Overview
Turn your creativity into a tech-focused career as a digital designer. You'll learn about design fundamentals, digital design tools and best practices when developing concepts into products that meet business needs or solve complex business problems.
You’ll enhance your skills in design thinking and push your creative boundaries while you learn to evaluate and create data-driven designs and apply workflow techniques to media projects and production pipelines. Working collaboratively with your peers to create project plans, you’ll develop effective problem-solving skills with an emphasis on human-centred design. To demonstrate your knowledge, you’ll create a portfolio of your work that will indicate applied design concepts that meet specific client requirements and can be presented to clients for critique.
User Experience (UX) major:
In this major, you’ll add to your knowledge of software development and interactive design. You’ll develop tools and strategies that focus on the experience of the person interacting with your design. This includes creating prototype designs for usability testing that stem from user interviews, insights into opportunities and a research process. You’ll also develop plans for multiple outcomes and solutions that factor in business uncertainty. Your creations will be tested and prototyped to meet client requirements.
Other majors:
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Interactive Design diploma.
Get important updates about our business and tech programs
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents,
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or at 60% in Math 30-2 AND
- at least 55% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
Application tip: When prompted to select an application type, choose "d. Full-time blended" when applying for this program.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| CPRG-219 | Introduction to Web Communications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-228 | Introduction to Visual Communications | 3.0 |
| MMDA-202 | Digital Media Foundations | 3.0 |
| PHIL-241 | Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPRG-218 | Intermediate Web Communications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-221 | Intermediate Visual Communications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-227 | Introduction to User Interface and Experience Design | 3.0 |
| MMDA-203 | Intermediate Digital Media Production | 3.0 |
| PMGT-200 | Product Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
Co-op Work Term (Optional)
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPWK-225 | Cooperative Work Term | 0.0 |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DSGN-304 | Advanced Visual Communications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-306 | Design Studio I | 3.0 |
| DSGN-311 | Interaction Design | 3.0 |
| DSGN-312 | Intermediate User Interface and Experience Design | 3.0 |
| DSGN-314 | User Research | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DIGI-301 | Digital Marketing | 3.0 |
| DSGN-308 | Design Studio II | 6.0 |
| DSGN-309 | Future of Design | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $9,450 | $948 | $622 | $11,020 |
| 2 | 2 | $9,450 | $948 | $622 | $11,020 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $23,571.60 | $948 | $622 | $25,141.60 |
| 2 | 2 | $23,571.60 | $948 | $622 | $25,141.60 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held shortly before your program start date. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a custom hardware and software requirement.
For this program you will need:
- a laptop with an integrated webcam
- a smartphone with the ability to record audio and video
- headphones with an integrated microphone.
All computers must meet the following minimum specifications.
Laptop
- Required
- MacBook Air with M2 chip,
- 8-Core CPU, 10-Core GPU,
- 8GB Unified Memory,
- 512GB SSD Storage
- Preferred
- 14"Apple MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip.
- Students with PC laptops must have the minimum power user hardware and software requirements for this program.
Note: Some UX designers use software that is only for Mac.
Software
- Adobe CC Student Subscription
- Figma - (free for Education)
- FileZilla Client
- Chrome
- Visual Studio Code
- MS Office (Included in your program)
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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