Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
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The 100% Online Graphic Design Technology diploma program at CDI College prepares you for a career in graphic design with hands-on training in digital media, graphics, and visual communication.
Experienced instructors provide expert feedback, and you will complete the program with a professional portfolio to showcase your expertise to potential employers.
The Graphic Design Technology program is licensed in Alberta by the Private Career Colleges Branch (PCCB) of Alberta Advanced Education.
Student Success Strategies
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.
Career & Employment Strategies
In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.
This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
Introduction to Mac OS
Introduction to Mac OS is a hands-on introduction to the current Mac OS. Students will learn how to make a smooth transition from the Windows environment to the Mac environment. Students will learn how to manipulate Preferences to customize their experience, make the most of digital media, and streamline the workflow. Students will learn to work with files and folders and the integrated features of the OS including working with Photos, Messages, and Notifications, and getting acquainted with Mission Control, the App Store, and Siri.
Digital Marketing Fundamentals
In this course students will learn the key concepts of digital marketing. The course will explore the importance of branding, audience reach and demographics in the marketing strategies. Students will learn how to utilize analytics and the importance of goals as part of the marketing processes. The course will explore the importance of domain names, keywords and how to leverage Search Engine Optimization strategies. Pay Per Click, Online marketing, email marketing and budgeting are also discussed within the context of this course.
Adobe Photoshop
This course begins with covering the key techniques for working with Photoshop. Students will learn the key elements of the Photoshop interface, and how the tools and features of this popular software can be used to edit images. Students will learn to use precise selection control to correct a wide range of lens-based errors, interactively transform their images with a variety of tools, effects and filters. With a focus on the key features and tools of Photoshop, students will work with layers, masks, channels, brushes and vector drawing techniques to prepare images for both Web and print production. The course then moves on to more detailed advanced features of Photoshop including raster based painting for illustrations, 3- D, video and animation techniques, colour controls, etc. Students will also learn to use the techniques for designing with advanced layering and image compositing techniques, working with actions scripts, batch processes and other time saving options.
Adobe Illustrator
This course presents Illustrator as an industry standard tool for the production of professional quality illustrations such as technical illustrations, mapping, illustrating from photographic reference, and colourizing bitmapped images. After learning the functionality and techniques to produce basic professional quality illustrations, students move on to explore the more advanced features of Illustrator by completing a series of advanced assignments. Students will gain an advanced understanding of the tool set, so that they may solve more difficult design problems. Painting and Effects will be explored in detail. Projects will require a more sophisticated use of Illustrator techniques with a greater focus on finished quality and pre-press.
Adobe InDesign
This course begins by exploring the basic functionality and techniques for working with Adobe InDesign CC. Students will learn about the InDesign work area, its key tools and features and how they are used to create powerful print and interactive layouts and designs. Students will work with object selections, multiple page sizes, tracking text changes, creating new layers, enhance productions, and work with InDesign’s print and digital capabilities. The course then focuses on the use of InDesign in product packaging and publication design with an overall theme of type and typography. The course concludes by providing students a comprehensive overview and review of all of InDesign’s capabilities which are brought together in a more controlled and thoughtful manner to create rich interactive documents.
Fundamentals of Web Development - HTML5 and CSS
This course is the foundation of all studies for web based products and applications, introducing students to principal concepts used in web development. Emphasis is placed on mastering HTML5 and CSS3. Students will learn to produce well-formed, hand-coded web pages, using the features of HTML5 and CSS3. Students will start by learning how to prepare for creating a Web site and use the basics components of HTML5 to design the fundamental layout and design. Students will then learn to add links, images and other resources to the Web site and organize the Web site contents into user-friendly layouts by applying advanced CSS styling. Next, you will learn how to enhance your Web site by creating and processing Web forms, incorporating audio/video components, integrating social media tools and add some basic functionality using basic JavaScript programming.
Adobe Dreamweaver
This course introduces students to the rapid prototype and web site authoring tool Dreamweaver, allowing them to quickly produce interactive web pages and sites. The emphasis of this course is to use the features and tools of the authoring software to build professional grade site architecture, structure, and content. Topical coverage includes:
Adobe Premiere Pro
In this course students will learn the key features, tools and techniques for working in Premiere Pro CC. In the first part of the course, students will learn the basics of using audio, creating transitions, producing titles, and adding effects. The course will then explore the more advanced features such as sweetening and mixing sound, compositing the footage, adjusting color and, authoring DVDs. The students will also learn to take projects from script all the way to the screen using a variety Adobe tools such as Ultra, Adobe Story, OnLocation, Speech Search. Topical coverage includes:
Graphic Arts and Layout
All Graphic Design is driven by marketing, that is, companies produce print and web-based materials to maintain and enhance their positioning and profitability. In this course, students will begin to explore how effective design successfully combines creativity, marketing principles and strategies, design principles, audience awareness, typography, illustration, photography, colour theory, words and presentation for the purpose of informing, persuading and/or instructing an audience. This course will allow the students to start integrating design, colour and layout principles through the production of a variety of individual and group projects that will focus on design and layout.
Advanced Design Techniques
In this course, students begin to integrate the design theory and principles they have learned in the previous courses, allowing them to work at a higher level of creativity and production. Students merge their creative, technical and design abilities to analyze, design and produce a number of pieces that will showcase their creativity and apply their technical skills to meet the requirements of their projects. Although students will be free to use all of the technical resources at their disposal, the project requirements in this course will require an extended use of Photoshop skills to complete.
Advanced Design Techniques II
In this course, students continue to integrate the design theory and principles while working on increasingly complex design productions. Design is an iterative process and the students work closely with their instructor to improve on the overall effectiveness of their designs. Students will be provided with more advanced project requirements that will allow them further develop their creative, technical and design abilities to meet the increasingly higher demands of their projects. Although students will need to use many of the technical resources at their disposal, the project requirements in this course will require an extended use of Illustrator skills to complete.
Advanced Design Techniques III
This is the third of three integration level courses where students work in tandem with the instructors to continue to integrate the design theory and principles while working on producing pieces that highlight their creative, marketing, technical and design abilities. Students will select and produce a number of pieces that will allow them to demonstrate their abilities to not only use their technical and design skills but also to demonstrate their ability to work efficiently, effectively and to respect the project timelines. Although students will need to use many of the technical resources at their disposal, the project requirements in this course will require an extended use of InDesign skills to complete.
Graphic Design Technology Portfolio
This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world, allowing the student to place the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. All portfolio components should demonstrate the student’s mastery of the programs core competencies while highlighting the uniqueness of their work. Selected pieces should reflect a standard of quality evidenced by additional time spent polishing applied skills. Students will be required to complete their portfolio presentation and marketing collateral by creating a personal website showcasing their completed work.
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.
It’s very positive, and people there give motivation to success. I’m thankful to the staff for helping me.
Alfred A.
Graphic Design Technology Graduate
They are very kind, understanding and encouraging. It is an enlightening experience
Richard B.
Graphic Design Technology Graduate
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