Graphic Design - 508
OSAP Eligible
Overview
Program Highlights
- Become TechCreative by immersing yourself in the skills for the design, print and web production fields.
- Develop your skills in one of the most advanced digital print learning centre in Canada.
- Gain professional experience through our unique living lab experience.
- Learners have educational options with three streams of learning to choose from:
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Digital Print stream
Students in the Digital Print stream will have the opportunity to work in the Hugh Cameron Digital Print Learning Centre (DPLC), where they will learn and practice skills involved in digital printing, finishing, and packaging. Students will be engaged in hands-on experiences to develop a strong understanding of how design transforms from a digital concept to a finished product. The project-based learning will develop an understanding of how to effectively design to meet production compliance and industry standards. -
Illustration stream
Students in our Illustration stream will develop an individual style through the application of traditional skills and mediums (e.g. graphite, coloured pencils, Copic markers, gouache, acrylic and watercolour painting), as well as digital illustration skills and tools (e.g. Wacom digital drawing tablet), based on strong design theory and aesthetic judgment. Advanced techniques include integrating traditional mediums with digital media. -
User Experience/User Interface
Students in our UX/UI stream will create and design web based products entirely from the user’s perspective through experiential and project based learning. In UX (User Experience), they will engage in design thinking, usability testing, site architecture, user flows, etc. In UI (User Interface) students will use industry standard tools to style wireframes, high fidelity mockups and prototypes of web products and apps based on interaction design and aesthetics. Students will gain practical skills and experience in all areas of the UX/UI development process.
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Enrolment is limited per stream.
What you'll learn
- Practical and theoretical design skills.
- Professional techniques in digital design composition.
- Technical skills for design, print and web production.
- Package design and production.
- Compose digital photographic images for design, print and web production.
- Develop a strong sense of colour and colour management theories and techniques.
- Study professional techniques in digital design using the most current industry software applications.
- Physically operate industry-standard digital and finishing technologies.
- Perform illustrations and artistic techniques to render images in both traditional and digital media.
The most unique Graphic Design program in Canada, offering optional studies in illustration or digital print and finishing.
Program Length
3 academic years (periods of 8 months)
Note: Students who start Semester 1 in January will enter Semester 2 in May followed by Semester 3 in September.
Important Academic Dates
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Applied and have questions?
The admissions team is available to help, you can contact them via Admissions or by phone at 1-844-767-6871.
Haven’t applied and need help?
Contact us or phone 905-575-2460.
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Explore Mohawk College from the comfort of home! Our virtual campus tours provide a guided visit of our buildings, labs, services, classrooms and athletic and recreation centre.
Program delivery
Learn about program delivery terms.
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The Collective
The Collective, powered by SURGE, offers students a platform to showcase their talents and gain experience freelancing, while developing their portfolios before they enter the workforce. This platform showcases students from an assortment of program areas sparking an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing creative students for the future.
Hire a Mohawk student to create stunning visuals, creative graphics and smart media by visiting The Collective.
Follow us
Our students win provincial and national awards!
The Ad and Design Club of Canada (ADDC) hosts an annual student contest, considered by many to be the most prominent Canadian student competitions for Advertising and Design students. All finalists make it into an annual that is seen by most people in the Advertising and Design industry. Winning work is featured on the ADCC Archive, alongside work belonging to the industry’s top professionals – cementing your place in Canadian creative history, which stretches back over 70 years.
Mohawk’s Graphic Design student Ana-Marija Vlahovic wins bronze in the Ad and Design Club of Canada 2020 student competition.
Chocolate for Knights by Ana-Marija Vlahovic (3rd year student)
Marco Polo by Ana-Marija Vlahovic (3rd year student)
Mohawk’s Graphic Design student Sara Veronica Alas Alvarez wins SLD Award 2020 for Packaging Design (Series) for El Poder Beer Packaging.
El Poder Beer Packaging by Sara Veronica Alas Alvarez (3rd year student)
Video Resources
Student videos
Video by Shannon Rollo
Video by Sarah Bullard
Admission
Admission
Domestic and International student admission requirements
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OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
- Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
Options are available for mature applicants.
Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of the GAS-English for Academic Purposes (478 or 278) program
- TOEFL minimum score of 550 (80 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Don't have the necessary requirements?
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees
2023 - 2024 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $864.60 | $758.46 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $15.00 | $19.50 |
| Domestic Tuition | $1,519.65 | $1,519.65 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $2,399.25 | $2,297.61 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $4,696.86 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
2023 - 2024 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $8,875.00 | $8,875.00 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $15.00 | $19.50 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Per Semester | $9,340.00 | $9,269.50 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $18,609.50 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
Additional Information
- View the Additional Information Tab for any additional costs
- Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career)
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)- Working on Campus
- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy and Money Coaching:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mo' Money is committed to helping our students improve their money skills and become more confident with their money.
- One-on-One Money Counselling
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
- Events and Workshops
Program of Studies
Course Overview & Descriptions
Click on the course title for a course description.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
How you'll gain skills
- Use the most current industry software in our state of the art labs.
- Field placement in final semester.
- Work with real-world clients in The Agency, Mohawk’s student-run advertising agency.
- Through hands-on experience use a wide array of industry standard equipment in the Hugh Cameron Digital Print Learning Centre.
- Develop a design portfolio and have it critiqued by industry professionals through performance based learning.
Field Placement
Students participate in an unpaid field placement. For more information regarding the Graphic Design field placement, please contact: wesley.beckett [at] mohawkcollege.ca
The Agency
The Agency is an experiential learning facility operating within the McKeil School of Business at Mohawk College. Students from a variety of programs including Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphics and Broadcast Media collaborate in developing real world marketing and communications solutions for selected non-profit organizations and start-up companies in the greater Hamilton area.
All projects with our client/partners are integrated into the curriculum and students are marked on what they do. They work under close faculty supervision as they develop effective marketing communications solutions relevant to meeting clear client objectives.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Graphic Designer
- Design and Production Specialists
- Prepress and Web Services Specialist
- Freelance Designer
Where you could work includes:
- Design, Publishing and Printing Industries
- Prepress and Web Services
- Advertising and Marketing
- Digital Media Industries
- Packaging Design
- New business venture opportunities
- Sign, screen and display companies
Opportunities for grads
- The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)
- PAC Packaging Consortium
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
Pathways within Mohawk
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. *
- Art and Design Foundations - 270
- Pre-Media and Entertainment - 194
- Photography - Still and Motion - 378
- General Arts and Science (University Transfer) - 208
- Advertising and Marketing Communications Management - 652
- Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media - 651
- Journalism - 297
We offer a diverse range of programs to further your studies within Mohawk following completion of this program. *
- Communications Media Practices - 266
- Creative Arts Business - 387
- Business Fundamentals - Small Business - 354
This Pathways map shows how the identified program can lead to future program choices within Mohawk.
Pathways beyond Mohawk
Earn a degree:
- Davenport University - Bachelor of Business Administration, General Business
- Griffith University - Bachelor of Design, Visual Communication Design Major
- Technological University of the Shannon - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic Design Communication
See ontransfer.ca for additional opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.
Search the Mohawk Transfer Database for opportunities outside of Ontario.
Additional Information
Additional Information
The Graphic Design program has a mandatory laptop requirement. All students are required to have a laptop that is capable of effectively running the software packages that we use for instruction. This provides our students with 24/7 access to industry-relevant production tools and learning resources.
The requirement of an approved media capable laptop is foundational to our learning structure and is necessary upon program entry. We have updated our policy to include laptops capable of meeting our required software specifications.
Mohawk College currently has a partnership agreement with Apple® Canada. We recommend that you shop on Mohawk's Custom Online Apple® store to receive educational discounts when purchasing your new MacBook Pro. We also recommend that you wait until late spring/early summer to take advantage of the "back to school" specials offered by Apple®.
To Access Mohawk's Custom Online Store
- Log into your MyMohawk account with your MohawkID and password.
- Click on the Technology Solutions tab.
- Navigate to the Computer Store and click “Online Apple Store.”
- Once you arrive to our Mohawk College Discount store webpage, select “See recommended systems” to view a list of the MacBook Pros we recommend for this program.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to call the friendly Apple experts over the telephone at 1-800-MY-APPLE to get the answers you are looking for.
It is strongly recommended that students purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan, which is included in the various recommended bundles by default. You will require the use of your MacBook Pro for day-to-day productivity and any potential downtime could have a significant impact on your academic success. AppleCare will ensure that you will have the best possible experience with your new MacBook Pro, especially if something out of the ordinary should happen. However, if you do not wish to purchase AppleCare, you can remove AppleCare from the bundle using the Remove button in the cart.
If you currently own an Apple® laptop that meets our minimum standard and is capable of running the required software, a new purchase will not be required.
Minimum and recommended Workstation Laptop configurations:
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macOS Workstation
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OS: macOS 12 Monterey
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CPU: Apple M2 Pro (10-core) or better
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GPU: Apple M2 Pro (16-core) or better
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RAM: 16GB unified memory or greater (32GB recommended)
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Internal storage: 512GB (1TB recommended)
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Recommended machine: Apple MacBook Pro
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Note: PC laptops and Chromebook devices will not be accepted in the Graphic Design program.
Software Requirements
Adobe Creative Cloud: A monthly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud can be purchased from the Adobe Creative Cloud website.
Hardware
Personal External Storage:
- Minimum capacity: 1TB
- Technology: solid-state drive (SSD)
- Read/Write Speeds: approximately 500MB/second or greater (USB 3.1 or better)
- Connector: USB-A or USB-C connector as required to interface with your laptop
SD Card:
- Minimum capacity: 32GB
- Drawing Tablet:
- Recommended: Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium) – Required for Semester 4 Illustration Stream Students
Faculty
Program Coordinator
Contact Us
Contact us
Domestic Canadian Students
Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.
Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact Admissions
Phone: 1-844-767-6871
International Students
Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544
Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.
Accessible Learning Services
Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.
Do you have a project for our students?
If you or your organization has a marketing communications project that might be suitable for our students, please apply below. We will respond to you as soon as we can. Please note that we do not accept applications made directly to faculty or program coordinators. If you have any questions please contact theagency@mohawkcollege.ca
Program Coordinator
Canadian Domestic Students
International Students
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