Creativity is essential for success in the 21st century. Through this program you acquire a solid foundation in art and design. Effective research, problem-solving, and conceptualization skills are combined with hands-on studio experience to learn new skills and techniques in both digital and traditional media. You develop a portfolio of your work, which is essential when applying to specialized art and design programs and positions in the creative field.

Note: As a student in this program, you will not have courses in the summer term. Please review the program progression located in the program outline for more information.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Barrie
Winter 2026	Barrie

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
Review additional program-specific fees for this program.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Art and Design Fundamentals program?

Art and Design Fundamentals admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

What career paths can I take in art and design?

Your Art and Design Fundamentals certificate gives you many career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to enter specific art and design diploma programs by developing the fundamental skills and knowledge that form the foundation for future studies. Graduates of the program have gone on to undertake a wide variety of art and design related studies and to pursue creative career opportunities.

Flex MORE. Study Art and Design Fundamentals part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page

Apply to the part-time program

What courses are included in the Art and Design Fundamentals certificate program?

Course overview

5 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
5 Program Option Courses
1 General Education Course

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Art and Design Fundamentals program outline.

APDE 1000 – Ideas and Imagery
APDE 1001 – Design Fundamentals
APDE 1002 – Colour and Design
APDE 1006 – Understanding Art and Design
DRWG 1004 – Fundamentals of Drawing
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Optional courses

In addition to the mandatory courses, students in Art and Design Fundamentals are able to take a variety of art-related optional courses, which may include: