Interactive Design - Graphic Design

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Graphic designers tend to be innovative, methodical and social.

You need:

• discretion in dealing with client information and industry secrets
• creativity
• self-discipline
• drawing ability and visual sense
• attention to detail
• analytical thinking
• communication skills
• time-management and organizational skills
• marketing skills
• resilience
• to be very comfortable using computers.

You should enjoy synthesizing information and finding innovative ways to present ideas, taking a methodical approach to your work, consulting with people, learning from constructive criticism and navigating multiple deadlines. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

You can participate in an optional work term after your first year.

You’ll also complete in a capstone project in your second year, where you’ll investigate issues across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge, connect with community issues or problems, and create a solution.

Credential

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Interactive Design diploma with a major in Graphic Design.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible

This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). 

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. 

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
• Graphic arts technicians (52111)
• Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (10022)
• Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (11202)
• Web designers (21233)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 50% in Math 30-1 or at least 60% in Math 30-2, and
• at least 55% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside of Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Interactive Design. You will be able to select Graphic Design as your major during the application process.

Program outline

The Interactive Design - Graphic Design diploma requires 60 credits (19 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

Required courses

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Required courses - Interactive design core

• COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
• CPRG 218 - Intermediate Web Communications 3 Credits
• CPRG 219 - Introduction to Web Communications 3 Credits
• DSGN 221 - Intermediate Visual Design 3 Credits
• DSGN 227 - Introduction to User Experience (UX) 3 Credits
• DSGN 228 - Introduction to Visual Design 3 Credits
• DSGN 306 - Design Studio 1 3 Credits
• DSGN 308 - Design Studio 2 6 Credits
• DSGN 309 - Future of Design 3 Credits
• MMDA 202 - Digital Media Foundations 3 Credits
• MMDA 203 - Intermediate Digital Media Production 3 Credits
• PHIL 241 - Critical Thinking 3 Credits
• PMGT 200 - Product Management 3 Credits
• PROJ 309 - Capstone Project 3 Credits

Required courses - Graphic design core

• DIGI 300 - Digital Imaging 3 Credits
• DIGI 301 - Digital Marketing 3 Credits
• DSGN 304 - Advanced Visual Design 3 Credits
• DSGN 313 - Typography 3 Credits
• PRNT 300 - Print Production 3 Credits

Optional courses

• CPWK 255 - Cooperative Work Term 0 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 per full-time year.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a custom computer hardware and software requirement. 

You require a laptop with an integrated webcam, a smartphone with the ability to record audio and video and headphones with an integrated microphone.

All laptops must meet the following minimum specifications:

• MacBook Air with M2 chip
• 8-Core CPU, 10-core GPU
• 8GB Unified Memory
• 512GB SSD Storage

The recommended laptop is the 14”Apple MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip.

Should you wish to use a PC laptop, it must meet minimum power user hardware and software requirements. Some UX designers use software that is only for Mac.

Required software

• Adobe CC Student Subscription
• Figma (free for education)
• FileZilla Client
• Chrome
• Visual Studio Code
• MS Office (included in your program)

Advanced Digital Technology program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School for Advanced Digital Technology.

Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca 

Program outcomes

1. Contribute individual skills within a team environment to produce a collaborative project based on client requirements.
2. Design and create integrated digital content to meet industry best practices.
3. Demonstrate industry-specific employability skills and work behaviour to meet industry expectations.
4. Create data-driven, insight-based designs that are logical and defensible.
5. Apply workflow techniques to media projects and production pipelines.
6. Create a portfolio of work demonstrating applied design concepts that meet specific client requirements and can be presented to clients for critique.
7. Demonstrate highly effective problem-solving, collaborative planning, and human-centred design.

Graphic Design major

1. Produce a packaging project for a specific user.
2. Demonstrate the basic functions of a digital press and bindery equipment.
3. Apply design frameworks in the production process.
4. Create graphic designs using a range of techniques.

User Experience (UX) major

1. Create prototype designs for usability testing.
2. Apply design systems, brand standards and accessibility to projects.
3. Create UX/UI solutions using a variety of methodologies.
4. Solve design problems through iteration and prototyping experiences.

Web Design and Development major

1. Develop data-driven design solutions to meet specific client requirements.
2. Integrate technical frameworks in web development solutions.
3. Apply web security best practices in design solutions.
4. Create responsive web solutions and applications to be deployed across multiple types of devices and screen sizes.