BA in Graphic Design

Why choose the graphic design program at North Central College?

Graphic design majors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts, to reinforce brand identity. Students complete the graphic design course curriculum to master a broad range of conceptual, formal, and technological skills to create effective communication solutions to design problems. Students can enhance their studies with an additional major or minor, a study abroad or Chicago term, and participate in a graphic design internship program. As graphic design interns, students will be able to stand out in the job market. Internships allow students to gain a deeper insight into the digital media & design field through learning under a senior design team, working on multiple projects, and having more networking opportunities. Internships are a valuable experience you can use to strengthen your portfolio. Graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, or related services industries.

You can also:

• Utilize a full-scale lab equipped with the cutting-edge, industry-standard hardware and software required for high-intensity graphic creation.
• Access Mac and PC graphics labs dedicated exclusively to declared Graphic Design program majors and minors.
• Enroll in community-engaged, cross-disciplinary, and team-taught courses.
• Compete for Art and Design scholarships.
• 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.
• North Central College is part of the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago. As part of this arrangement, all North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central students identification cards and have access to lectures, educational programs, and other special events within the Chicago area.

Graphic design majors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts. Students master a broad range of conceptual, formal, and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems. Students can enhance their studies with an additional major or minor, a study abroad or Chicago term, and internships. Graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, or related services industries.

Major Requirements

• ARTD 100 - Visual Literacy
• ARTD 107 - 2D Design: Explorations in Image-Making
• ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
• ARTD 160 - 3D Design: Form and Space
• ARTD 195 - Practicum: Design Agency
• ARTD 242 - Graphic Design I: Typography
• ARTD 244 - Graphic Design II: Methods and Materials
• ARTD 245 - Web Design
• ARTD 275 - Photography II: Digital
• ARTD 280 - Animation I: Methods and Story
• ARTD 342 - Graphic Design III

One additional ARTD 300-level or above

• ARTD 494 - Professional Practices
• ARTD 496 - Exhibition I: Research and Development
• ARTD 498 - Exhibition II: Production and Installation
• ARTH 306 - History of Design

One of the following:

• ARTD 340 - Motion Graphics
• MEDI 255 - Social Media

Additional Requirements for the BA Degree

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.

A North Central education offers bachelor's degree programs that integrate 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