Graphic Design

Program objectives
The program trains individuals to become graphic designers.

This program brings together two training requirements: versatility and mastery of specific technical skills.

Versatility stems from the acquisition of general skills that enable graphic artists to demonstrate autonomy and creativity in their work. These skills make it easier for them to adapt to new work situations and changes in technology. It also fosters their ability to evaluate the needs of their customers and effectively communicate their ideas. Graphic designers work in extremely diverse situations, carrying out mandates for a wide range of customers in various sectors of activity. They must be able to provide solutions that meet their customers’ needs while taking a variety of elements into consideration: desired style, budget, deadline, target group and the competition. Graphic designers generally have a wealth of general cultural knowledge that helps feed their creativity.
The acquisition of specific graphic design skills helps ensure that students can smoothly integrate the job market. From the moment they start working in their field, graphic designers take on publishing projects, visual identification projects, advertising projects, three-dimensional projects and multimedia projects. This generally involves working on the design elements of the project, analyzing and interpreting concepts and sketches, and organizing and structuring various elements of visual communication, and ensuring the project’s feasibility. Graphic artists use a variety of communication tools. They can be called upon to work in different types of businesses: advertising agencies, graphic design studios, multimedia production studios, publishing companies, printing companies, major corporations and government agencies that hire graphic artists. Many graphic artists work as freelancers for different companies and organizations, or are self-employed and run their own small business. The specific skills acquired through the program cover the many different aspects of this profession.

Before applying to a program leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS), applicants who studied in Québec must meet the following three requirements:

The applicant must have a Secondary School Diploma and be in one of the following situations:
The applicant has a Secondary School Diploma (SSD)*
NOTE: a SSD holder that has not passed the following courses may be required to complete remedial courses:
Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
Secondary 5 Second Language
Secondary 4 Mathematics
Secondary 4 Science and Technology or Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology or Secondary 4 Physical Science
Secondary 4 History and Citizenship Education or Secondary 4 History of Quebec and Canada
The applicant holds a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) and has successfully completed the following subjects*:
Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
Secondary 5 Second Language
Secondary 4 Mathematics
The applicant has training deemed equivalent by the College.
The applicant has training and experience deemed sufficient by the College and has interrupted full time studies for at least 24 months.
The applicant satisfies, if applicable, the special conditions for admission established by the Minister which specify the program prerequisites*.
The applicant satisfies, if applicable, any special conditions for admission established by the College for each of its programs.


*If the applicant is enrolled in school and completing his or her secondary studies at the time of application, the grades sent by the school must demonstrate that the applicant is passing in all the courses required to complete the SSD and required to fulfill the admission requirements.