Canada’s Only Lighting Design Certificate Program Starts in May

Ryerson Image Centre

 

The first course under the certificate in lighting design offered by Ryerson University’s Chang School — the only one of its kind in Canada, and one of only six in North America — starts again on May 5. In this program, you’ll learn how to make sense of the increasingly complex field of interior lighting.

This multidisciplinary certificate provides students with the broad knowledge base and wide range of skills required as professionals in the lighting industry. Changes are taking place in the lighting industry, largely centred around increased legislative acts limiting energy budgets for new construction, retrofitting and the need for designing buildings which are environmentally responsible and ergonomically sound, and with enhanced vision for health and safety. New information is available, new technologies have been developed, new methodologies exist, and new questions are emerging as the building industry works toward an integration of architecture, engineering and resource management, and the concerns for health and safety are moved to the forefront in design.

The Chang School is partnering with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Toronto Section. The Toronto Section has been instrumental in supporting Ryerson’s lighting design program and has raised significant funds for the IES Award (offered jointly with founding scholarship partners Canlyte and Osram Sylvania) for students registered in the certificate in lighting design.

The certificate will be of particular interest to people seeking to enhance their knowledge and skill in the art and science of lighting design and who are degree graduates of one of either Architecture or Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Theatre Design and Production.

Graduates of other programs such as Business, Fashion, and Radio and Television Arts, or individuals without degrees, but with a satisfactory level of education and experience in the lighting industry, may also be eligible with the approval of the academic coordinator.

Industry Overview

The lighting industry of the fixture and lamp manufacturers is estimated at $500 million1 with the global market at over $100 billion USD. The industry itself is experiencing a large growth due to energy concerns and the recent development of white light LED technology. As a result, these developments have dramatically increased the demand for knowledgeable practitioners.

Required courses

• Lighting Fundamentals

• Human Factors in Lighting

• Introduction to Lighting 

• Lighting Energy Management

• Introduction to Daylighting Design

• Advanced Lighting Design

Possible electives

• Entertainment Lighting Design

• Lighting Design Practicum

• Lighting Research Practicum

Find out more: http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce/default.aspx?id=3556&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=s2015_lxdesign.

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    In infrastructure projects, the size and scale of outdoor lighting fixtures are critical—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality, safety, and long-term performance. Whether lighting a streetscape, transit hub, or civic plaza, appropriately scaled fixtures help create environments that are both visually coherent and effectively illuminated. Public lighting plays a role in shaping how spaces… Read More…

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO’s LED T12 ballast compatible lamps are direct replacements for T12 linear fluorescent. Offered in a frosted white finish, these lamps are also PET coated and NSF rated. Conveniently sold in two-packs, these lamps make replacing traditional tubes an easy choice. Suggested applications include shop light fixtures, laundry room, utility closets, and garages. Read More…

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…