 | GRAF1081 |
| GRAF 1084 | Production 2 | GRAF1083 |
| GRAF 1039 | Design Culture |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 1056 | Advertising 1 | GRAF 1015 and GRAF 1014 |
| GRAF 1106 | Corporate Design 1 | GRAF 1015 and GRAF 1014 |
| GRAF 2024 | Web Design 1 | GRAF 1084 and GRAF 1015 |
| GRAF 2026 | Typography 3 | GRAF 1014 and GRAF 1084 |
| GRAF 2037 | Production 3 | GRAF 1084 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
DESCRIPTION OF MAJORS
ADVERTISING DESIGN
The Advertising Design major prepares you for a design career in the exciting global advertising industry. You will learn how to research market opportunities and solve complex business problems through strategic brand positioning; you will also learn how to build customer awareness and loyalty through innovative and creative solutions that are brand-specific to packaged goods products and vital to consumer services.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
The Communication Design major prepares you for a graphic design career focused on corporate identity, branding and the management of communication design projects. Learn to design strategically and meet the needs of corporate clients.
ADVERTISING DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| DESN 1138 | Interaction Design | |
| GRAF 1064 | Advertising 2 | GRAF 1056 and GRAF 2037 |
| GRAF 1133 | Art Direction | GRAF 1056 and GRAF 2026 |
| GRAF 1114 | Ideas and Images | |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF1134 | Art Direction 2 | GRAF1133 |
| GRAF 1135 | Advertising 3 | GRAF 1065 and GRAF 1133 |
| GRAF 3014 | Professional Practice Advertising | GRAF 1065 and GRAF 1133 |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 3013 | Design Thesis Advertising | GRAF1134 and GRAF1135 |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GRAF | Design Elective |
COMMUNICATION DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| DESN 1138 | Interaction Design | |
| GRAF 1114 | Ideas and Images | |
| GRAF 1086 | Information Design | GRAF 2026 and GRAF 1015 |
| GRAF 1095 | Editorial Design 1 | GRAF 2026 |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 1108 | Corporate Design 2 | GRAF 1086 and GRAF 1095 |
| GRAF 1150 | Design Research | GRAF 1086 |
| GRAF 3005 | Professional Practice Corporate | GRAF 1086 and GRAF 1095 |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| GRAF 3006 | Design Thesis Corporate | GRAF1150 |
| GRAF | Design Elective | |
| GRAF | Design Elective |
** Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
DESIGN ELECTIVES
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COPY 3001 | Copywriting and Brand Narrative |
| GRAF 1012 | Illustration |
| GRAF 1032 | Exhibit Design |
| GRAF 1033 | Package Design 1 |
| GRAF 1147 | Package Design 2 |
| GRAF 1065 | Storyboarding/Visualization |
| GRAF 1087 | Advanced Imaging |
| GRAF 1105 | Motion Graphics 1 |
| GRAF 1101 | Introduction to Design Management |
| GRAF 1110 | Motion Graphics II |
| GRAF 1112 | Editorial Design 2 |
| GRAF 1119 | Modelling and Animation |
| GRAF 1128 | Audio/Video Design |
| GRAF 1136 | Studio Lab |
| GRAF 1148 | Information Design II |
| GRAF 1143 | Digital Advertising |
| GRAF 2045 | Experimental Typography |
| GRAF 2046 | Digital Photography |
| GRAF 2028 | Web Design 2 |
| GRAF 3017 | Field Placement |
| GRAF 3018 | Advanced Techniques in Design Practice |
| GRAF 1109 | International Charrette |
| GRAF 1149 | Practical Ethics for Graphic Design |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
Graphic Design Information Session
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials(non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
Applicants may be accepted upon completion of the George Brown Art and Design Foundation certificate program (G108) with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. There are a limited number of seats and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2137
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
