In 2007, Business Week listed George Brown College in its feature on the top 60 design schools in the world. Located in downtown Toronto, Ontario--a city filled with design-related businesses--the school offers a year-long art and design foundation program before students go on to a three-year graphic design program. The program teaches typography, production, drawing and design culture. Students also work on studio projects and, in the final year, concentrate on a major project or thesis. Paul Rowan, co-founder of design retail company Umbra, is an alumnus. George Brown also offers post-graduate programs in areas such as design management and digital design.
George Brown College: School of Design
230 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 1P4
Canada
416-415-5000
georgebrown.ca/design
Toronto's Ontario College of Art and Design is known as Canada's "university of the imagination." The school offers both bachelor's and master's degrees, including programs in advertising, graphic design, illustration and industrial design. The programs emphasize studio work, and the faculty helps students develop critical thinking skills and creativity. The school also has several student groups, including the Aboriginal Student Association, ID Sketching Group, Mature Student Cafe and Synergy.
Ontario College of Art and Design
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1W1
Canada
416-977-6000
ocad.ca
Vancouver College of Art and Design features programs that give students hands-on experience, practical work and theoretical study. Degree programs include graphic design, interior design, fashion design, 3D animation and web design. Because the school has a large student body, tuition prices remain low to allow more students to obtain an education without worrying about the cost. In spite of the number of students, Vancouver College of Art and Design prefers to keep classes small, giving students the chance to interact and work closely with instructors.
Vancouver College of Art and Design
1111 Melville Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3V6
Canada
866-378-2411
vcad.ca