Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Your graphic design career starts here
If you are good at problem-solving and have a drive to create, you will excel in VIU's Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design. Graphic designers are visual and conceptual communication experts who solve problems using a human-centered approach. It's a rewarding way to make a living with your creativity.
In this graphic design degree, your professors are graphic designers, artists and photographers themselves. You get personalized training from them using industry-leading technologies.
Why study graphic design at VIU?
VIU's graphic design program sets you up to solve real-world problems using research-based methods and design thinking. And you gain a range of practical and process-based skills. This means you graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the widest possible range of design careers.
The need for designers is everywhere. And we prepare you to take your career anywhere. Throughout your studies, you work in a studio environment. You learn to juggle multiple projects and deadlines, and work on projects in teams. You learn to do research and to communicate and present your work. This mirrors what it will be like to work in the profession.
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Hands-on industry experience
In third year, you are placed in a 120-hour internship for real-world experience in graphic design. Many of our students continue working for their internship employer after they graduate.
What can I do with a graphic design degree?
Design has the potential to improve the usability of many aspects of the world around us. Graphic designers can find rewarding work in almost any industry.
- web designer
- graphic designer
- publishing
- user experience designer
- user interface designer
- art director
- creative director
- information designer
- environmental graphic designer
- freelancer
- in-house designer
- packaging designer
- motion graphic designer
- illustrator
- graphic
- design educator
- book or book cover designer
- brand or logo designer
- visual designer
- communication & digital media designer
- graphic
- novel illustrator
- agency designer
- corporate designer
About the VIU Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program
This program prepares you for a professional career in the creative discipline of digital and print graphic design. The program features lectures, studio classes, computer lab instruction, critiques, project work, portfolio development and a graduation show.
During first year you develop a solid foundation of general skills in:
- graphic design process and principles
- typography
- colour theory
- Illustration, sketching and concept ideation
- photography
- layout & grid theory
- prepress and print production
- user interface and user experience design
- presentation design
- public speaking
- publishing design for traditional and digital media
- package design
- information and experiential design
- logo, branding and identity design
- visual communication
- project management
- problem-solving
- design thinking and research
- human-centred design
In second year, you expand upon foundational skills in more detail, and you look at specific sub-fields. In third and fourth years you explore the foundational topics in more detail, and you look at creative exploration and cultural and contextual issues. And you do an industry-related summer internship.
You also develop skills that will help you in any career:
- analytical and critical thinking skills
- oral and written communication skills
- flexibility and adaptability
- awareness of social responsibility
- ethics
- cultural contexts
- global communications considerations
Visit the department website
For more information about the program, including faculty biographies and tips for creating a portfolio, see the department website.
Courses and Concentrations
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 110 - (Professional Practice 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 120 - (Core Studio 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 124 - (Technology 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 130 - (Technology 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 140 - (Core Studio 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 150 - (Core Studio 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 160 - (Core Studio 4) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 210 - (Professional Practice 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 237 - (Technology 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 241 - (Core Studio 5) | 3 |
| ARTG 251 - (Core Studio 6) | 3 |
| ARTG 261 - (Core Studio 7) | 3 |
| ARTG 272 - (Technology 5) | 3 |
| ARTG 273 - (User Interface/User Experience Design I) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 310 - (Professional Practice 3) | 3 |
| ARTG 345 - (Core Studio 8) | 3 |
| ARTG 351 - (Design Studio 1) | 3 |
| ARTG 371 - (Core Studio 9) | 3 |
| ARTG 373 - (User Interface/User Experience Design II) | 3 |
| ARTG 374 - (Core Studio 10) | 3 |
| INTP 300 - (Planning for Upper-Level Internship) | 3 |
| ITRN 303 - (Third-Year Internship) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTG 410 - (Professional Practice 4) | 3 |
| ARTG 472 - (Design Studio 2) | 3 |
| ARTG 473 - (User Interface/User Experience Design III) | 3 |
| ARTG 474 - (User Interface/User Experience Design IV) | 3 |
ARTG 475 - (Design Studio 3)
| 3 |
| ARTG 476 - (Core Studio 11) | 3 |
| ARTG 480 - (Core Studio 12) | 3 |
| ARTG 482 - (Design Studio 4) | 3 |
| Two non-ARTG electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Note: ARTG 377 can be substituted for any upper-level ARTG required course, with the exception of ARTG 480, with approval from program chair and instructor.
Admission Information
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 Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design, all students must complete 120 credits over 4 years as specified in the matrix. 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.
Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design students must submit the following to support their application:
- A portfolio
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession
- A résumé including two reference letters
Applicants' portfolios should include 6-12 items. The work can come from a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to:
- hand rendered sketching (pencil, ink)
- painting (water colour, oils, acrylics)
- collage (mixed media, other)
- photography
- 3D sculpture or prop building
- writing (essays, poems, blogs)
- digital work (commissioned or not)
- jewelry making
- pottery
- fabric work (original sewing, needle work)
- motion (video, digital)
- websites (blogs, animation)
- sound (music, recordings)
- journals (sketching, writing)
- process sketch books
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. Transfer students must proceed through the same admission process. For students outside the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program, some program courses will have spaces available for elective purposes. Students from other disciplines may be permitted to apply for 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 and be screened for required hardware and software experience in order to enter individual courses.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Admission to the Bachelor of Design 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 a portfolio interview and 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 have been interviewed and 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.
Notes on Admission
- Why do we want a portfolio?
The Graphic Design program values creativity in many forms including sketches, paintings, photography, 3D work and sculpture, as well as other forms of creativity like poetry or film/video. A variety of work can be included as part of the portfolio. Applicants may also consider adding work that demonstrates exploration and independent thinking including rough sketches and processes leading to final outcomes.
- Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Notes on Progression
Students must obtain a minimum grade of "C" in each ARTG course in order to graduate from the program. If a "C" is not obtained, students may continue with the program, only with the approval of the program Chair.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs)** | 3,000.00 |
| Total | 8,950.74 |
| Fees for Year 2* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,100.00 |
| Total | 8,050.74 |
| Fees for Year 3* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 3: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 8,250.74 |
| Fees for Year 4* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 4: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,800.00 |
| Total | 8,750.74 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
** Students are required to purchase a MacIntosh laptop and specified software prior to commencing the program. Refer to the software and hardware requirements for further details and estimated costs.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credits) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs)** | 3,000.00 |
| Total | 28,331.94 |
| Fees for Year 2* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credits) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 2: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,100.00 |
| Total | 27,431.94 |
| Fees for Year 3* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credits) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 3: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,300.00 |
| Total | 27,631.94 |
| Fees for Year 4* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credits) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 4: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 2,800.00 |
| Total | 28,131.94 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
** Students are required to purchase a MacIntosh laptop and specified software prior to commencing the program. Refer to the software and hardware requirements for further details and estimated costs.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Year 1 | |
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program has one start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jamie Mollins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jamie.Mollins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brad Harris Email: Brad.Harris@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The portfolio, 100-300 word description of why you want to take the program and your career goals and a resumé, including two references are due by July 31, 2025.
Comments:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application/portfolio by January 31, 2025, for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in January, after an initial portfolio review period. A maximum of 14 applicants for early acceptance will be considered. Applications submitted/completed after January 31, 2025 (and those that did not receive early consideration), will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications are open until July 31, 2025, or until the program is filled. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted. |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Year 1 | |
|
Application Fee:
$153.00
Chair Contact:
Name: Brad Harris Email: Brad.Harris@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jamie Mollins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The portfolio, 100-300 word description of why you want to take the program and your career goals and a resumé, including two references are due by June 14, 2025.
Comments:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application/portfolio by January 31, 2025 for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in January, after an initial portfolio review period. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
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