CHOOSE A PROGRAM
When you apply for admission to OCAD University, you are required to indicate whether you want to enrol in the Faculty of Art or the Faculty of Design. While you are required to make this choice so you can focus your studies in one area of interest, you will still have the opportunity to learn a broad range of concepts, skills and knowledge that are common to both art and design, regardless of your choice.
The Faculty of Art offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with majors in Criticism & Curatorial Practice, Digital Futures: Technology/Innovation/Design/Art, Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Material Art & Design, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture/Installation. The area of major interest must be indicated on the application. Students admitted to the will First Year Art program will officially request entry to their major during the first year of study at OCAD U. In 2012/2013, first year applicants indicating Drawing & Painting as the area of major interest may be admitted directly into this program.
The Faculty of Design offers the Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree with majors in Advertising, Digital Futures: Technology/Innovation/Design/Art, Environmental Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, and Material Art & Design (fibre, metalsmithing/jewellery). The subject of major is declared on the application and all majors begin in the first year of study at OCAD U.
Students who choose to study in the Advertising, Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Industrial Design or Material Art & Design programs will be enrolled in OCAD U's laptop program. Students in Illustration may choose to opt in to the laptop program.
To help you in your decision please refer to Academic Programs for a list of programs offered at OCAD U or view our current Course Calendar.
Art or Design?
At the heart of every artist or designer is a strong visual communicator who embraces challenge and innovation. If you need help deciding which program direction best suits you, think about how you like to work and do some homework by talking to artists and designers. Ask them about the differences between art and design. Some will say that as an artist, you'll find that the challenge is primarily about self expression. You have a statement to make or an emotion to share, and you work independently to communicate your ideas effectively. For a designer, the challenge is primarily about expressing your concept while responding to the particular need of a user, client or group in society. In either discipline, your success depends on your becoming a critical and creative thinker.
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:31 PM