Programs & Courses
Art and Design (formerly Visual Communications)
BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS
About the Program
From studio arts and digital media to advertising design and corporate identity development, art and design professionals create and organize the information we see every day. As an art and design student at MHC, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your ideas to life in a state-of-the art facility, surrounded by bright and modern studio and work spaces.
Take a virtual walk through our studios:
East Wing
(Painting / Sculpture / Print Making)
West Wing (Studios / Gallery / Lighting Studio)
Blending fine art and design with the most recent advances in technology, this program covers virtual space, digital media and interactivity, in addition to two-dimensional, static, and print-based design. You’ll explore the entire creative and technical process, from concept through production, and have opportunities to showcase your work in the One on One Gallery.
Our applied degree offers a work term component, which consists of two 3-month paid work placements. These placements help you apply the skills learned in class and build a resume that attracts the attention of potential employers.
CLICK HERE FOR TESTIMONIALS AND PROGRAM ALUMNI
Admission Requirements
High School
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- or C or better in MHC English 30
- or placement in post-secondary (diploma or university transfer) English as determined by the MHC Academic Assessment Test
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (Academic Term I)
| ARDR 241 |
Drawing I |
| ARFN 231 |
2D Fundamentals I |
| ARFN 211 | Digital Fundamentals |
| One of |
ARHI 204 Introduction to Canadian Art ARHI 201 World Art Before 1300CE |
| One of | ENGL 123 Fundamentals of Writing and Speech Junior English |
| Winter Semester(Academic Term II) | |
| ARDR 243 |
Drawing II |
| ARFN 233 | 3D Fundamentals |
| ARDE 213 | Typography I |
| One of |
ARHI 203 World Art Since 1300 CE ARHI 317 Modern Art |
| One of | ENGL 125 Introductory Report Writing and Speech Junior English |
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SECOND YEAR |
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| Fall Semester (Academic Term III) |
|
| ARHI 309 | Design History |
| ARDE 327 | Print Production |
| ARDE 331 | Graphic Design I |
| ARDE 394 | Portfolio and Work Term Preparation |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| Art Studio Elective | |
| Winter Semester (Academic Term IV) |
|
| ARHI 300 | Methods in Art History |
| ARDE 333 | Graphic Design II |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| Spring / Summer Semester (Academic Term V) | |
| ARDE 395 | Applied Art and Design - Work Term I |
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THIRD YEAR |
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| Fall Semester (Academic Term VI) | |
| ARDE 396 | Applied Art and Design I |
| Art Studio Elective |
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| Art Studio Elective | |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| One of |
MGMT 270 Entrepreneurship MKTG 171 Marketing MKTG 355 Creating Brand Intelligence |
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*University of Lethbridge Dual Admission Students must take an Approved Elective, please consult an Academic Advisor for a list of approved classes. |
|
| Winter Semester (Academic Term VII) | |
| ARDE 496 | Applied Art and Design II |
| ARDE 498 | Special Projects and Exhibition I |
| ARDE 499 |
Special Projects and Exhibition II |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| |
Art Studio Elective |
| Spring / Summer Semester (Academic Term VIII) Applied Degree Route | |
| ARDE 495 | Applied Art and Design - Work Term II |
*Art Studio Elective Course List
Visual Arts Studio
- ARDE 341 Drawing III
- ARDR 343 Drawing IV
- ARFA 304 Sculpture I
- ARFA 305 3D Design I
- ARFA 351 Painting I
- ARFA 353 Painting II
- ARFA 357 Illustration I
- ARFA 372 Relief Printmaking I
- ARFA 377 Serigraphy I
- ARFA 378 Serigraphy II
- ARFA 379 Intaglio I
- ARFA 380 Intaglio II
- ARFA 407 3D Design II
- ARFA 408 Sculpture II
- ARFA 490 Directed Study
- ARPH 335 Photography I
- ARPH 337 Photography II
- ARDE 315 Typography II
Electronic & Related
- AREL 329 Web Design I (Fundamentals)
- AREL 338 Motion Design I
- AREL 365 Video I
- AREL 429 Web Design II (UI/UX)
- AREL 438 Motion Design II
NOTES: When selecting courses, be sure to choose your required courses first. In the event that a required course is in timetable conflict with an elective course that you desire, the required course is your first priority and you must therefore choose it. Because of scheduling complexities, high demand, and classroom or studio space constraints, we cannot guarantee the availability of all electives. If your first choice is full or unavailable for other reasons, you must be prepared to select an alternative. If there are special circumstances that require you to have a course that is full, you may appeal to the Art and Design Coordinator to override your exclusion. You may consult the Art and Design Coordinator to assist you with course selection at any time.
This program may also be completed on a part-time basis. You must devise a recommended plan of study with the assistance of an Academic Advisor.
Career Opportunities
Visual Communications graduates have excellent success in securing employment, both in a freelance or self-employment capacity, and as employees within existing firms and industries. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of workplace locations, including print shops, design studios, publishing houses, film studios, televisions stations, theatres, museums and art galleries, and other places involved in visual and digital production. Many Visual Communications graduates have gone on to start their own graphic design, photography, and video production businesses.What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
At MHC, we care about students and want to help you succeed.
As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.
The BAA (AD) program requires the completion of two, 3 to 4 month Work Terms (ARVC 395 and ARVC 495). These Work Terms can only be completed after Academic Term IV and at lease one of the two Work Terms must be completed prior to the last academic semester (Academic Term VI). These requirements may be adjusted in exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the Dean.
The two applied degree Work Term courses are paid work semesters designed to extend the learning process into the work environment. Medicine Hat College will make every effort to place students; however, work opportunities may fluctuate with a changing labour market. Moreover, you should be aware that work placement opportunities in Medicine Hat are limited, and that you may have to relocate to complete your work term semesters (work terms can be completed anywhere in Canada or even abroad). You should be prepared to cover your expenses for placement and should also be prepared to receive trainee or entry-level compensation at your place of employment.
You register for two Work Term semesters in addition to your academic requirements. Each Work Term is equivalent to 15 credits.
One on One Gallery is an integral part of the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Art and Design) program at Medicine Hat College. We use our One on One Gallery as a teaching tool to enhance our student’s education by inviting professional artists and designers to showcase their work and bring contemporary and exciting ideas to our community.
