Bachelor of Design - General Route

Why take the General route in Design?

The General route is the most flexible route in the Bachelor of Design program. In addition to the core Design curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to select options from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science. You can also combine Visual Communication Design and Industrial Design courses with Fine Arts courses and options to gain experience in a variety of disciplines.

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.

Our Purpose

Motto

Quaecumque vera - “whatsoever things are true.”

The phrase comes from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 8, in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible. In the passage, the writer exhor ts the readers to focus their thoughts on truth and other virtues.

Mission

Within a vibrant and supportive learning environment, the University of Alberta discovers, disseminates and applies new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, community involvement and partnerships. The U of A gives a national and international voice to innovation in our province, taking a lead role in placing Canada at the global forefront.

Vision

To inspire the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community, building one of the world's great universities for the public good.

Research + Innovation

The pursuit of truth drives the work done at the University of Alberta. By asking why, what and how, our researchers push the boundaries of knowledge. Using some of the world’s most advanced research facilities and resources, our researchers have discovered new knowledge in health and life sciences, energy, artificial intelligence and much more.

Student Opportunities

We are home to leading experts in both established and emerging fields including health, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety and security, nanotechnology, the environment and earth’s resources, our past, clean technology, climate change, smart technology, and aerospace to name a few.

Student Groups

More than 425 student groups provide students with opportunities to pursue academic, cultural, recreational and political interests.

Study Abroad

Students can study at partner institutions around the world, including the Worldwide Universities Network, a consortium of 23 top research universities.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Initiative funds undergraduate students to pursue research with $5,000 stipends.

Community Service Learning

Students gain hands-on experiences and draw real-life connections to social issues while giving back to their community.

Employability

U of A graduates rank #2 in Canada for employment rate, the result of multiple programs for internships, job shadowing and career mentoring.

Co-ops + Careers

Integrate your classroom learning with valuable experiences in community with faculty-led co-op and work placement programs.