Which Schools Offer Graphic Design Degrees in Chicago, IL?

Graphic design degrees provide students with a variety of art and design skills with many options for learning. The Chicago area is home to several degree programs at various levels in the graphic design field.

What You Should Know

Both 2- and 4-year institutions in and around Chicago offer programs for aspiring graphic designers. You might earn a 2-year associate's degree in graphic design for foundational skills and credits that may be transferable to a 4-year program. You could also earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design or in media arts with a specialization in graphic arts in approximately 4 years. If you already have a bachelor's degree and a portfolio of personal works, you may be interested in applying to a 2-year master's degree program in graphic design that includes a public exhibition of your work. Read on to further explore your graphic design options near Chicago.

Graphic Design Associate's Degree Programs in Chicago, IL

Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College (ECC) offers an associate's degree program in graphic design that is transferable to a bachelor's degree program. You will study topics like design principles, color theory, design layout, typography and technical illustration. You will also learn programs like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, and you will develop a portfolio before you graduate. Upon completion, you are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in graphic design.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 67 credit hours, about two years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $3,179 per year for in-district; $10,740 per year for in-state; $11,959 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Non-high school graduate over 16 years of age must show proof of separation from high school from designated high school officer
• School Type: 2-year, public; 9,567 students (all undergraduate)

Robert Morris University

This graphic design program emphasizes text, layout and imagery design skills using industry software. You will also study 2-D design, computer illustration, digital imaging and art history. Upon completion you are awarded an AAS degree.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 92 quarter hours, about two years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $28,050 per year (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Application, student profile, financial plan, registration
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 9,567 students (1,699 undergraduate)

Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree Programs in Chicago, IL

Robert Morris University

This program requires art coursework in topics like multimedia web design, sound production, digital video and typography, as well as foundational coursework in 2-D design, drawing, illustration, color and composition. You will complete an internship and portfolio in your degree program. Elective courses in typography, 3-D modeling, editing and video production are also available.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Applied Science in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 188 quarter hours, about four years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $28,050 per year (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Application, student profile, financial plan, registration
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 9,567 students (1,699 undergraduate)

University of Illinois at Chicago

This BFA program includes classes in computer graphics, typography, color theory, digital media and motion graphics. You will learn critical skills needed for a design career and participate in an all-school portfolio. You will also be required to spend time in studio classes and to participate in independent research, seminars, lectures, trips and other extracurricular events.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 134 credit hours, about four years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $13,764 per year for in-state; $26,980 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Application, English language competency requirement, personal statement, at least 16 years of age
• School Type: 4-year, public; 31,683 students (20,783 undergraduate)

North Central College

In the bachelor's degree program at North Central College, you will major in interactive media studies with a graphic arts concentration. This program offers both Mac and PC training in cutting-edge programs used in the industry. Some of the class topics include 3-D design, typography, photography, digital illustration and prepress production. An internship is included in this degree program.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media Studies
• Field of Study: Graphic arts
• Program Length: 134 credit hours, about four years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $38,880 per year (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Admission essay and interview, four years of high school English, three years of high school math with one course beyond Geometry, three years of high school science with two in lab sciences, three years of social science, multiple years of foreign language suggested, optional items include writing samples, letters of recommendation and explanation of circumstances
• School Type: 4-year, public; 2,928 students (2,681 undergraduate)

Graphic Design Master's Degree Programs in Chicago, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago

In the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program at UIC in graphic design, you will need a laptop and appropriate software in your studies. The program includes advanced studies in the art, and coursework includes a minimum of 12 hours in graduate-level graphic design electives. A minimum of two classes in art history are recommended. A project is required, along with a public exhibition of the work and documentation of your work.

• Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Program Length: 64 credit hours, about two years of study
• Tuition and Fees: $16,792 per year for in-state; $26,479 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for final 60 semester hours of undergraduate program
• Admission Requirements: Portfolio displaying advanced competence in graphic design, minimum English test score, three letters of recommendation, personal statement
• School Type: 4-year, public; 31,683 students (20,783 undergraduate)

In summary, Chicago has a community college and multiple universities that offer graphic design programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels.