overview
Explore the endless possibilities of life-long learning and realise your potential
Bow Valley College is a highly regarded post-secondary institution with a reputation for providing excellent education and practical training to students from diverse backgrounds. Bow Valley College offers many programs to meet the community’s changing needs and the job market.
The college offers certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees in business, creative technologies, and entertainment arts. These programs are developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge employers demand. Students can gain practical experience through practicums, work-integrated learning, and industry partnerships.
Bow Valley College embraces technology-enhanced learning and uses innovative teaching methods to prepare students for the digital age. The college provides a range of online and blended learning options, enabling students to study at their own pace while managing other responsibilities.
Start your educational journey, improve your skills, and make a meaningful impact. Bow Valley College is your ally in creating a better future. Discover the transformative influence of education at Bow Valley College and unlock infinite opportunities.
STUDENT GALLERY
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courses
Study areas for this college
Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) is a full-time, two-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program focused on the fundamentals of Visual Effects and the integration of Virtual Production workflows and pipelines. Students will study numerous specializations in VFX, such as modeling, sculpting, texturing/surfacing, lighting, compositing, and FX. By replicating real-world fundamentals of Virtual Production and its fast-paced work environment of real-time rendering, artists are trained to be equipped both artistically, and technically in the realm of quick problem solving, teamwork and collaboration.
Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling is a full-time, two-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program focused on 3D Animation and 3D Modelling and its various departmental specializations, such as 3D animation (character and creature), rigging, 3D modelling & sculpting, and texturing/surfacing. The program also touches on the fundamentals of storytelling through acting and visual composition, look development and the basics of compositing. The program teaches students production, art, observation, critical review and soft skills to round out their skillset, teaches them how to interact with other disciplines, and enable students to prototype their own compositions and shots from concept through to completion.
The Foundation in Entertainment Arts certificate program is a full-time, one-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program to prepare you for advanced studies in animation, visual effects, or game design. Students who are interested in a career in entertainment arts will be taught how to observe, represent, and ultimately develop fundamental visual decision making skills in a variety of formats. With classes such as figure drawing, colour and design, sculpting, and more, the students will be able to create increasingly expressive, dynamic, and consistent artistic works, while establishing a well-rounded technical base.
Advanced Game Development is a full-time, two-year program comprised of industry-level courses covering game development’s core disciplines: art, design, programming, and production. Students will create various assignments, projects and games that will be assembled into a portfolio that is fit for working in the games industry.
Learn how you can make an impact. Interior decorators affect our daily lives through colors, textiles, lighting, form, and function. You’ll learn to interact with trades and other professionals to create the spaces where we live and work. This two-year (4-term) diploma program is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA). You’ll learn the practical skills and techniques to successfully manage interior decorating projects and work effectively in business environments in a variety of roles related to interior decorating.
Graduates of the Digital Design Diploma program are capable of the creative aspects of designing and producing flexible digital and print media, including websites, e-publications, applications, and interactive/multimedia products for public, non-profit, and corporate clients. Working individually or as part of a project team, graduates have the skills to present, defend, and critique digital media projects meeting client needs, project scope, and available resources.
Learn about trends and challenges emerging for kitchen and bath designers. Specialize your abilities to analyze and respond to clients’ needs by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing design solutions. Learn to consider durability and the environment, while working within building codes and kitchen and bath industry design standards. Refine your knowledge of technical and presentation documents. Increase your understanding of residential construction practices and industry specific materials and products.
Gain practical experience in the cycles of software development through hands-on learning and real projects. You’ll gain an understanding of industry standards of planning, developing, and quality assurance testing. You’ll learn the fundamentals of computer logic, giving you a solid foundation in applying programming skills in a variety of situations. You’ll also become familiar with emerging topics like user experience (UX) and the internet of things.
Enhance your prior post-secondary education with new skills. This post-diploma certificate prepares you for a career in software development, computer applications development, database management, and mobile development. Gain the tools you need to analyze and design solutions for business and consumer applications, including coding principles, systems analysis, and more. You’ll be ready for a rewarding career in software development in many possible industries.
Learners will develop and implement cloud systems and applications, gaining practical experience with open standards and systems, development operations, infrastructure automation, and platform interoperability, with an emphasis on applied security principles. The program builds coding skills, and applied systems management skills. Graduates will be prepared to lead and further organizational change, as often required in the implementation of cloud systems.
The need for cybersecurity expertise is only going to increase as the technological industry continues to evolve and expand. Working professionals and recent graduates can advance their career goals by building on their previous education and experience with a Cybersecurity Post-Diploma Certificate. By focusing on operating system concepts, introductory computer forensics and network protocols, this program will prepare learners to design and implement secure computation solutions. In addition, graduates will enhance their business acumen with stronger communication, technical and problem-solving skills.
Graduates of the Information Technology Systems (ITS) Diploma will have the hardware and software skills required for the generation, storage, retrieval, transmission, and protection of digital information. The program content will equip graduates with the practical skills required to enter into the information technology (IT) sector and prepare them for the completion of industry-recognized certificates. Working independently or as part of a team, graduates will gain the skills required to deliver quality technical support, troubleshoot technical problems, summarize solutions in technical reports, and communicate with clients, executives, and other business stakeholders.
Enhance your existing diploma or degree. Add vital marketing and communication skills in the area of digital marketing. You will learn the principles of user experience design, analytics, search engine optimization, integrated media strategies, and web development techniques. This will allow you to grow your existing skills to expand in the digital realm. This program will be delivered in flexible learning spaces. A laptop computer with course applicable software will be required (specifications below).
Asset creation On-campus
Think Tank’s mentorship is designed to help artists that have previous training and/or experience brush up on their skills and produce a viable demo reel. Each student is assigned a personal, state-of-the-art workstation. During your time on campus, you will have access to 4-months of guidance from an industry professional to create and polish your demo reel.
Vancouver, Canada
12 Months
February | June | October
International Students: $50,800 CAD
Canadian Students: $38,400 CAD
asset creation Online
Asset Creation is a term used in the CG industry for the creation of all bits and pieces, both big and small, used in Film and Games. This Asset Creation program is designed to train working artists in the CG Industry for the roles of Props & Environments for Film, Characters & Creatures for Film, Environments for Games as well as Characters & Creatures for Games.
Online
16 Months
February | June | October
$15,840 CAD
If you pay for all 4 terms upfront, you will receive 5% off.
Mentorship
Think Tank’s mentorship is designed to help artists that have previous training and/or experience brush up on their skills and produce a viable demo reel. Each student is assigned a personal, state-of-the-art workstation. During your time on campus, you will have access to 4-months of guidance from an industry professional to create and polish your demo reel.
Vancouver, Canada
4 Months
February | June | October
International Students: $16,500 CAD
Canadian Students: $12,500 CAD
Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) is a full-time, two-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program focused on the fundamentals of Visual Effects and the integration of Virtual Production workflows and pipelines. Students will study numerous specializations in VFX, such as modeling, sculpting, texturing/surfacing, lighting, compositing, and FX. By replicating real-world fundamentals of Virtual Production and its fast-paced work environment of real-time rendering, artists are trained to be equipped both artistically, and technically in the realm of quick problem solving, teamwork and collaboration.
Calgary, Canada
2 Years
January / May / September
Domestic: $37,997 CAD
International: $67,002 CAD
Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling is a full-time, two-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program focused on 3D Animation and 3D Modelling and its various departmental specializations, such as 3D animation (character and creature), rigging, 3D modelling & sculpting, and texturing/surfacing. The program also touches on the fundamentals of storytelling through acting and visual composition, look development and the basics of compositing. The program teaches students production, art, observation, critical review and soft skills to round out their skillset, teaches them how to interact with other disciplines, and enable students to prototype their own compositions and shots from concept through to completion.
Calgary, Canada
2 Years
January / May / September
Domestic: $37,998 CAD
International: $66,996 CAD
The Foundation in Entertainment Arts certificate program is a full-time, one-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program to prepare you for advanced studies in animation, visual effects, or game design. Students who are interested in a career in entertainment arts will be taught how to observe, represent, and ultimately develop fundamental visual decision making skills in a variety of formats. With classes such as figure drawing, colour and design, sculpting, and more, the students will be able to create increasingly expressive, dynamic, and consistent artistic works, while establishing a well-rounded technical base.
Calgary, Canada
2 Years
January / May / September
Domestic: $21,000 CAD
International: $21,000 CAD
Advanced Game Development is a full-time, two-year program comprised of industry-level courses covering game development’s core disciplines: art, design, programming, and production. Students will create various assignments, projects and games that will be assembled into a portfolio that is fit for working in the games industry.
Calgary, Canada
2 Years
September
Domestic: $37,998 CAD
International: $66,996 CAD
Learn how you can make an impact. Interior decorators affect our daily lives through colors, textiles, lighting, form, and function. You’ll learn to interact with trades and other professionals to create the spaces where we live and work. This two-year (4-term) diploma program is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA). You’ll learn the practical skills and techniques to successfully manage interior decorating projects and work effectively in business environments in a variety of roles related to interior decorating.
Calgary, Canada
1.5 Years
January / September
Domestic: $10,233 CAD
International: $27,070 CAD
Graduates of the Digital Design Diploma program are capable of the creative aspects of designing and producing flexible digital and print media, including websites, e-publications, applications, and interactive/multimedia products for public, non-profit, and corporate clients. Working individually or as part of a project team, graduates have the skills to present, defend, and critique digital media projects meeting client needs, project scope, and available resources.
Calgary, Canada
1.5 Years
September
Domestic: $17,397 CAD
International: $47,108 CAD
Learn about trends and challenges emerging for kitchen and bath designers. Specialize your abilities to analyze and respond to clients’ needs by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing design solutions. Learn to consider durability and the environment, while working within building codes and kitchen and bath industry design standards. Refine your knowledge of technical and presentation documents. Increase your understanding of residential construction practices and industry specific materials and products.
Calgary, Canada
1 Year
September
Domestic: $7,391 CAD
International: $19,733 CAD
Gain practical experience in the cycles of software development through hands-on learning and real projects. You’ll gain an understanding of industry standards of planning, developing, and quality assurance testing. You’ll learn the fundamentals of computer logic, giving you a solid foundation in applying programming skills in a variety of situations. You’ll also become familiar with emerging topics like user experience (UX) and the internet of things.
Calgary, Canada
1.5 Years
January / September
Domestic: $14,028 CAD
International: $37,640 CAD
Enhance your prior post-secondary education with new skills. This post-diploma certificate prepares you for a career in software development, computer applications development, database management, and mobile development. Gain the tools you need to analyze and design solutions for business and consumer applications, including coding principles, systems analysis, and more. You’ll be ready for a rewarding career in software development in many possible industries.
Calgary, Canada
8 Months
September
Domestic: $7,305 CAD
International: $20,058 CAD
Learners will develop and implement cloud systems and applications, gaining practical experience with open standards and systems, development operations, infrastructure automation, and platform interoperability, with an emphasis on applied security principles. The program builds coding skills, and applied systems management skills. Graduates will be prepared to lead and further organizational change, as often required in the implementation of cloud systems.
Calgary, Canada
8 Months (Flexible pacing)
September
Domestic: $8,490 CAD
International: $25,446 CAD
The need for cybersecurity expertise is only going to increase as the technological industry continues to evolve and expand. Working professionals and recent graduates can advance their career goals by building on their previous education and experience with a Cybersecurity Post-Diploma Certificate. By focusing on operating system concepts, introductory computer forensics and network protocols, this program will prepare learners to design and implement secure computation solutions. In addition, graduates will enhance their business acumen with stronger communication, technical and problem-solving skills.
Calgary, Canada
8 Months
September
Domestic: $12,474 CAD
International: $25,656 CAD
Graduates of the Information Technology Systems (ITS) Diploma will have the hardware and software skills required for the generation, storage, retrieval, transmission, and protection of digital information. The program content will equip graduates with the practical skills required to enter into the information technology (IT) sector and prepare them for the completion of industry-recognized certificates. Working independently or as part of a team, graduates will gain the skills required to deliver quality technical support, troubleshoot technical problems, summarize solutions in technical reports, and communicate with clients, executives, and other business stakeholders.
Calgary, Canada
1.5 Years
January / September
Domestic: $15,051 CAD
International: $41,564 CAD
Enhance your existing diploma or degree. Add vital marketing and communication skills in the area of digital marketing. You will learn the principles of user experience design, analytics, search engine optimization, integrated media strategies, and web development techniques. This will allow you to grow your existing skills to expand in the digital realm. This program will be delivered in flexible learning spaces. A laptop computer with course applicable software will be required (specifications below).
Blended
8 Months
September
Domestic: $6,588 CAD
International: $18,369 CAD
MENTORS
Learn from industry experts

Bruce Woloshyn
Currently a Senior Visual Effects Instructor at the CEA, Bruce has been a visual effects supervisor, artist and editor on almost all manner of visual effects projects from box office leading feature films, to popular episodic television series and broadcast commercials.

Melissa Best
Melissa Best is the Head of School for VFX and Animation. With over 60 feature film and television credits to date, she recently expanded her expertise into the realm of PC and PS4 games. Melissa finds a passion for teaching and has taught and mentored at various studios in LA, San Francisco, Vancouver, and most recently in Mumbai.

Taeyoung Kim
Taeyoung Kim is a senior lighting artist at Sony Imageworks and a part-time instructor at the CEA.


Job Placement
Companies that have hired graduates
application process
How to apply to this college?
- Applications for most programs open thirteen months before the program start date
- You must pay the application fee of $75 CAD (Domestic) or $140 CAD (International)
- You must provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended






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