BACHELOR of DESIGN
DEGREE
Our unique, forward-thinking degree moves design beyond an applied art to also an applied social science. In this program, you learn to work collaboratively, think critically and consider how design influences the way people interact with the world.
The degree includes core requirements, breadth requirements and program options. Pathways allow you to focus your studies on a particular area, or you can develop your own pathway by selecting various program options that suit your interests.
What do you study in our design degree?
Core requirements
In the program, you complete required courses that develop general design skills such as critical thinking, research, ideation, problem-solving, visualization, craft, technical proficiency, client communication, prototyping, testing and refinement.
Core courses are tailored to the qualities of 21st-century designers, demonstrating a major shift in the focus of design from the beauty of everyday things to a broader interest in the psychology of everyday things.
MacEwan's Bachelor of Design offers you:
- an innovative human-centred design curriculum
- a well-rounded degree with more than 45 design-specific courses
- industry-leading faculty
- a new, state-of-the-art facility
- the largest digital experience design (DXD) program on the Prairies
Options and electives
Outside of the core requirements, you complete options and electives to extend your knowledge beyond the area of design. You can choose option courses from the Bachelor of Design program and electives from other disciplines across the university including studio arts, communication studies, business, computing science and social sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology.
Your choice: Pathway or major
Choose from six established pathways, create your own pathway or major in Digital Experience Design.
DXD pathways let you focus on one or more design disciplines that interest you. A pathway gives you the flexibility to shape your design education without the formal commitment of a major, and you don’t need to declare a pathway.
If you want a formal specialization, declaring a major in DXD gives you priority enrolment in courses and official recognition on your degree parchment.
MAJOR or PATHWAY
Digital Experience Design
Focus on the skills, methods and theories you need to design websites, apps, wearables, game interfaces and other digital products. Learn to make useful, usable and desirable digital product..
PATHWAY
Visual Communication Design
Build on the fundamentals of design. Expand your skills in branding, advertising, publication design and visual narrative photography for a broad creative foundation across disciplines.
PATHWAY
Marketing
Blend design and business strategy with courses in branding, advertising and consumer behaviour. Gain the skills you need to design campaigns that build strong identities and connect audiences.
PATHWAY
Photography
Master lighting, styling and post-production while developing a critical eye for the way images shape communication. Blend technical expertise with history and theory to create impactful visual stories.
PATHWAY
Video & Motion Graphics
Develop your skills in video production, editing, motion graphics and visual effects. Storytelling, film and screenwriting courses help you craft dynamic narratives for film, media and digital platforms.
PATHWAY
Illustration
Learn to use illustration as a communication tool. Combining studio art and design courses, prepares you to create illustrations for print and digital media such as web, video and motion graphics.
Your department, your community
On the department website, you can learn more about your instructors, check out student and faculty research and find details on events and activities organized by the Design Students Organization.