Program Overview
The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design for Marketing is a challenging four-year (eight semester), 120-credit program. Our innovative curriculum includes a broad range of project work, including:
- Web and integrated media design
- Information and publication design
- Packaging and display design
- Corporate communications, branding and advertising design
- UX/UI research, prototyping and design
Project work challenges you to conceptualize, experiment, and innovate to create designs that solve problems. You’ll also fine-tune your research and writing skills to create design briefs, write reports, and produce research studies. The end result will be a market-ready portfolio.
Our cohorts of 22 students per year ensure that you’ll receive one-on-one attention from your instructors in a supportive and collaborative environment. In our studios, you'll use the same tools as graphic design professionals, including large-scale colour plotters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and a maker's workshop.
Applicants with experience in the graphic design field may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Depending on seat availability, we allow working professionals looking to upgrade their skills to take single courses or enroll on a part-time basis. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Students may obtain transfer credit for course work taken in other programs at KPU, or at other institutions. All applications for transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information about transfer credit applications, please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Visit our Program Model page for more information or download a printable version. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ.
Tuition and Fees
For information on tuition, please visit our Tuition Estimator. There are also mandatory student fees and other fees that you are subject to. You should also be prepared to spend approximately $600-$1000 per year on books and materials.
You may be eligible for scholarships, student loans or other financial aid. Visit Student Awards and Financial Assistance for more information.
Laptop Requirements
The Graphic Design for Marketing program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. To find out minimum specifications and recommended software, please visit Equipment & Software.
What You’ll Experience
Year One and Two
You’ll build a broad foundation in typography, image development, software (the Adobe Creative Suite), graphic design history, marketing, research and writing skills, web design and video and animation. During the spring of your second year, you have the opportunity to study overseas through an international exchange to a partner university.
Year Three:
You’ll dive deeper into specialized design areas, with a strong focus on User Experience and Interface Design (UI/UX), systems design, information design, advanced marketing communications design, and branding.
Year Four:
You’ll be challenged with large-scale, complex design and branding projects. As you work on your major project, you’ll learn small business essentials and gain solid industry experience through a mentorship placement.
View Courses by Semester
View GDMA Program Model
View Study Abroad Opportunities
Click HERE for a printable version of our Program Model.
Interested in Our Grads' Work?
Check out the portfolios of our most recent graduates, the Class of 2022!
What Can You Expect?
A balanced curriculum
With a curriculum focused on graphic design, marketing, business, and liberal education, you will learn to conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of visual communications to meet the marketing needs of for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
A hands-on education:
Project work in the program will challenge you to conceptualize, experiment, and innovate in order to create designs that solve problems. You’ll also fine-tune your research and writing skills to create design briefs, write reports, and produce research studies. The end result will be a market-ready portfolio.
Ties to industry
Graphic Design faculty members and the Graphic Design Advisory Committee are respected industry professionals with ties to the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan). Field trips, industry critiques, guest lecturers, and an industry practicum (mentorship) will help you to develop the industry connections you need to launch your career.
Small class sizes
Our small cohorts ensure that you’ll receive one-on-one attention from your instructors in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Cutting-edge technology
You'll use the same tools as graphic design industry professionals in our studios. Beyond the graphic design studios equipped with high-resolution external monitors, you'll have access to large-scale colour plotters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and a woodshop. As part of your training, Graphic Design for Marketing students bring their own laptop with the required industry-standard software for the duration of the program. Recommended laptop and software specifications can be found on the Tuition & Fees page.
Ready to explore your future in design?
This program is selective and curated for those with creative energy and curiosity about design. We’re looking for people who are ready to learn by doing and grow through collaboration.
Need help?
Reach out at design@kpu.ca
We’re here to connect and help you get started on your creative journey.