Graphic Design Careers Start at Columbia
Shape Visual Culture at a College Designed for Graphic Design Majors
Columbia College Chicago offers a graphic design degree program that's as dynamic as the city around it. Our graphic design degree combines technical skills with creative exploration, preparing you to make an impact in today's visual culture. From your first semester, you'll be building the kind of portfolio that gets noticed.
As a Graphic Design major, you'll learn by doing and develop a solid foundation in the field with courses covering:
- Typography
- Branding
- Packaging
- Publication
- Website design
- Creating your portfolio
Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice and refine your work in the city itself. Graphic design students have interned at places such as Leo Burnett, Cards Against Humanity, and Pivot Design.
Learn More About Columbia College Chicago
Let us know the best way to reach you by filling out the form below and we'll send important information about applying to Columbia straight to your inbox!
Gain a Competitive Edge at a Top School with Graphic Design Programs
Live in a City at the Forefront of Arts and Culture
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
A High-Level Look at the Graphic Design Degree
Graphic Design Schools in the Midwest
Animation Career Review
Start building a Portfolio in Your First Semester
BA and BFA in Graphic Design Degree Options
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries — from design and media to performance, business, and tech. Ninety-six percent of recent graduates report being employed or achieving success in creative practice, and you'll graduate career ready and connected too.
Graduates of the Graphic Design major are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including art director, brand designer, creative strategist, freelance graphic designer, motion graphics designer, packaging designer, UX/UI designer, web designer.
"The community here at Columbia is so welcoming! From the professors I had to the friends I made, I can't convey enough how important these relationships were to me."
— AJ Caris '23, Graphic Design BA
Columbia Makes Art School in Chicago More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: Guy Villa
Guy Villa, Jr, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, brings award-winning industry expertise straight into the classroom. Recognized by publications and institutions, including Graphis, AIGA, and PRINT, he also runs Guy Villa Design — a studio specializing in editorial and identity work for nonprofits, start-ups, and small businesses.
“I always tell my students, 'Do what makes you feel uncomfortable. That's how you grow.”