General Arts and Science - One Year - Design Studies at Algonquin College

Explore design careers and create a competitive portfolio.

This one-year Ontario College General Arts and Science - Design Studies Certificate helps you develop your creativity, learn design principles, and enhance your drawing skills. You will learn about layout, typography, mixed media, photography, drawing, 3D modelling, and industry standard design software. These skills will assist you in creating a competitive portfolio, which you may use to pursue further studies in the design field.

You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Design Studies. This program helps you to expand your knowledge in design and choose your career path. This certificate prepares you to be successful in other programs such as:

• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Interior Decorating
• Illustration
• Architectural Studies
• Industrial Design
• Advertising
• Mobile App Design
• Web Development
• Multi-media and more

Completion of this certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level. With this certificate, you may also choose to continue your education in Year II of the General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma program.

After completion of Year II with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can apply for advanced standing at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• Think visually, creatively and conceptually.
• Have good communication skills.
• Work well under pressure and can meet deadlines.
• Are effective team members.
• Possess good motor skills.
• Can perform measurements and calculations accurately.
• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning.
• Can think conceptually.

Careers

A General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate or Ontario College Diploma demonstrates to employers, colleges and universities that graduates have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level, have enhanced skills in oral and written communication, can conduct research in a systematic manner, and are flexible and open to meeting new challenges. These are important attributes in a world where change is rapid and adaptability is an asset.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
4. Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
5. Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.