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.
Job Opportunities
Industries
- Printing companies
- Graphic design and advertising firms
- Corporate in-house design
- Service bureaus
- Promotional companies
- Newspaper and magazine publishers
Median Starting Salary
The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Graphic Communications Certificate is $38,250.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
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.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $600
Level 1 Term 2: $200
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
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
Additional requirements & considerations
Alternative entrance pathways
If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.
- Successful completion of minimum 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
*Please 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.
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Aug 01, 2024
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.
Co-Op Work Permit
Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.
Permanent Residency
NAIT students and graduates of this program may apply for Permanent Residency (PR) if they qualify under one of Canada’s PR pathways.
However, this program is not eligible for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
