College Certificate - Graphic Communications at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Program Overview

This intensive 1-year certificate program will prepare you for entry into the creative and rapidly evolving digital, print, and publishing industry. The Graphic Communications program at NAIT focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive environment. You'll engage in hands-on projects that take you from the creative planning stage through graphic design, digital file creation, customer proofing, and final output. This program emphasizes practical experience with industry-standard software and equipment, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

Program Structure

The Graphic Communications program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience over a duration of 1 year (full-time). Here are some key features of the program:

In-person delivery mode, with classes scheduled on weekdays during the daytime.
Hands-on projects that reflect real-world industry scenarios.
Development of theoretical concepts and methods critical to various processes in graphic communications.
Opportunities for professional experience through a two-week work-integrated learning component.
Access to industry-standard software and equipment throughout the program.

Students will gain a solid foundation in graphic design, typography, computer graphics, and effective communication, preparing them for various roles in the industry.

Featured Experiences

Mandatory work-integrated learning component that allows students to apply their skills in a professional environment.
Direct industry experience through classroom projects that often involve real design assignments relevant to local businesses.
Collaboration with community organizations on live projects, enhancing practical learning and community engagement.
Continuous updates and feedback from industry representatives to ensure the curriculum meets current market demands.

Career Options

Graduates of the Graphic Communications program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
Print Production Specialist: Oversee the production process of printed materials, ensuring quality and efficiency in output.
Web Designer: Design and create websites, focusing on aesthetics and user experience to enhance online presence.
Marketing Coordinator: Develop marketing materials and campaigns, utilizing graphic design skills to promote products and services.
Freelance Artist: Work independently on various projects, providing creative services to clients across different industries.

The skills acquired in this program will enable graduates to adapt to the evolving landscape of graphic communications, ensuring they remain competitive in the job market.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) official website

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the College Certificate - Graphic Communications program are designed to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of the course. Below are the specific requirements you need to meet:

Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
Grade 11 Mathematics (Math 20-2 or Applied Math 20)

For students who may not meet the minimum entrance requirements, there are alternative pathways available:

Successful completion of a minimum of 24 post-secondary credits or 8 post-secondary courses within an accredited or recognized degree or diploma in a related field (design or arts) with an Admission GPA of 2.0 based on the most recently completed 24 post-secondary credits.

It is important to note that acceptance into the program does not guarantee transfer credits. Transfer credits evaluation will take place after the student is accepted into the program.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, applications open on August 01, 2024, and the deadline for applications is once the program is full. We encourage all students to apply as soon as possible to secure their place.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at NAIT. To satisfy the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement when applying to a NAIT program, you can meet the requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Complete consecutive, full-time studies in English: You will meet this requirement if you have completed at least:

3 years of high school (or a combination of high school and post-secondary) in Canada or in a country on NAIT’s ELP exempt country list, including completion of Grade 12 English; or
2 years of post-secondary in Canada or an ELP exempt country.

Your studies must have been in English, full-time, and consecutive.

2. Complete specific English language courses: Achieve acceptable marks in one of the following English language courses:

Canadian high schools: English 30-1 (65% or higher) or English 30-2 (70% or higher).
NAIT: All three ESL Level 6 courses with a passing grade of 60% or higher in each course.
Bayswater: University Pathway Program - Level 8 with 80% or higher.
Global Village: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Level 7 with 80% or higher.
ILSC Canada: English for Academic Purposes – Advanced 1 program (or higher) with a passing grade of B or higher.
International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC): Pathway 3.2, 3.3, or 3.4 with 75% or higher.
St. George International College: University & College Preparation Program with 70% or higher.
Oxford House College: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with 70% or higher.
University of Alberta: EAP137 (or equivalent) with completion (pass).

3. Take an ELP test: NAIT accepts the following ELP assessment tests and the minimum test scores:

IELTS Academic: 6.0 in each section.
NAIT’s ELP Exam: 73% or “B” in each section.
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB): 8.0 in each section.
CAEL: 60 overall score.
Cambridge English Language Assessment: B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169 in each section.
TOEFL iBT: 20 in each section (effective Fall 2025: 70 overall score, with a minimum score of 17 in each section).
Duolingo: 115 overall score, with a minimum score of 100 in each integrated subscore.
Michigan English Test (MET): 59 overall score.
PTE Academic: 58 overall score.
LanguageCert B2 Communicator Test: 38 in each section.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!