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College of Arts & Sciences

Graphic Design

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Why choose the graphic design program at North Central College?

Graphic designers plan and execute visual communication design according to the needs of audiences and contexts to reinforce brand identity. The graphic design program is designed to help you master a broad range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective communication solutions to design problems. At our graphic design school in Chicago, you will have the opportunity to bring your creative ideas to life. As you cultivate proficiency with essential digital design tools, you will graduate prepared for a wide variety of industries—recent graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations and related service industries.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Communicating in visual mediums
  • Working with the latest technology
  • Bringing your creative ideas to life

then a degree in graphic design might be for you.

Why study graphic design in Chicago at North Central College? 

In the Classroom

Coursework topics: 

  • 2-Dimensional Design
  • 3-Dimensional Design
  • Animation
  • History of Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Methods and Materials
  • Motion Graphics
  • Photography
  • Production and Installation
  • Social Media
  • Research and Development
  • Typography
  • Web Design

Beyond the Classroom 

As a graphic design major, you can: 

  • Utilize a full-scale Mac Lab equipped with the cutting-edge, industry-standard hardware and software required for high-intensity graphic creation including adobe photoshop, adobe InDesign, adobe illustrator, and more from the adobe creative suite.
  • Access Mac and PC graphics labs dedicated exclusively to declared graphic design students.
  • Enroll in community engaged, cross-disciplinary and team-taught courses.
  • Gain hands-on experience by working at our student-run Design Agency creating designs for on- and off-campus organizations, while getting valuable client experience.
  • Participate in the Senior Art Show, solo and group exhibits, and juried events in the College’s dedicated exhibit spaces and local art galleries.
  • Network with prominent industry experts.
  • Conduct undergraduate research and present your findings at the College’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
  • Apply for competitive talent scholarships in art.
  • Access the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago.
    • North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central Student ID.
    • Experience lectures, educational programs, and other special events.

Graphic Design, B.F.A

Graphic Design is the art of visual communication. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design provides a hands-on approach to design thinking and problem solving through a variety of courses and experiences. Students master a broad range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems in an array of media including print, web and motion. Projects focus on relationships among the audience, context and content to create results that may interpret, inform, instruct, persuade or entertain. The B.F.A. is a professional program structured to provide in-depth, formal education that prepares students for entry into professional practice or advanced, professionally-oriented study upon graduation. In addition to academic work, B.F.A Graphic Design students complete an internship, community-engaged design studio practicum, and a final public exhibition of a research-based design project or portfolio. Graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations or related industries.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

A minimum of 78 credits, including:

Additional B.F.A. Requirements

Students will submit an initial portfolio to the department when they declare the B.F.A. major or by the end of their sophomore year. Please contact the department for portfolio guidelines and submissions.

Foundations Courses

Graphic Design Core Courses

Additional Design Courses

Art History and Theory Courses

Pre-Professional Courses

A minimum of 10 credits from the following:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.F.A Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Graphic Design Minor

Graphic design minors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts. Students master a range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems. The minor complements majors such as marketing, journalism, public relations and business.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Required Courses

One of the following:

Graphic Design Elective

One of the following:

Art Elective

One additional course from ARTD.

Design, B.A.

Design majors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts. Design B.A. students demonstrate an understanding of various areas of design practice and processes. Students develop a range of skills in computer technology and an understanding of design principles to improve the visual appearance and function of messages and information. B.A. degree in Design provides a general foundation for later design study toward professional competency in design practice, or in scholarly areas such as design history and criticism, or for future studies in business, technology, planning, architecture and many other fields. Students can complement their Design studies with a study abroad, Chicago term or internships an additional major in anthropology, sociology, business, marketing, communications, media studies, computer science and psychology amongst others.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Graphic Design Internships and Jobs

A North Central education offers a bachelor's degree programs that integrates career preparation and experience with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead as a professional graphic designer. 

Internships

Design students have interned at the following organizations:

  • Augusta Label and Printing
  • Chicago Humanities Festival
  • Cobalt Photo
  • DuPage Children’s Museum
  • FELD Entertainment
  • Invesco Powershares
  • Kellogg’s
  • Lillian’s House
  • Foundation Mujer
  • FP Mailing Solutions
  • NCTV17
  • Neary Martin
  • New Home Star
  • Pesola Media Group
  • Phoenix Closures
  • Visa Watcher
  • Weblinx

Careers 

Graduates are employed with the following companies:

  • American Auto Guardian, Inc.
  • Boombah
  • CB Jennings Elementary School
  • ENGS
  • Follett
  • Kansas State Football
  • Neary Martin
  • New Home Star
  • Optomi
  • Reflection Software
  • RLD Creative
  • The Design Image Group Inc.
  • Dealer Inspire
  • Launch Digital Marketing

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college or university is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team are here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

Graphic Design Student Profile

Olivia Hurt '23

Weeks after graduating from North Central with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Olivia Hurt ’23 was hired as a graphic design coordinator at the U.S. Soccer Federation. Soon after, she was creating graphics for one of the premier global sporting events: the Women’s World Cup.

It’s a dream job for Hurt, and she was ready for it thanks to her experiences at North Central. She was a member of the women’s soccer team, playing all four years and twice earning Academic All-Conference honors. As a student-designer with the College’s sports information team, she created content for NC athletics, and one of her designs earned honors in a national design contest.

Read more about Olivia.

Olivia Hurt at Soldier Field.

Olivia at Soldier Field in Chicago.