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Graphic Design Program

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 advisor 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.

Faculty Advisors

If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty advisor in this field. To send an email, click on the name of the advisor you wish to reach:

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

Brian Blevins
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room255A, (630) 942-3415

David Chu
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room257A, (630) 942-2082

David Rogers
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room259A, (630) 942-3029

If you are unable to contact a faculty advisor, messages may be left with the Liberal Arts Division, (630) 942-2047, or the Fine and Applied Arts Office, (630) 942-2048.

Faculty Spotlight

David Chu Graphic Design
"I try to help my students learn to express themselves creatively and to be successful in the business world. I encourage them to define their own perspective and personality, to understand advertising and design, to have the technical skills to create it, and to apply the principles to themselves as professionals."
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Jean Ruth Graphic Design
"I’ve found that visual problem-solving by building on your strengths and being aware of your own voice, even in the commercial world, is one of the best ways to generate imaginative solutions and grow creatively."
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Main Spotlight Page

Spotlight

Dianne Hlinsky Graphic 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. When I look back, I feel foolish that I ignored College of DuPage. Besides getting another degree in an inexpensive way, I felt like I belonged at COD. I found a true family there.”
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Cheryl Vargas Graphic 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.”
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Mirjana Ursulesku Graphic 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."
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Swati Chopra Graphic Design
"To anyone considering the Graphic Design program at COD, you will get the best education on par or even better than some of the four-year degree colleges and at a fraction of the cost."
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Tim Kietzman Graphic Design
"At first, I could only draw stick figures, but my brother Ben advised that I should avoid drawing that way because it didn’t look appealing. So I began to practice as much as I could. I wanted to create comics that are fun and easy to write. Finally, I realized that creating comics may be fun work to do for a living."
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Pete Surges Graphic 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.”
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Meghan Thome Graphic 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.”
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Samantha Ragusin Graphic Design
"If I hadn’t attended COD, I don’t think I would have had these incredible opportunities. CMO Graphics taught me about design and how to make things look visually appealing."
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Mike Else Graphic Design
"Dr. David Chu managed to turn a key that nobody else could, something that he should be extremely proud of."
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Philip Rau Graphic Design
"The instructors here know what they're talking about and they really push you to succeed."
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