This extended minor can be applied to any degree program at UFV, provided the degree accepts extended minors. This section specifies the extended minor discipline requirements only. Please refer to the specific degree section for information on additional requirements, declaration eligibility, and residency requirements.
The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor can be combined with another creative practice program only in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Creative practice programs are offered in Creative Writing, Graphic and Digital Design, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Note: The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor culminates in upper-level courses that require a series of sequential skills obtained over several semesters. Students should make strategic course selections over at least a two-year period to ensure timely program completion.
The Graphic and Digital Design extended minor offers optional streams in Dynamic Media, Interactive Design, Communication Design, or Brand Identity.
Dynamic Media: GD 203, GD 216, GD 303, or GD 403
This stream is image-based and introduces motion graphics, video, kinetic typography, and character design for design projects and storytelling.
Interactive Design: GD 202, (GD 204 or CIS 145), GD 302, GD 304, or GD 358
This stream focuses on design for digital screens including websites, tablets, and mobile devices. Students are introduced to interface design, development, UX, and content management.
Communication Design: GD 101, GD 254, GD 260, GD 317, GD 450, or GD 460
This stream introduces publishing, promotion, information design, and social responsibility. The
emphasis is on problem solving and human-centred solutions in print and digital media.
Brand Identity: GD 101, GD 254, GD 260, GD 374, GD 375, GD 450, or GD 460
This stream offers a foundation in communication design and introduces the field of brand identity including logo design, packaging design, and sustainability principles.
Program learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Graphic and Digital Design extended minor, students will be able to:
Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, visual language, typography, and theory as applied to visual communication problems.
Analyze visual communication problems using critical thinking skills.
Utilize processes, tools, and technology for graphic design practice.
Program outline
Lower-level requirements: 18 credits
Course
Title
Credits
GD 102
History of Graphic Design
3
or
Any lower-level AH or MACS course
GD 154
Typography I
3
GD 157
Digital Design Media I
3
GD 159
Digital Design Media II
3
Six credits from:
6
Lower-level GD courses
CIS 145
Web Publishing
MEDA 222
Design Ethos and the Creative Practitioner
Lower-level elective options
For the Dynamic Media stream, choose GD 203 and GD 216.
For the Interactive Design stream, choose GD 202 and one of GD 204 or CIS 145.
For the Communication Design stream, choose GD 101, GD 254, and/or GD 260.
For the Brand Identity stream, choose GD 101, GD 254, and/or GD 260.
Upper-level requirements: 15 credits
Course
Title
Credits
GD 361
Portfolio Development for Visual Communication
3
12 credits from:
12
Upper-level GD courses (see below)
MEDA 469
Design Thinking for Creative Leadership
VA 360
Professional Development and Practices
Upper-level elective options
For the Dynamic Media stream, choose GD 303 or GD 403.
For the Interactive Design stream, choose GD 302, GD 304, or GD 358.
For the Communication Design stream, choose GD 317, GD 450, or GD 460.
For the Brand Identity stream, choose GD 374, GD 375, GD 450, or GD 460.
Graphic and Digital Design minor
The Graphic and Digital Design minor offers an applied foundation. Students are introduced to graphic design tools, processes, and professional standards of practice and can attain skills and knowledge typically required for in-house and entry-level creative industry positions or in a field of design practice of their choice (interactive design, dynamic media, communication design, or brand identity).
This minor can be applied to any degree program at UFV, provided the degree accepts minors. This section specifies the minor discipline requirements only. Please refer to the specific degree section for information on additional requirements, declaration eligibility, and residency requirements.
Note: Introductory courses are offered every semester, with some 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses rotating in the Fall and Winter. Please note that the Graphic and Digital Design minor culminates in upper-level courses that require a series of sequential skills obtained over several semesters. Students should make strategic course selections over at least a two-year period to ensure timely program completion.
Program learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the GDD minor, students will be able to:
Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, visual language, typography, and theory as applied to visual communication problems.
Analyze visual communication problems using critical thinking skills.
Develop strategies for planning, producing, and disseminating visual communication.
Utilize processes, tools, and technology for graphic design practice.
Program outline
Lower-level requirements: 15 credits
Course
Title
Credits
GD 157
Digital Design Media I
3
GD 159
Digital Design Media II
3
Nine credits from:
9
CIS 145
Web Publishing
GD
Lower-level GD courses
Upper-level requirements: 15 credits
Course
Title
Credits
15 credits from:
15
GD
Upper-level GD courses (except GD 498 or GD 499)
MEDA 469
Design Thinking for Creative Leadership
VA 360
Professional Development and Practices
Residency
Students must complete at least 50% of the upper-level credits required in the minor or extended minor at UFV.