Welcome to the Graphic Design program at Holland College. Since you have been accepted into our program, we know that you are a creative individual that loves a challenge. A career in graphic design provides you with many career opportunities. The more dedication, originality, and focus you bring to the program, the more opportunities will come your way once you graduate. Two years will go by much faster than you think!
As a full-time student, you are required to work on course-related projects between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Class duration will vary from day to day, but there will always be something to work on. We work within a two-week sprint model. You will do one week of formative learning through study and projects and one week of applying the learned concepts. You will complete some day-long challenges and a larger summative project during each sprint.
We have included a material and supply list and some other important information. Please review this, paying particular attention to the computer requirements for this program. Be prepared with these materials for the start of the year.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about the program. We hope you have a great summer and can take some time to be creative!
Course registration is open to all first year students! To complete course registration
Please review your course map below to find your required classes.
| 2025 PS Fall | |||
| Course Code | Class | Credits | Prerequisite |
| GDES-1000 | Design I | 3 | |
| GDES-1015 | Colour | 3 | |
| GDES-1025 | Web I | 3 | |
| GDES-1030 | Graphics and Illustration I | 3 | |
| GDES-1040 | Typography I | 3 | |
| SAFE-1005 | PEI Occupational Health and Safety | ||
| 2026 PS Winter | |||
| Course Code | Class | Credits | Prerequisite |
| GDES-1050 | Design II | 3 | GDES-1000 |
| GDES-1065 | Web II | 3 | GDES-1025 |
| GDES-1075 | History of Graphic Design | 3 | |
| GDES-1080 | Graphics and Illustration II | 3 | GDES-1030 |
| GDES-1090 | Typography II | 3 | GDES-1040 |
First Semester begins Sept 2nd, 2025.
Last Day of Classes Dec.12th , 2025
First Day 2nd semester Jan 5th, 2026
February Break Feb 23rd-27th, 2026 (no classes)
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES, .
All students enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Holland College must ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD). Enrollment in this program requires you to own a laptop computer for your studies that meets the minimum requirements listed below. This device is necessary for curriculum work both in-person and distance. We will provide you with a large monitor to extend your workspace while working in the studio.
To ensure that your system is suitable to run the Adobe CC suite over the course of the two-year program, please ensure that your system meets the requirements outlined for your computer's operating system, as published by Adobe.
The 'recommended' specifications are the best choice for a new machine for longevity and reliability after graduation. When determining your system needs, consider that our program mainly utilizes Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dimensions, After Effects (minimal usage), and Animate of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
The recommended hardware specifications for the Adobe CC Suite can be .
You need to purchase your student version of the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite. We recommend that you wait until September to set up your account and take advantage of the student rates. We primarily use Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, but you will also have access to and utilize many other applications. The software requirements for each application are frequently updated.
These materials are a requirement for participation in the Graphic Design program. Having them for the first day is a best practice and will help keep you from falling behind.
You can download textbooks from the college library at no charge. Some students prefer to have a paper textbook. You can purchase if this is the case. Even a used copy would be beneficial.
*The brands mentioned are recommendations only. You can order these materials from a variety of art supply stores or online, including the following:
(Halifax)
(Toronto)
(Toronto)
Monday: Design I
Tuesday: Web I
Wednesday: Colour
Thursday: Graphics & Illustration I
Friday: Typography I
Mondays: Design II
Tuesday: Web II
Wednesday: Graphic Design History
Thursday: Graphics & Illustration II
Friday: Typography II
Studio hours are 9 am – 4 pm
April Condon
902-213-2370
Email April
Michael Thomas
902-566-9527
Email Michael
