The Graphic Design, Advertising, Web and Illustration program serves high school graduates, professionals seeking to make career change or adding to their job skills and those who are seeking personal enrichment by developing their artistic talents.
Graphic Design coursework includes study in graphic design, illustration, typography, web design and advertising. Students will learn the latest in design and illustration using high-end Apple computers, illustration software and color printers.
The goal of the Graphic Design program is to help you develop skills necessary to build a portfolio that demonstrates your creative, problem-solving and verbal presentation abilities for the professional fields of graphic design, advertising and illustration.
Determine Your Path
Graduates of the Graphic Design or Interactive Media 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.
Prepare for a career in graphic design or transfer to a four-year college or university. College of DuPage offers:
- Award-winning, dedicated instructors with years of professional and teaching experience.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities, equipment and resources.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention from instructors.
- Program accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- A flexible transfer program that includes 2+2 articulation agreements with Columbia College in Chicago, Northern Illinois University (NIU), Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD).
- Opportunity to develop a professional portfolio that you can use to seek entrance to a four-year college or university or art school or for professional employment in a creative field.
- An active American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) student club that extends students' involvement with design through creative collaborations and student gallery shows.
Graphic Design Foundation, Certificate
The Graphic Design Foundation certificate provides a foundation in the principles and elements of design, typography, drawing, and illustration, using traditional and digital design tools and software. This certificate requires 27 credits in the courses listed below.
Graphic Design, A.A.S.
The Graphic Design program emphasizes portfolio development through the study of principles and elements of design, typography, illustration, identity design, advertising design, web design and simulated studio work. Students gain experience in the use of traditional and digital design tools and software. Articulation agreements exist to continue education beyond the AAS degree. The Graphic Design degree consists of a minimum of 66 credits in program requirements and general education in the courses listed below.
Interactive Media, A.A.S.
The Interactive Media degree provides students with interdisciplinary, theoretical, and application knowledge in the design, development, and production of interactive media, including web-based and other emerging media, to create interactive design solutions for a variety media such as web sites, digital interfaces, and applications. This degree program consists of a minimum of 64 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education in the courses listed below.
Web Design, Certificate
The Web Design certificate provides a foundation in design, principles of interactivity, and the use of web-authoring software. This certificate requires 24 credits in the courses listed below.
COD Stories
"COD prepared me for my future by providing professors with working knowledge of the industry and real-life experience through projects with actual clients.” - Jacqueline King-Tran
Jacqueline's COD StoryCOD Stories
"At COD, I learned that everything you design should have a story behind it. The vibrant colors of the logo I designed represent diversity, which embodies what Peaks for Purpose is all about.” - Mark Guido
Mark's COD Story
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in Graphic Design is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Graphic Design Program graduates will:
- Recognize and implement design elements and principles in the development of design solutions
- Create and develop design concepts
- Recognize the importance of meeting needs of both client and audience when developing design solutions
- Combine and organize type and image successfully through the application of design principles
- Review and analyze finished designs through group critique
- Assembling a professional portfolio for transfer or work
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Columbia College Chicago, AAS Graphic Design to BFA Graphic Design
- Columbia College Chicago, AAS Graphic Design to BA in User Experience and Interaction Design
- Northern Illinois University, AAS Graphic Design to BFA in Visual Communication
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, AAS Graphic Design to Communication Design
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.Graphic Design Students Showcase Wall Art
Students in COD's Graphic Design class gained experience working as a team to showcase their talent in International Hall.
