Graphic Design

Sections:

Every successful business uses the services of advertising agencies, graphic designers, and illustrators to promote and inform in today's global economy. Graduates of the Graphic Design degree or certificate programs find work in advertising agencies, design studios, in-house corporate design/promotion departments, or as freelancers, handling a variety of creative projects and campaigns.

Recent studies indicate that the outlook for advertising, graphic design and related activities is excellent. The field is considered to be one of the top 25 occupational choices.

Major Employment Areas

Graphic Designer

Web Designer

Creative Director

Art Director

Illustrator

Senior Designer

Package Designer

Layout Artist
Computer Artist

Program Information

Marketability is determined by the creativity and quality of work exhibited in the graduate's portfolio. The Graphic Design program at College of DuPage guides students toward building a successful portfolio. The program serves high school graduates, persons seeking to make career changes, professionals who are upgrading or adding to their job skills, and those who seek personal enrichment by developing their artistic talents.

Students who complete an Associate in Applied Science degree can seek immediate employment or can continue their education by taking advantage of articulation agreements with Columbia College in Chicago, or Robert Morris College in Chicago and Aurora. These agreements allow students to begin their studies at College of DuPage and complete a bachelor's degree at one of these well-respected schools.

Graphic Design coursework includes study in graphic design, illustration, typography, web design and advertising. Great facilities such as Macintosh-equipped computer design studios, with the latest design and illustration software and color printers, allow students to develop professional quality portfolios. With great curriculum, award-winning teachers and great facilities, Graphic Design is among the best in community college graphic design programs in the Midwest.

Program Requirements

Please consult a faculty member listed below before beginning your coursework.

Degree

Graphic Design, Associate in Applied Science
Interactive Media, Associate in Applied Science (see page 4 of PDF)

When planning your coursework, use the Student Planning Worksheet.

Certificates

Course Descriptions

Gainful Employment Information

View information about this program, including estimated cost and employment opportunities.

Brian Blevins, coordinator
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 255A, (630) 942-3415

John Callegari
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 252A, (630) 942-3418

David Rogers
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 259A, (630) 942-3029

Gautum Wadhwa
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 275A, (630) 942-1082

Jenny Chen, Laboratory Assistant
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 250A, (630) 942-3158

Glenn Glinke, Program Support Specialist
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 169, (630) 942-2892

Arts, Communication, and Hospitality Division
Charles Boone, Dean
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E06, (630) 942-2048

Spotlight

Dianne HlinskyGraphic Design
“I didn’t plan on being at COD for very long. But I did well in those two classes and liked it so much that I decided to take more. At COD, I felt connected to a campus for the first time. During the past year, I’ve made more of a contribution to student life and the campus community than I ever did at either of my previous schools.”
Read Spotlight
Cheryl VargasGraphic Design
"The Graphic Design program is so welcoming, and there’s such a feeling that we’re all in this together. Instructors stay after hours to help, we have the best in equipment and classrooms, and class offerings are constantly being updated to keep up with changing technology.”
Read Spotlight
Mirjana UrsuleskuGraphic Design
"The time I spent here surpassed all my expectations. And I cannot speak highly enough about the faculty. My experience from day one has been that the faculty in this program truly want you to succeed, and they are willing to go above and beyond to help you reach your goals."
Read Spotlight
Pete SurgesGraphic Design
"The teachers in the program have helped me set goals and pushed me to meet them over the years, and I can only express that I have never been happier with my life.”
Read Spotlight
Meghan ThomeGraphic Design
“I believe the path I took was for a reason. College of DuPage is on par if not better than most four-year schools. Coming here was the best decision I ever made.”
Read Spotlight