Why study this program?
Designers today are increasingly required to focus on the psychological, social, and cultural considerations of design, in addition to materials, processes, and formal design concerns. The Social Sciences route is a great choice for more theoretically minded design students, offering a unique blend of traditional design principles and techniques with disciplines such as psychology and sociology. The result is a more human-centred type of design thinking, and a set of skills that employers and society as a whole increasingly need.
Why study Design at the University of Alberta?
Designers create innovative solutions for industry and community that shape how our world looks and functions, from information design and environmental signage to the design of medical assistive devices. Our Bachelor of Design degree in the Faculty of Arts, one of the most innovative of its kind in North America, focuses on socially responsible and sustainable design in the areas of Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design. In addition to a specialization, you may choose one of the following program routes: Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, or General Route.
Why study at the University of Alberta?
The Faculty of Arts boasts one of the most diverse Arts programs in Canada, offering top quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in every sector of society. With over 900 distinct courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, you will find an academic pathway for you. Your studies will be enhanced by the rich insights that our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members bring to the classroom through unique perspectives drawn from their research and advancement of human knowledge. Academic excellence, innovative problem-solving, and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as Community Service-Learning and Arts Work Experience programs, will give you the tools to thrive in a diverse and increasingly complex workplace.
- Advertising
- Artist
- Communications
- Critic
- Game or App Developer
- Graphic Designer
- Museum or Gallery Curator
- Product Designer
- User Experience (UX) Designer
Jaymes is a graduate of the Bachelor of Design program and now works for a creative agency in New York.
Admissions Requirements for 2025 - 2026
This information is for students applying directly from high school. Transfer students: see the Calendar
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You must submit a portfolio to meet the academic requirements to be offered a spot in the program.
Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.
At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.
Deadline
For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.
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The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
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