Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design

St Lawrence College

For over forty years, our acclaimed program has trained highly-skilled, creative individuals for the growing profession of Graphic Design. This three-year advanced diploma program prepares graduates for direct entry into dynamic and rewarding work environments including design studios, ad agencies, interactive web and game design studios, publishing houses, marketing firms, and film and television production studios, to name a few.

Our program of study develops the creative potential of each student in three specific ways:

• The creation of a personal portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of design fundamentals using advanced software skills.
• The process and application of design thinking to solve complex communication problems.
• Direct, hands-on experience with professional clients representing a broad range of industries.

We train our students in the foundations of composition and layout, typography, color, interactive and accessible design principles, and the use of industry-standard software. Our project-based learning approach ensures that students are directly involved in shaping their learning experiences, and that principles and best practices are applied in portfolio-driven work across different media.

By working directly with clients throughout their final year of study, students develop their knowledge base with real-world challenges. SLC Graphic Design graduates excel in creative problem-solving, design thinking, and approaches to user-centred design that are required by the growing creative economy.

With dedicated studio, lecture, and Mac lab spaces, SLC Graphic Design gives students the opportunity to collaborate on projects and develop social networks in a supportive learning environment.

Career Opportunities

Graphic Designers are in high demand, working in design studios, interactive, branding our advertising agencies, marketing firms, television/broadcast, game design, publishing houses, and print and digital media production companies, as well as in-house design and digital publishing or media departments.

CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

SLC graduates have many options to continue their studies with post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world. Agreements between SLC and other institutions that are specific to this program are listed below. In addition, there are many credit transfer pathway agreements between colleges and universities within the province of Ontario. Please also visit to search for options relevant to your program area of study.

Royal Roads University - Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication
Athabasca University - Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies
Conestoga - Bachelor of Design (Honours)
Lakehead University - Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (Media Studies)