Conestoga College’s School of Creative Industries delivers cutting-edge, industry-responsive programs spanning digital media production, game design, journalism, graphic design, broadcasting, photography, and marketing communications, equipping students with future-ready technical proficiencies and strategic creative thinking for Ontario’s dynamic media landscape through hands-on learning in world-class facilities.

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Immersive Creative Education for

Digital Media, Design, and Content Production Careers

Art8 "Webinars for Creatives" https://art8.net

Comprehensive Program Portfolio

Diverse credentials address specialized creative sector demands:

• Digital Media & Production: Interactive Media Management (Graduate Certificate), Video Design & Production, Broadcasting – Radio/Podcasting
• Visual & UX Design: Graphic Design (Advanced Diploma), User Experience Design (Graduate Certificate)
• Interactive Technologies: Game – Design/Programming/Art (Advanced Diplomas), VR/AR Development
• Marketing & Content: Marketing Communications (Degree), Journalism, Photography
• Industry Certifications: Integrated Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid Pro Tools, Autodesk Maya, Unity Engine training

Signature Learning Environment

Purpose-built infrastructure replicates professional studios:

• Conestoga Sound: Commercial-grade recording studios with SSL consoles
• Motion Capture Lab: Vicon system for animation/game development
• Broadcast Centre: HD TV/radio studios with Ross Video automation
• Digital Creation Zones: VR suites, render farms, 3D printing labs
• Design Studios: Wacom Cintiq-equipped workstations, critique spaces

All facilities feature enterprise-grade software/hardware updated biannually through industry partnerships.

Industry Integration Strategy

Curriculum co-developed with creative sector leaders ensures relevance:

• Adobe Creative Campus: Official partnership with integrated certification pathways
• Capstone Projects: Client-based initiatives with firms like D2L, Rockstar Games, Corus Entertainment
• Co-op Placements: 98% of degree programs include paid work terms (e.g., CBC, Sid Lee, EA Sports)
• Industry Juries: Portfolio reviews by creative directors from agencies like Publicis
• Speaker Series: Masterclasses with Emmy-winning producers and design innovators

Faculty Expertise

Instructors maintain active industry practices while teaching:

• Game design professors with shipped AAA titles
• Photography faculty exhibiting internationally
• Journalism instructors with national awards
• Animated filmmakers featured in festivals
• Marketing professors consulting for Fortune 500 brands

90% hold terminal degrees or equivalent professional certifications.

Career Launch Support

Specialized creative industry preparation includes:

• Portfolio Development Labs: Curated digital/physical presentation coaching
• Creative Industry Night: Annual recruitment event with 150+ employers
• Freelance Incubator: Business training for independent creators
• Alumni Network: 3,800+ graduates at companies including Shopify, CTV, and Ubisoft
• Graduate Showcases: Public exhibitions at venues like THEMUSEUM in Kitchener

Applied Research Initiatives

Students contribute to real-world innovation through:

• Creative Innovation Lab: Commercial projects for regional businesses
• XR Development Hub: AR/VR solutions for healthcare/education sectors
• Documentary Production Unit: Community-focused film initiatives
• Design Think Tanks: Human-centered design sprints for social enterprises

Strategic Regional Location

The Doon Campus (Kitchener) positions learners within Ontario’s innovation corridor:

• 15-minute commute from Communitech tech hub
• Access to Toronto/Montreal creative markets via transit
• Co-location with engineering/AI programs enabling cross-disciplinary projects
• Local partnerships with Grand River Film Festival, CAFKA, and IdeaExchange

Flexible Learning Pathways

Program architecture supports evolving career goals:

• Diploma-to-degree laddering options
• Stackable graduate certificates
• Prior learning assessment for industry professionals
• Hybrid delivery with specialized online studios
• Dedicated mature learner support services

Continuous program evolution occurs through formal industry advisory committees meeting quarterly to address emerging skills demands.

Advertising & Marketing Programs

Advertising & Marketing Communications

Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Duration: 2 years (4 academic terms)
Program Structure: Combines strategic planning with hands-on campaign development across digital and traditional media. Includes courses in consumer behavior analytics, omnichannel content creation, media buying, brand management, and campaign measurement tools. Features live client projects and industry certifications in Google Ads/Analytics.

Career Outcomes:

• Media planner/buyer
• Digital marketing specialist
• Account coordinator
• Content strategist
• Social media manager

Marketing Management (Co-op)

Credential: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
Duration: 4 years (8 academic terms + 3 paid co-op terms)
Program Structure: Integrates data-driven marketing strategies with business fundamentals. Advanced courses include marketing analytics, consumer neuroscience, global brand management, and marketing technology stacks. Mandatory co-op placements total 12 months of industry experience. Capstone requires developing comprehensive marketing plans for real organizations.

Career Outcomes:

• Marketing analytics director
• Brand management lead
• Chief marketing officer
• Market research director
• E-commerce strategist

Broadcasting & Audio Production Programs

Broadcasting – Radio and Podcasting

Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Duration: 2 years (4 academic terms)
Program Structure: Immersive training in professional broadcast facilities. Curriculum covers audio production techniques, podcast scripting, live announcing, broadcast journalism, audio post-production, and station management. Includes on-air shifts at campus radio station CJIQ-FM and industry placements at major broadcast networks.

Career Outcomes:

• Radio broadcaster/podcast producer
• Audio content creator
• Sound editor
• Program director
• Voiceover artist

Game Development Programs

Game – Design

Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration: 3 years (6 academic terms)
Program Structure: Comprehensive training in game design pipelines including level design, narrative development, gameplay systems, and player psychology. Uses industry-standard tools (Unity, Unreal Engine) with motion capture sessions. Features iterative portfolio development and team-based game production cycles.

Career Outcomes:

• Gameplay designer
• Level architect
• Systems designer
• Narrative designer
• UX designer for games

Game – Programming

Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration: 3 years (6 academic terms)
Program Structure: Technical curriculum covering C++/C# programming, 3D mathematics, game physics, AI programming, network coding, and engine architecture. Includes optimization for VR/AR platforms and performance profiling. Students ship multiple game titles and participate in global game jams.

Career Outcomes:

• Gameplay programmer
• Tools developer
• VR/AR engineer
• Technical artist
• Game engine programmer

Design & Visual Arts Programs

Graphic Design

Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration: 3 years (6 academic terms)
Program Structure: Comprehensive design education spanning typography, branding systems, packaging, publication design, UI/UX, and motion graphics. Features studio courses with industry clients, professional portfolio development, and certifications in Adobe Creative Cloud. Includes print production techniques and prepress operations.

Career Outcomes:

• Brand identity designer
• Art director
• Publication designer
• Packaging specialist
• Motion graphics designer

User Experience Design

Credential: Graduate Certificate
Duration: 1 year (2 academic terms)
Program Structure: Advanced training in UX research methodologies, interaction design patterns, information architecture, and usability testing. Covers prototyping tools (Figma, Adobe XD) and analytics platforms. Includes enterprise-level capstone project with industry partner and portfolio development.

Career Outcomes:

• UX researcher
• Interaction designer
• Information architect
• Product designer
• Usability analyst

Media & Journalism Programs

Journalism

Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Duration: 2 years (4 academic terms)
Program Structure: Hands-on newsroom environment covering digital reporting, investigative techniques, broadcast journalism, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. Includes field reporting, live news production, and mandatory internship at established media outlets. Features mobile journalism kits and CMS training.

Career Outcomes:

• Multimedia journalist
• Digital content producer
• Data reporter
• Broadcast correspondent
• Podcast journalist

Photography & Imaging Programs

Photography

Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Duration: 2 years (4 academic terms)
Program Structure: Comprehensive technical training in studio lighting, commercial photography, photojournalism, and digital asset management. Covers advanced post-production workflows, video for photographers, and business practices. Features industry placements and professional portfolio development with industry critique.

Career Outcomes:

• Commercial photographer
• Photo editor
• Photojournalist
• Retoucher
• Visual content producer

Film & Video Production Programs

Video Design & Production

Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Duration: 2 years (4 academic terms)
Program Structure: End-to-end production training including cinematography, directing, editing (Avid Media Composer), sound design, and color grading. Covers documentary, narrative, and commercial formats. Features equipment checkout system with cinema cameras (Blackmagic, Sony FX) and lighting packages.

Career Outcomes:

• Cinematographer
• Video editor
• Director/producer
• Motion graphics designer
• Colorist

Interactive Media Management

Credential: Graduate Certificate
Duration: 1 year (2 academic terms)
Program Structure: Advanced project management for digital media productions. Covers agile methodologies, cross-platform content strategy, interactive storytelling, and immersive media production. Includes client management, budget planning, and team leadership for complex media projects.

Career Outcomes:

• Interactive producer
• Digital project manager
• Content strategist
• AR/VR producer
• Media production coordinator

Foundation Programs

Creative Industries

Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Duration: 1 year (2 academic terms)
Program Structure: Exploratory program sampling photography, design, video, and digital media fundamentals. Develops core creative skills while building portfolio pieces. Provides pathway guidance into specialized programs with portfolio preparation support.

Career Pathways:

• Preparation for advanced creative programs
• Creative assistant roles
• Content development support
• Junior production roles

Contact Conestoga:

Address:
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4, Canada

Phone: 519-748-5220

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Conestoga-College-Graphic-Design/186828609751

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/conestoga-college-school-of-creative-industries/