Your Future Starts Here

Why AlgonquinDesign?

There are myriad reasons for starting your creative future at Algonquin College’s Graphic Design program. These are a few of them.

Joy in Numbers

• 1 portfolio is required for acceptance.
• 3 year Advanced Diploma full-time program.
• 6 semesters, starting in Fall.
• About 7 courses per semester, most in-class, some online.
• 5 full-time professors and many part-time faculty.
• Ends with 6 weeks of fieldwork.
• 100’s of possibilities for employment upon graduation.
• Huge alumni community

Algonquin’s Graphic Design program is built around hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and portfolio development. Graduates leave with real-world experience and a job-ready portfolio, not just a diploma.

Design is everywhere, from branding and user-experience design to motion graphics and packaging. The demand for visual communication is growing, not shrinking. In fact, companies need designers more than ever to stand out in a noisy, digital world. It’s not either/or, it’s design + tech.

Fantastic Student Designs

See a selection of our students’ amazing graphic design work.

Student work in the Graphic Design program pulses with originality, curiosity, surprise. Projects move from expressive motion pieces to immersive web experiences, each one shaped by the student’s own visual voice. Learners experiment, take risks, remix influences, test new tools.

See more student work ➜

From Art to Design

Transition from expressive art to applied design, where creativity solves real communication problems for real people. Explore visual storytelling, branding, layout, and digital experiences while keeping your unique artistic voice at the centre.

Studio Energy in Every Class

Classes feel like art studios, with project-based learning, critiques, collaboration, and lots of feedback. Weekly three-hour studio blocks give space to experiment, explore, and refine work, similar to high school art classes but with a professional focus.

“Find tools, community, and real-world experience with Algonquin’s Graphic Design program—where creativity meets employability.”

Creativity with Modern Tools

Learn industry-standard design software as creative instruments, not just technical tools to click through. Use them to sketch, explore, and refine ideas, so technology supports your imagination rather than replacing it.

AI can generate content, but it can’t originate meaningful, strategic, or emotionally resonant design. Graphic designers are the ones who give AI direction, context, and purpose.

The future of design is human-led, AI-enhanced. Read on ➜

Build a Standout Portfolio

Create a professional portfolio that shows both artistic strengths and design thinking. Projects are diverse, so students can explore style across posters, branding, digital media, motion, and more, building a portfolio that speaks to employers and clients.

Community, Mentors, Futures

Join a cohort of students who care about art and design as much as you do. Study with faculty who work as designers and educators, who understand the move from fine art to graphic design, and who help students prepare for careers in design, web, animation, user experience, publishing, and more.

It Takes a Village

• Financial Aid
• Academic Supports
• Health Services
• Dental Clinic
• Massage Clinic
• International Student Services
• Clubs & Events
• Indigenous Students Supports

Turning Passion Into a Career

Learn how to monetize creativity while staying true to artistic roots. Fieldwork and client-based projects offer a first look at the business side of art, from working with clients to meeting deadlines to presenting work with confidence.

Steps to Apply

• Create an OCAS (Ontario Colleges) account.
• Request official high school transcripts be sent to OCAS.
• Complete portfolio submission.
• Fill out the OCAS application.
• Pay the OCAS application fee.
• Monitor your email and OCAS account.
• Accept the offer through OCAS.

Interested?

Do you have questions, or do you wish to express interest in learning more? Just get in touch!