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Program Information

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Graphic Design

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Duration: Two Years

Applications closed to international applicants.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

Form follows function.

Design is everywhere from the moment we wake up until we close our eyes at night. Not just beautiful art, graphic design has purpose – to communicate a message and engage those who read it and evoke feeling or action. Great design tells a story.

Graphic Designers use highly developed technical skills and a mastery of digital technology to capture the imagination through original design in a variety of media from print to screen. They develop solutions for businesses, building corporate branding, designing websites and creating inspiring visuals that send a powerful message. Graphic design has a proven return on investment and has become essential to the success of all business, putting designers in high demand.

Traditionally graphic designers created for print. There is still a great need for design and printing of environmental graphics for retail store interiors, conferences, wayfinding and events, as well as swag, product packaging and much more. But now through digital space, graphic designers are also working in fields like user interface design, online marketing and advertising, motion graphics and more. The opportunities are limitless!

In our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll gain traditional and cutting-edge skills through problem-solving and creative exploration with typography, colour, space and placement. You’ll train in digital photography, package design, traditional and digital printing and more, and you’ll leave here with a professional portfolio of your work to take out into the world with you.

It’s your future by design.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Extensive training that combines natural creativity with strategic design techniques
  • Experiential, hands-on learning with industry associations and companies
  • Collaborative projects with other CNA arts programs such as Sound Recording & Production, Journalism and Applied Music, Textile & Apparel Design, and the suite of Television & Film programs
  • High job placement success rate
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Graduates are working at exciting careers throughout Canada and around the world.
  • Students have won dozens of regional, provincial and national awards over the past decade.
  • The unique skills of graphic designers have been globally recognized with the term, “design thinking,” which applies the thought process designers use for just about any field or discipline.
  • A designer’s primary concern is ultimately communication.
  • It takes two-tenths of a second for people looking at a website for the first time to form an impression.1
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate strong technical and conceptual design skills for print and screen.
  2. Demonstrate hands-on knowledge of, and experience with, industry-standard design and production tools and equipment.
  3. Demonstrate the business, communication, teamwork and time-management skills necessary for this industry.
  4. Apply an approach to the design process that focuses on creativity while meeting clients' needs.
  5. Successfully compete for entry-level employment in the Graphic Design industry.
REFERENCES
[1]What Role Does Design Play In Business Success? (forbes.com)

Admission Requirements


1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Note:
Basic computer skills as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program.  These core skills are important for success in the program.

Additional Admission Requirements
 
Applicant Portfolio Requirements
All applicants to the Graphic Design program must submit a portfolio as part of the admission requirements. A portfolio is a personal selection of the applicant’s work that shows the potential to build on demonstrated skills and aptitudes when in the program.
 
The applicant portfolio should consist of:
  1. A written personal statement explaining your reasons for wanting to be a graphic designer and your interest in the program at College of the North Atlantic. This should be no longer than 500 words or a single typed page.

  2. One project, that relates to the College’s Graphic Design program, chosen from the following three options:
    A magazine ad promoting the program. The ad should focus on at least one positive attribute of the program, and should be produced in colour. The College’s website address should be included as well. The size of the ad should be no larger than 20 cm in any dimension.
     
    A poster promoting the Graphic Design program. The poster should focus on one positive message about the program, and should include the program name, the College’s name and the College’s website address. The size of the poster should be 28 cm x 43 cm (11 x 17 inches).
     
    A logo for the Graphic Design program. The logo should be produced in no more than two (2) colours, not including white. The program title (Graphic Design) and the College’s initials (CNA) should be part of the logo. Applicants should ensure that the logo suggests one or more of the positive attributes of the program.
     
  3. A minimum of five (5) personal portfolio pieces, which could include (but are not limited to) drawings and sketches, photographs, paintings, websites, computer-generated images, or motion-based work. It is preferable to submit works in more than one category but it is not required.
Other Requirements
  1. Applicants should submit only copies of their work. No originals should be submitted.

  2. Do not submit any framed, fragile or 3-dimensional work.

  3. If applicants submit digital files, please burn them onto a CD or DVD, and ensure they are readable by a computer other than the one used to burn it. Digital submissions that cannot be opened will not be considered.

  4. The applicant’s work should be submitted in a case, binder or folio, with measurements not exceeding 61 cm x 92 cm (24 x 36 inches).

  5. Work included in the portfolio should be identified on a separate sheet with the title (if any), the completion date and the materials used. A brief explanation of each piece would be welcome.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
CR1535
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Web Design I 2 1 2
GA1120
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Typography I 2 1 2
GA1170
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Graphics Problem Solving 3 3 0
GA1430
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Page Composition I 2 1 2
GA1640
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Illustration I 3 2 2
PY1200
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Photography I 3 2 3
VA1230
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Graphic Design I 3 2 3
         
Semester 2 Cr Le La
CM1400
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Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
GA1220
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Colour Management 3 3 0
GA1431
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Page Composition II 3 2 2
GA1641
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Illustration II 2 1 2
MR1340
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Marketing for Graphic Design 3 3 0
PY2200
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Photography II 3 2 3
VA1231
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Graphic Design II 3 2 3
         
Semester 3 (Intersession) Cr Le La
GA1121
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Typography II 2 2 4
GA1180
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Graphic Design History 3 6 0
GA1350
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Motion I 3 4 6
         
Intersession hours are actual and will not be adjusted.                                                                                                  
         
Semester 4 Cr Le La
CR1531
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Web Design II 2 1 2
GA1351
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Motion II 3 2 3
GA1520
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Image Manipulation I 3 2 2
GA1880
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Business Practices 3 3 0
GA2380
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Production for Designers 2 1 2
GA2640
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Illustration III 2 1 3
PY1201
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Photography III 3 2 2
         
Semester 5 Cr Le La
CM2200
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Oral Communications 2 2 0
CR2530
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Web Design III 2 2 1
GA2350
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Motion III 3 2 3
GA2430
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Page Composition III 3 2 2
GA2720
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Design Management Identity 3 2 2
VA2800
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Package Design 3 2 2
Elective*   3 2 2
         
Semester 6 (Intersession) Cr Le La
FW1180
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Field Placement Preparation 1 1 wk 0
      20 hrs/wk  
FW2800
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Field Placement 4 0 4 wks
        35 hrs/wk
FW2801
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Field Placement Reflection 1 1 wk 0
      20 hrs/wk  
Intersession hours are actual and will not be adjusted      
         
Graphic Design Electives Cr Le La
EL1530
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Fine Art Printing 3 2 2
GA1521
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Image Manipulation II 3 2 2
PY2205
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Independent Study 3 2 2

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Past graduates have a strong record of success in the Graphic Design industry, both within Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.  Graduates can choose from a variety of employment options such as advertising agencies, design companies and in-house art departments, as well as freelance work or self-employment with clients located anywhere in the world.


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $1,197.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $572.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due within two (2) weeks of date of Letter of of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay this non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • First Semester Tuition- which includes the $1500 Deposit Fee
      Deposit fee - $1500 non-refundable, non-transferable fee.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $4,581.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $2,291.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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