Frequently-Asked Questions
What is Vancouver Island University?
Vancouver Island University is a publicly-funded and accredited Canadian University with its main campus in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (viu.ca). Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) has been in existence since 1969 and offers both vocational and credit degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines.
What will I learn?
You will learn:
- how to professionally lay out text for print or web display
- how to use Adobe Creative Suite software (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat) to work with text and images for print and web
- how to pull together your Adobe software skills and text display skills to create a portfolio that will impress your current or prospective employer
To give you some tidbits related to the courses in this program, we have put together a few MinuteBytes (short instructional videos). Feel free to check them out - tell your friends, too!
In what order should I take the courses?
It is recommended that you take the InDesign course prior to the Design Concepts course, unless you have prior desktop publishing software skills (eg using MS Publisher or Adobe InDesign). After that, it's up to you, with the exception of the Portfolio Prep class, which should be taken after you have completed all the other courses in the program.
What texts or course materials do I need to buy?
Most resources (with the exception of software) are now incorporated into the online classroom. The Design Concepts and Portfolio Prep courses do still require textbooks. Details available here.
What software do I need to buy?
You will need to have access to Adobe Creative Suite® software for the course(s) you are taking in order to complete the course(s). If you are taking a number of courses in the program, it may be more economical to purchase the current Adobe Creative Suite Design & Web Premium package, since it contains all the software you need for the courses in this program. Check out the special pricing for software available as a registered student in this program.
It is possible to begin the program with a trial version of the software, which is available from the Adobe website for a 30-day free trial period. However, you may want to purchase the Adobe CS software at some point, particularly since it is required for completion of your assignments beyond the 30-day trial period, and for you to be able to complete the Portfolio Prep course.
You do need to be aware of the computer and system requirements for the course.
Click here for more information on software for the courses in this program.
What is the workload like?
The workload varies depending on the course you are taking (as well as the skills you are bringing to that course). On average, in this part-time program you can count on a commitment of about 4.5-5 hours per week per course (3 hours in the online classroom, 1.5-2 hours offline for reading and assignments).
How long do I have to complete the program?
There is no specific time requirement in which to complete this program. We do suggest, however, that you try to complete all the courses within a two-year timeframe, in the interest of staying with the current version of the software during your training.
How was this program developed?
The Desktop & Web Publishing Workshops Program was designed to meet the needs that came out of a survey distributed to a large number of small businesses, asking them for input into the specific skill sets they were looking for in new office employees. Included in these skill sets were some basic desktopping skills, the ability to perform straightforward web updates, a good knowledge of the use of pdf files, some basic graphic design capabilities, and a basic knowledge of working with digital images.
See the history and development of this program.
How does our program compare to other similar programs?
Our program is similar in scope to programs offered at other public post-secondary institutions. A key advantage of our program is the flexibility it offers through its completely online format. See a comparison of similar programs.
How can I get credit for previous education and experience?
We have a formalized Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process, which was set up to allow us to recognize and place students appropriately based
on their prior learning and experience. For more information, email Julie Clarke.
What is the online learning environment like?
To get a feel for our online Learning Management System (Moodle), check out these instructions on accessing VIU's Moodle On-Line Learner Orientation.
How do I get my certificate upon program completion?
Since this program is part-time and students may complete the program at various times, you will need to submit a request for your Statement of Program Completoin once you have successfully completed the required courses in this program. Link here for the Statement of Program Completion Request Form.