Graphic Design - 508
Overview
Program Highlights
Shape the Visual World Around You
Develop the skills to influence the visual landscape with innovative design, print, and digital production techniques.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Learn in one of Canada’s most advanced digital print learning centres, the Hugh Cameron Digital Print Learning Centre, featuring industry-standard equipment for hands-on learning.
TechCreative Approach
Combine creativity with technical expertise as you master design software, digital printing, and web production, all while understanding the complexities of modern media
Inclusive and Accessible Design
Learn to design for everyone by embracing accessibility principles, ensuring your work is inclusive for diverse audiences across digital and print platforms.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation
Our curriculum integrates themes of equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, empowering students to create design solutions that reflect and respect cultural diversity and promote positive social change.
Living Lab Experience
Gain professional, hands-on experience by working with real-world clients in a dynamic, collaborative environment, preparing you for a successful career in the design industry.
Three Specialized Streams
Tailor your education by choosing from Digital Print and Packaging, Illustration, or UX/UI streams to hone your skills in areas of personal interest and career focus.
Learn about the three streams you can choose from
Digital Print and Packaging Stream
Discover the creative world of print and packaging in the Digital Print and Packaging Stream, where you’ll transform design concepts into fully realized products. In this stream, you’ll work in the state-of-the-art Hugh Cameron Digital Print Learning Centre, mastering the technologies and processes that bring designs from digital files to high-quality printed materials and packaging solutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment used in the industry, allowing you to create everything from marketing collateral to beautifully designed packaging prototypes.
In addition to honing your digital printing techniques, you’ll focus on the design of packaging that is both functional and visually striking, while ensuring your creations meet industry standards. This stream emphasizes creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to bring designs to life in the ever-evolving print and packaging industries.
Illustration Stream
Unleash your creativity and develop your unique artistic style in the Illustration Stream. Here, you’ll explore the intersection of traditional and digital media, honing your craft in both classic techniques and cutting-edge digital tools. Whether you’re sketching with graphite or illustrating with digital tablets, you’ll learn to bring your ideas to life through hands-on projects and personalized artistic development.
Throughout this stream, you’ll be guided by experienced professionals who will help you refine your techniques and develop a versatile portfolio. The Illustration Stream offers a blend of foundational art principles and modern design strategies, ensuring you’re equipped to thrive in today’s diverse creative industries. You’ll have the chance to experiment with various mediums and techniques, combining them to create dynamic, visually compelling work that resonates with audiences.
User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Stream
Shape the future of digital interactions in the UX/UI Stream, where you’ll design intuitive and engaging web-based products and applications entirely from the user’s perspective. This stream immerses you in design thinking, usability testing, and interaction design, ensuring you have the skills to create seamless digital experiences that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics. Through hands-on, project-based learning, you’ll bring digital products to life, from concept to prototype.
With a focus on inclusive and accessible design, you’ll learn how to create digital interfaces that are user-friendly for diverse audiences, regardless of ability. By incorporating universal design principles, you’ll ensure your web and mobile products are accessible to all, meeting the growing demand for digital solutions that cater to users with varying needs.
In the UX/UI Stream, you’ll engage with industry-standard tools and techniques to design wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, refining every aspect of the user journey. Whether you’re building a website, app, or interactive interface, this stream ensures you’re equipped to create digital products that are not only visually compelling but also functional and inclusive.
Please note that enrolment in each stream is limited, ensuring focused, hands-on instruction. The streams offer specialized learning, they make up approximately 18% of the overall program, with all students completing the same core courses to build a strong foundation in design.
What you'll learn
- Master digital design techniques for print, web, and packaging
- Operate industry-standard digital printing and finishing equipment
- Apply professional design composition and layout skills across media
- Develop packaging designs that balance functionality and aesthetics
- Use industry software like Adobe Creative Cloud to create stunning visuals
- Implement color theory and color management for accurate print results
- Integrate traditional and digital illustration techniques
- Design accessible and inclusive digital interfaces with a focus on UX/UI
- Collaborate on real-world projects to refine your design skills
- Gain practical, hands-on experience through an internship in your final semester
- Learn design thinking and problem-solving approaches for creative projects
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing your diverse design capabilities
- Understand industry standards and compliance in print, packaging, and web design
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.
Admission
Admission
Domestic and International student admission requirements
-
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
2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees
Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $881.96 | $785.16 |
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 | $2,416.61 | $2,324.31 |
Total 1st Year Fees | $4,740.92 |
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
2024 - 2025 International Tuition and Fees
Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $9,055.00 | $9,055.00 |
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 | $9,520.00 | $9,449.50 |
Total 1st Year Fees | $18,969.50 |
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
- Gain practical, hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art labs, including our Hugh Cameron Digital Print Learning Centre.
- Collaborate with clients on industry projects via The Agency, Mohawk’s student-run advertising agency.
- Develop a design portfolio and have it critiqued by industry professionals through performance based learning.
- Use the most current industry software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Esko, to create professional-quality designs in our labs.
- Complete a 7-week field placement alongside industry experts, helping you apply the skills gained in design, print or digital media environments.
Field Placement
A field placement is intended to give students hands-on experience in the workplace. After successful completion of all required courses, students complete a mandatory 210-hour placement in their final semester. The successful completion of the field placement is required for graduation. Please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning for more information on the field placement for this program.
Gain access to thriving industries such as design agencies, print production companies, advertising firms and packaging specialists, through the field placement. Network and build connections in some of Ontario’s most dynamic creative hubs to advance your career.
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
- Web designers
- Graphic arts technicians
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Photographers
- Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
- Artisans and craftspersons
- Printing press operators
- Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations Binding and finishing machine operators Photographic and film processors
Where you could work includes
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.
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program.
Transfer from
You can transfer to the Graphic Design - 508 from the following programs:
Art and Design Foundations
Pre-Media and Entertainment
Photography - Still and Motion
General Arts and Science Diploma (University Transfer)
Advertising and Marketing Communications Management
Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media
Journalism
Receiving Program
Graphic Design
Credit transfer agreements have been arranged to make it easier for students to move from Mohawk to another institution.
Transfer From Graphic Design To
Davenport University
Bachelor of Business Administration General Business
6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
United States
Griffith University
Bachelor of Design, Visual Communication Design major
170 Kessels Rd, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia
Nathan QLD QLD 4111
Australia
Technological University of the Shannon
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Graphic Design Communication
University Road
Athlone
Co. Westmeath
N37 HD68
Ireland
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Tech Requirements
Tech requirements
Why We Use MacBooks in the Graphic Design Program
At Mohawk College’s Graphic Design program, we strive to provide our students with the best tools to prepare them for successful careers in the creative industry. MacBooks are the industry standard in graphic design due to their powerful performance, high-resolution Retina displays, and seamless integration with essential design software like Adobe Creative Cloud. With optimized graphics capabilities and reliable hardware, MacBooks offer a smooth, consistent experience, allowing students to focus on their creativity while mastering the tools they’ll use in professional settings.
By standardizing the use of MacBooks, we ensure that all students have access to the same high-quality technology, promoting a uniform learning environment and enabling smoother collaboration between peers and faculty. Our Program Advisory Committee, composed of industry experts, continually reviews and validates this choice as the best option for design education. With MacBooks, students gain hands-on experience with the tools and systems they will encounter in the workforce, giving them a competitive edge and the confidence to succeed in the fast-paced world of graphic design.
As a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) program, we empower students to take ownership of their learning tools by allowing them to use their own devices throughout the course. This approach offers several benefits: students become proficient with their own hardware, gaining hands-on experience with the technology they’ll continue to use after graduation. BYOD promotes flexibility, as students can work on projects from any location, whether in class, at home, or on the go. Additionally, managing their own devices fosters independence and prepares them for real-world professional environments where self-reliance is key. By allowing students to use their own up-to-date devices, the program ensures that both the students and the curriculum always have access to the latest in hardware and design software, keeping the learning experience current and aligned with industry standards. This helps students build confidence and technical expertise that will serve them well in their future careers.
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. 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 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, 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:
- macOS Workstation
- OS: With the latest (newest) version of the Mac OS that is available at the time of purchase
- CPU: Apple M Series Chip
- RAM: 8GB or Higher
- Internal storage: 512GB (1TB recommended)
- Recommended machine: Apple MacBook (Air or Pro)
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
Wesley Beckett
Daniel MacQueen
Faculty
Contact Us
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*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
Wesley Beckett
Daniel MacQueen
Follow us
Graphic Design - Studio Production at the Skills Ontario Competition
The Skills Ontario Competition is a premier event that allows Ontario’s top post-secondary students to showcase their expertise in a wide variety of skilled trades, including Graphic Design - Studio Production. Over the course of two and a half days, students demonstrate their creativity, technical ability, and design thinking under pressure, impressing not only their educators but also their peers, families, and potential employers.
Mohawk College has consistently excelled at the Skills Ontario Competition, with our students reaching the podium in four of the last five years. This track record highlights the high caliber of our program and the dedication of our students and faculty. Winners are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, and many also receive monetary awards in recognition of their achievements.
In addition to provincial recognition, medalists earn the chance to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition, where they can represent Ontario on a national stage. For those who continue to succeed, the WorldSkills Competition could be the next step—a global platform where the best in the world come together to compete.
2024 Graphic Design - Studio Production Post-Secondary
Mohawk College
2nd place - Matthew G.
2023 Graphic Design - Studio Production Post-Secondary
Mohawk College
2nd place - Sofia R.
2022 Graphic Design - Studio Production Post-Secondary
Mohawk College
1st place Michaella K.
3rd place Claire P.
2021 Graphic Design - Studio Production Post-Secondary
Mohawk College
1st place Abby K.
2nd place Michaella K.
3rd place Shaista O.
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.
Mohawk’s Graphic Design student Sara Veronica Alas Alvarez wins SLD Award 2020 for Packaging Design (Series) for El Poder Beer Packaging.
Chocolate for Knights by Ana-Marija Vlahovic (3rd year student)
Marco Polo by Ana-Marija Vlahovic (3rd year student)
El Poder Beer Packaging by Sara Veronica Alas Alvarez (3rd year student)
Video Resources
Student videos
Video by Shannon Rollo
Video by Sarah Bullard
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