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Graphic + Digital Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design major

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Bachelor's degree

Duration:
4 years

Options:
Major, minor and extended minor

How to apply

Start date:
January, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

  • Field trips enhance classroom learning
  • Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • Real-world projects provide opportunities to collaborate — essential experience for today’s creative economy, with designers often working in cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Customize your education by exploring innovative program paths and flexible elective options.
  • Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic and Digital Design is a dynamic, hands-on future-focused professional education to help you launch a career as an artist or creative lead in British Columbia's creative economy.

As a BFA student in the major, minor, or extended minor in Graphic and Digital Design, you are immersed in experiential and applied learning that equips you with the skills needed to engage your creativity, visual savvy, critical thinking, and design skills in fields such as business, marketing, social enterprise, education, government, and more. While actively engaged in design practice and professional communities, you get to make connections through special events, guest lecturers, field trips, study tours, workshops, and industry mentors. We create opportunities for meaningful work, cultural enrichment, and the greater good.

BFA with major in Graphic and Digital Design

The Graphic and Digital Design major is a purpose-built design degree focused on being flexible and responsive to an increasingly complex world. Begin your degree with core skills in communication design, brand identity, interactive design, and dynamic media. Then move into years three and four taking courses in advanced design practice and creative leadership. Create impactful projects with industry partners and the community through practicums, applied research, and experiential learning. With your strong professional practice foundation, choose electives to meet your goals and interests. Your learning will position you as a designer who is a critical thinker, collaborator, and agent of change.

As part of the program, you build a portfolio that reflects your passion, leadership, and creative savvy gained through real-world projects, in-depth learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Choose your path to become a creative professional that is connected, adaptable and resilient.

View the program outline for the Graphic Design major in the UFV Academic Calendar.

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

As a graduate of the Graphic and Digital Design major, you are ready to work in the creative industry. Graphic designers may build their careers in design studios and agencies, in-house within a company or organization, or as entrepreneurs and freelance practitioners.

The field of design and visual communications is continually evolving, technologies change, and lifelong learning is essential to success in professional practice. With the strong emphasis on integrated design knowledge in the GDD major, you are prepared for further academic studies in related graduate programs across Canada.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Enter the current two year Graphic and Digital Design diploma and choose the GDD major at the end of year one, or begin the BFA as a new or continuing student and declare the GDD major after completion of 30 credits. Ladder into year three with a two-year graphic design diploma or part of a design degree completed.

View complete entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

OTHER ADMISSION CATEGORIES

This program is open for international students.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Graphic and Digital Design major, you will have acquired the following competencies:

Skills: proficiency with professional practice tools, technology, methods, and visual language

Critical Thinking: use of evidence, questioning assumptions, and implementing a strategic process

Design Thinking: cross-disciplinary, iterative, empathetic, and human-centered problem solving

Systems Level Design: creating designed experiences that integrate context, purpose, and action

Professional Development: demonstrating leadership, ethos, resilience, and reflective practice

QUESTIONS?

Paula Funk
Phone: 604-504-7441, local 4722
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441, local 4722
Email: paula.funk@ufv.ca
or ask online