Graphic Design for Marketing
You have an affinity for visual communication and a desire to connect and inspire through design. We have a uniquely foundational and applied curriculum for you.
In this program you’ll learn how to meet the needs of a creative brief, create branding, ad and marketing campaigns, as well as understand and convey the business strategies behind every project. Build your unique voice as a creative and learn how to effectively use design to make positive change in the world. You can expect to be mentored by professionals, build a solid portfolio, and exhibit your hard work in a final showcase frequented by industry professionals.
By the end of four years, with our Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design for Marketing, you will have the conceptual and technical skills to tackle real-world design challenges, the people skills and negotiation savvy to work with clients and team members alike, and the confidence to continue exploring your creative future.
Did you know?
Didn't get in this year? Or maybe you missed the application deadline? Don't worry. Continue to develop your skills. Build your portfolio. And reapply next year.
Want to get a head start? Take courses from the Graphic Design for Marketing program that are open to all KPU students such as GDMA 1140/1240 Design History and Society. You could also take English 1100 or Marketing 1199, in addition to taking six credits of liberal education courses.
Another option to consider is the Foundations in Design program. This one-year certificate program will introduce you to design basics while helping you create a great portfolio.
Connect with our Academic Advisor to create an educational plan to get you on the right track.
Why Study Graphic Design for Marketing @ KPU?
We are the only Graphic Design for Marketing program in Canada.
Our students are consistently recognized with design awards and scholarships, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Our small class sizes ensure that our faculty can mentor each and every student and help them realize their own unique potential.
The purpose-built building for the KPU Wilson School of Design allows for collaboration and community-building with designers in all of our disciplines.
Our graduates are not only job-ready but are also original thinkers who can problem-solve and create novel solutions — necessary skills for the designers of the future
Grads from this program have a solid marketing edge that sets them apart from other design school graduates. Through our Program Advisory Committee, we're able to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace and continually adapt our curriculum to reflect current industry needs and standards, ensuring you're getting the most up-to-date education possible and positioned for success.
Many of our faculty have worked in industry and maintain strong relationships with the local and national design community. These connections offer you an incredible network of resources and opportunities to secure meaningful employment in the industry.
By the end of your four years, you’ll have the conceptual and technical skills to tackle real-world design challenges, the confidence and negotiation skills to work with clients and team members, the inspiration to continue exploring your creative future, and the portfolio and practicum experience to get you hired.
Who Studies Graphic Design for Marketing?
One of the best parts of our program is the diversity of our students. They're driven, curious, critical thinkers connected by their pursuit of graphic design excellence. Many of our students have taken high school art or design courses, while others may have some experience with Adobe software, communications, marketing, or public relations.
Successful GDMA graduates have solid English language communication skills, basic math, computer and word processing skills, and an understanding of how graphic design and marketing fit together. Don’t worry if your experience is limited – our program will teach you what you need to know.
Interested in what GDMA students do?
Student Success
Our alumni are successful leaders in the design industry and make us proud on a regular basis! They are creative directors, strategists, software designers, entrepreneurs and so much more.
This is Wilson
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Graphic design students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are using their skills to visually spread awareness about Canada’s residential school history. Students at KPU’s Wilson School of Design … Read More
Graphic Design for Marketing students give back with BC Children’s Hospital holiday card fundraiser
Graphic design students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are using their skills to fundraise for a good cause this holiday season. Holiday cards designed by Wilson School of Design … Read More
Applied Arts 2025 Student Awards
We are excited to showcase the winning work of 5 of our design students from the Applied Arts Magazine. Their work stood out from winning entries from across the globe, earning well-deserved recognition for their… Read More
Admission Requirements
Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your Portfolio and other required documents through an online submission platform.
Your portfolio is your chance to show us your creative skills and interests. Our Admission Requirements section will help you submit the strongest portfolio possible.
Please visit How to Apply for more details about applying to KPU.