TORONTO—Ryerson University in Toronto is launching a new program to prepare students for an entrepreneurial career in design and other creative ventures.
 
Creative Industries is an interdisciplinary program in the Faculty of Communication & Design (FCAD), and is the first of its kind in Canada, according to the university.

"Aimed at students who want an entrepreneurial career in media, entertainment, design or the visual and performing arts, the program will teach students how the artistic process works in the creative industries," reads a release about the program. "Students will learn how emerging technologies are reshaping their respective fields and will develop the business, communication and management skills to build a successful career."

The program incorporates creative-content modules, which are packages of six courses each selected from a list of fields such as film, publishing, fashion, broadcasting and curatorial practices and delivered by all of FCAD’s eight professional schools. The program will also include a business module of six courses designed and delivered by the Ted Rogers School of Management. Students will graduate with a bachelor of arts with a specialization in business to pursue careers in exhibition, production, promotion, distribution, project development, programming, communication or management.

Students enrolled in Creative Industries will take 42 courses over four years including a work placement in fourth year. The program administration expects about 100 students for the first year, and will be accepting applications at least through January. Tuition costs are $6,500 annually (which may go up subsequent years).

“Design, entertainment, media and the arts are all drivers of the digital economy with growing wealth production and employment opportunities,” said Ira Levine, professor and founding project director of the Creative Industries program. “Creative Industries teaches our students the skills to build upon their passion. The program focuses on the diverse competencies and knowledge base required to build and sustain creative enterprises.”
 
The new program will welcome its first group of students in fall 2013; the program is now available through the Ontario Universities Application Centre. Interested students can learn more at http://www.ryersoncreative.ca/.