Duration
-
Overview
-
Courses
-
Admission Requirements
-
Careers
-
Co-op
-
Degree Completion
-
Learning Outcomes
-
Internship
-
Fees & Financial Aid
-
FAQs
-
Labs & Technology
-
Financial Planning Certification
-
Professional Sales Certificate
-
Program Transition
-
Earn your Masters degree
-
Transfer Opportunities
-
Clinical Placements
-
Articulation Agreements
This program is not currently offered. However, you may be interested in our new Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design program.
Become one of the creative design leaders of the future.
Program Overview
Study at Sheridan & York University
The York/Sheridan Program in Design (YSDN) combines practice and theory to create a truly unique design degree. The program's curriculum emphasizes innovation, creativity and strategic thinking as applied to visual communication. You'll develop outstanding ideas as well as the skills to execute them. You'll also get practical experience and professional contacts.
Convergence of technology and culture
Program highlights include:
- Small studio classes with lots of direct attention from professors.
- Creative focus and the opportunity to explore emerging areas of design practice.
- A rich curriculum focused on typography, print, interaction design, information design and design studies.
Great creative opportunities
The third year includes a professional placement in a design firm that may be located in Toronto (the world's third-largest design centre), New York, Los Angeles or overseas. Many companies and design studios actively recruit from the York/Sheridan Program in Design, providing a wide range of employment opportunities after graduation.
Additional information
The future of design lies in the convergence of technology with elements of social science, psychology, culture and business. No other design degree captures that convergence as well as the York/Sheridan Program in Design does.
You'll also get the practical experience and professional contacts to launch a career in graphic design or another related field.
Your program includes:
- Project-based, problem-solving assignments that prepare you for the workplace.
- Up-to-date design labs equipped with the most current technology.
- Courses in print design, interaction design, information design and design studies.
YSDN students should expect to spend approximately $1,000–$3,000 per year for materials, plus $300 in the final year for the Graduate Show.
Click here to download the 2019/2020 Bachelor of Design Program Handbook
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Courses
Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.
120 credits are required to meet degree requirements:
- Design Practicum (54 credits)
- Design Studies (24 credits)
- General Education (18 credits)
- FA Electives other than Design (12 credits)
- Free Electives (12 credits)
-
Design Practicum
Must be YSDN courses including:
CODE TITLE CREDITS YSDN 1001 Visual Language 3 YSDN 1002 Design and Image 3 YSDN 1005 Typography 1 3 YSDN 1006 Interactivity Design 1 3 YSDN 2003 Typography 2 3 YSDN 2004 Communications Design 1 3 YSDN 2005 Interactivity Design 2 3 YSDN 2008 Information Design 1 3 YSDN 4004 Design Workshop 6 With an additional 9 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level and an additional 12 credits at any level
-
Design Studies
Must be YSDN courses including:
CODE TITLE CREDITS YSDN 1101 Critical Issues in Design 3 YSDN 2102 History of Design 3 Plus one of:
YSDN 2105 History of Media in Graphic Design 3 YSDN 2106 Graphic Design in Canada 3 YSDN 2107 History & Development of Typography 3 YSDN 2108 Evolution of Information Design 3 YSDN 2109 History and Culture of Interaction Design 3 YSDN 2103 Research in Design 3 YSDN 3111 Design Placement 3 YSDN 4104 Professional Aspects of Design 3 With an additional 6 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Admission Requirements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Career Opportunities
Recognized throughout North America for design education excellence, the York/Sheridan Program in Design produces creative leaders. The story of 21st-century design is being written today — and our graduates are helping to write it.
Sample employment areas:
- Print communications
- Corporate identity/branding
- Web design
- Interaction design/motion design
- Packaging
- Book and editorial design
- Information design
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Co-op
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Degree Completion
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Learning Outcomes
Our students demonstrate their talent and dedication by consistently receiving recognition in regional, national and international competitions and awards programs. Our alumni reflect the excellence of the program by working in top design firms, agencies and organizations worldwide or through further studies in national and international graduate programs. Many also start their own businesses and engage in entrepreneurial initiatives.
The York/Sheridan Program in Design has seven areas of concentration in the curriculum, reflecting the rich scope of design activity in the graphic design industry:
- Visual Communication Design
- History, Theory and Criticism
- Typography
- Information Design
- 3-Dimensional Design and Packaging
- Interaction Design and Motion Graphics
- Professional Practice
Visual Communication Design
Students begin by exploring the elements and principles of visual language in design. Different methods of generating and manipulating images are investigated with consideration given to form, content and communication potential. Various design theories and methodologies are integrated into the process assisting students in the development of effective communications involving different audiences and specific media. Students solve two-dimensional, three-dimensional and interactive design problems of increasing complexity as their skills and knowledge develop. By their final year, design students are expected to produce highly refined visual solutions and apply strategic thinking to the creation of research-based projects that address a variety of communication contexts and audiences.
History, Theory and Criticism
The integration of design studies courses in the program supports the development of critical thinking: students develop confidence in their ability to analyze text, imagery and various types of design artifacts; understand cultural and historical contexts, and use this understanding to inform the development and evaluation of their work.
Students are introduced to many of the central themes of critical theory as applied to visual culture in general, and to graphic design in particular. Functional objects, past and present, are examined in relation to the process of design, conditions of the time, the problems met, and important influences. In addition, theory and methods, and applications of both qualitative and quantitative design research are explored.
Typography
Students learn about the history and development of letter forms and the changing technologies that affect the crafting of messages leading up to and including contemporary print and digital design. Typographic vocabulary, systems of measurement, prioritization of information and issues of readability and legibility are examined. By their fourth year, students are able to design and customize letter forms, work with complex textual information to produce clear, accessible hierarchies of information and are able to work with typography in print contexts as well as in time-based and interactive media to add further dynamic qualities to typographic expression.
Information Design
Students are introduced to theories and methods to facilitate clarity and understanding using a wide range of complex textual and visual information. In projects, students learn processes for various modes of visualization and content including data, time-based sequences, networks and maps. With a series of four dedicated studio courses and a related history course, the York/Sheridan Program in Design has arguably the most comprehensive concentration on information design within a graphic design program in North America.
Interaction Design and Motion Graphics
Students explore various forms of interactivity by designing visual representations of human-computer interfaces, based on theories and models of interaction. They develop a conceptual and technical framework for approaching interactive design projects and have ample opportunities through projects to actively explore motion and interactivity across various platforms. They also can develop skills with video, animation and time-based narrative.
In Year 3, students undertake projects in mobile application design that include research, information architecture and visual design of websites that adapt to multiple screen resolutions, from smart phone to desktop. Innovations in our curriculum include Design in Interactive Environments, a Year 4 interactivity course which introduces students to principles of physical computing and experiments with electronics, sensors and programming environments.
3D Design
Students are introduced to fundamental principles and processes of three-dimensional design. The projects emphasize the role of three-dimensionality in visual communications disciplines such as packaging, environmental design and exhibit design.
Professional Practice
Students are introduced to current design business practices and ethics. Between Years 3 and 4, students are required to complete a three-week placement in an approved professional design environment. The areas of professional responsibility, accreditation, presentation techniques, portfolio preparation, branding and promotion, culminate in the planning and implementation of an annual graduation exhibition.
The program is closely related to current graphic design practice. All Year 3 and 4 students are members of the professional association for graphic designers in Ontario, the RGD, which holds a major annual conference, as well as other events throughout the year.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Internship
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Program Fees
Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.
The fees shown here are for the 2020–2021 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic terms of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent terms are not reflected on this website.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to Brock University.
Financial Aid & Awards
Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Labs & Technology
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Financial Planning Certification
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Professional Sales Certificate
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Program Transition
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Earn your Masters degree
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Transfer Opportunities
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Clinical Placements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Articulation Agreements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Collaborative/Joint Degree
Duration
4 years
Start Date
September
Location
Sheridan's Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville), and York University
Helpful links
Explore your future campus with a 360° virtual tour
Get to know the places and spaces that are part of the Sheridan experience.
Get a feel for your future
Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!
-
Take a 360° virtual campus tour
Explore our campuses from the comfort of your home! Take a virtual tour through our classrooms, labs and student life spaces to get a feel for life on campus.
-
Sign up for a webinar
Join us for a webinar and get answers to those questions on your list.
-
Attend our Virtual Open House
This year, we're bringing our Open House to you! No need to leave your couch to explore our campuses and learn about all that Sheridan has to offer.
Have a question? Contact us.
We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)
905-681-4611 (Hamilton)
Contact Centre hours of operation:
Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
See Sheridan on Facebook See Sheridan on Twitter See Sheridan on Youtube