Global Business and Digital Arts

three students studying together

Have a mind for business and a flair for design?

Hone the creative, technical, and business skills you need to thrive in a fast-evolving world.

In this unique program, you’ll spend your first year at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's main campus, where you'll gain a solid foundation linking creative design, globalization, business ethics, economics, and marketing.

For your final three years, you'll move to our Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, located 45 kilometres west of the main campus. There, you'll develop design-driven solutions to social problems and create new forms of cultural expressions in a global context. And thanks to our project-based approach, you’ll also hone your collaboration and project management skills.

What courses will you take in Global Business and Digital Arts?

First-year courses

In your first year in GBDA, you will take two foundation courses (GBDA 101 and 102) and complete other key courses required for your degree. Think of it as the appetizer before your entrée.Ìý

September to December

  • GBDA 101 –Ìý Introduction to Digital Media Design -- OR -- GBDA 102 – Introduction to Global Business
  • CS 105 – Introduction to Computer Programming 1
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation or an elective course
  • A course in a second language
  • Elective

January to April

  • GBDA 102 – Introduction to Global Business -- OR -- GBDA 101 –Ìý Introduction to Digital Media Design
  • CS 106 – Introduction to Computer Programming 2
  • ECON 101Ìý– Introduction to Microeconomics
  • A course in a second language

This is a sample schedule. Courses may change depending on offering availability. Please note that GBDA 101 includes an Open Studio on the same day as your course. This dedicated time is an excellent opportunity to learn new software skills, get feedback on your work, or get into your creative flow.

After first year

You will be fully immersed in the GBDA program, and almost all of your courses will take place at our amazing Stratford Campus.Ìý

Throughout your time in the program, you will take a total of six elective courses from over 100 subject areas at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ. By strategically using your elective courses, you can graduate with a minor* or diploma.

Sample upper-year courses

GBDA 206 – Introduction to Business Financials
GBDA 210 – Introduction to User Experience Design
GBDA 304 – Marketing in the Digital World
GBDA 306 – Ethics and Values in Design
GBDA 402 – Capstone Project: Cross-Cultural Digital Business
GBDA 405Ìý – Strategic Management

Customize your degree

You can also enhance your degree by pursuing one of the minors* or diplomas available to all À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ students. Consider choices in Health and Science; Society, Innovation & Sustainability; or Business, Technology and Entrepreneurship to broaden your perspective and gain additional insights and expertise from various fields.
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*You may need to take additional electives. Chat with your academic advisor as early as first year if you’re interested in pursuing a minor or diploma.
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Learn more about customizing your GBDA degree!

Remote video URL

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Global Business and Digital Arts

Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Study overseas. Want to see the world and gain a more international perspective? Spend your third year studying in England, Hong Kong, or Australia —to name just a few options.

Drool-worthy tech. À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s Stratford School boasts facilities that include a recording studio, video editing suites, a UX observation room, and more.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Design Intern UX/UI
  • Social Media Manager
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Graphic Design and Animation Associate
  • Web Developer and Design
  • Videographer
  • Marketing Communications Coordinator
  • Interactive Designer
  • Business Development Manager

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in third year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Study Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study - -

Your first work term will be halfway through third year (September to December 2028).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Global Business and Digital Arts?

While each student's choice of courses and careers will be unique, these are common areas where graduates work.

  • Social media management
  • Digital product development
  • Project management
  • User experience designer
  • Digital marketing
  • Entrepreneurship

Tuition fees

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $14,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $15,000
International (visa students) $55,000
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  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
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Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (Minimum final grade of 75% is required)

4U Mathematics of Data Management is recommended.

Admission average: Low 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

Related programs

Fine Arts

Communication Studies

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Connect with us

Questions about courses, the program, requirements, careers?

Email our GBDA recruitment and admissions coordinator who can answer any questions you have.