Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
The program has an excellent reputation among the Capital Region’s business community; classroom projects often involve design assignments relevant to their current ventures. Direct industry experience is gained through the program’s two-week professional experience component, allowing eligible students the opportunity to apply their technical and interpersonal skills effectively within a workplace environment.
The graphics industry is constantly undergoing change, whether it is new software developments, updates in output equipment and technologies, or trends in design elements. The program is in constant contact with industry and supply representatives to be sure the training demands are being met and grads have the skills necessary for employment. Skills acquired in this program have allowed our graduates to seek employment opportunities all across North America.
Program details
By the time you graduate, you will have gained fundamental knowledge and skills in the following disciplines:
- applied graphic design and typography
- computer graphics and image manipulation
- page layout and document composition
- computer systems management
- web design fundamentals
- digital pre-media technology and electronic output
- effective communications
A proud history of creative work
Graphic Communications students and graduates have consistently performed well in competitive design on both local and national fronts. Our grads have also gone on to become successful employees, business managers, sales reps, freelance artists and company owners. In the past, some of our students have participated in logo and identity creations for various non-profit organizations.
Making an impact
Students get opportunities to create live jobs, and contribute to the community. A few of the organizations that have benefitted from the efforts of Graphic Communications students are: Harley Owners Group, Make A Wish, da bom SQUAD, ABRA-KID-ABRA, Pride Run, Alberta Aviation Museum, First Responders Marathon and Prince of Wales Armoury.
Career Outcomes
Advances in technology and correspondingly lower costs of publishing hardware and software have significantly widened the scope of computer publishing capabilities, making many applications widely available. Small printing companies, graphic design houses and internal communication departments of large corporations are now equipped to perform many of the production processes previously handled by specialized establishments. These factors have created an increased need for skilled personnel to ensure the efficient production of effective communications.
The future of graphic communications
In the future, new mediums may replace traditional “ink on paper” technology, such as print on demand, e-Books, PDF files, digital printing, sign and promotions. Graduates from GrafCom will still be in high demand as logos, layouts, advertisements, photo manipulations, typography and design skills will still be required for current and future mediums.
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 2 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C+ in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses that are available for PLAR credits in this program. Please click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility: Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.