Web Design Degree Programs in Illinois (L-Q)

Situated in the midwestern region of the country, there is an array of web design degree programs in Illinois. Known as “The Land of Lincoln,” Illinois is the fifth most populated state in the U.S. It is home to the city of Chicago, which is the nation’s third biggest city. Various industries contribute to the thriving economy of Illinois, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. There are a variety of top rated institutions of higher learning in Illinois. Listed below are the postsecondary schools in Illinois that offer web design degree programs.

DePaul University

College of Computing and Digital Media

Established in 1898, DePaul University is a private, comprehensive institution that is the country’s largest Catholic university by enrollment. It educates nearly 25,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate level. It is also the biggest private university in Illinois. DePaul University offers nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its ten colleges and schools. The university is devoted to instruction, research, and public service. All programs focus on the abilities and visions to prepare students to become lifelong, independent learners. DePaul University is recognized for having one of the most diverse groups of students in the nation.

BFA in Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design features an innovative curriculum that integrates visual design, advertising, social medial, animation, interactive and web design, and film title design and illustration. The program requires the completion of at least 208 credit hours, including general education, major, and elective courses. The major courses include introduction to visual design, illustrator workshop, photoshop workshop, web design, animation, digital still photography, digital illustration, interactive and social media, webs design for commercial projects, motion graphics, and publication design. Students must also complete two capstone projects. The program provides students with the opportunity to visit graphic design studios to gain an insight of all parts of the industry. Additionally, students have access to a Critique and Exhibition area where they can hold exhibitions of their work and receive feedback on class projects.

BS in Interactive and Social Media

The Interactive and Social Media program prepares individuals for the growing fields of social computing and interaction design. The program incorporates technical and creative areas, including human-computer interaction, graphic design, and information technology. Students learn how to design and develop interactive communication technologies like websites and mobile applications. The program enables students to choose between two concentrations: development or design. Both programs require a minimum of 192 credit hours, including general education, major, and elective classes. Web design, foundations of interactive and social media, introduction to human-computer interaction, interactive design and prototyping, community-based technology projects, data analysis, web 2.0 building blocks, interactive web scripting, and information visualization are among the major courses for both concentrations. Students must also complete two courses in software projects for community clients in both concentrations.

Related Resource: What Is a Good Minor To Complement a Degree In Web Design?

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

DePaul University
1 E. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8000
Email: dpcl@depaul.edu
Websites:

Harper College

Information Technology

Harper College is a comprehensive two-year institution that was founded in 1965. It is a large community college that enrolls more than 26,000 students. The college is committed to offering excellent education that is affordable, promotes individual growth, improves the local area, and meets the demands of a global society. Its core values include integrity, respect, excellence, and collaboration. Harper College offers about 50 transfer options that enable students to obtain their associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution. The college also offers more than 40 associate degree or certificate programs.

Transfer Option: Associate in Arts Degree in Computer Science

Harper College offers a Transfer Option: Associate in Arts Degree in Computer Science to students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students have the ability to choose from a technical or information systems emphasis. Both programs require the completion of at least 64 credit hours in communications, mathematics, physical and life sciences, humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, and electives. The technical emphasis program focuses on theoretical foundations of computer science, algorithms, and software development. The information systems emphasis program focuses on using computer technology and information management techniques to find solutions to business problems.

Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts Technology

An Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Arts Technology is available in a creative design and print production option. Students complete core graphic arts courses during the first year and then specialize in the specific option the second year. The core graphic arts courses include introduction to graphic arts technology, graphic arts desktop publishing, digital imaging, color management, and web development. The creative design option provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and abilities needed for graphic design careers. The program focuses on digital design, production, and visual methods. The creative design option requires a total of 61 credit hours, including courses in graphic design, introduction to photography, page layout, and graphic portfolio design. The print design option provides instruction on current graphic software and production methods and focuses on digital print production and basic graphic design concepts. The print design program requires a total of 60 credit hours, including courses in press operations, project management, advanced color management, bindery and finishing operations, and prepress production.

AAS Web Development

The Associate in Applied Science in Web Development program provides students with the necessary education and abilities for a range of careers in the web development field. The program focuses on digital design and visual techniques and production. A total of 64 credit hours are required for the program, including general graphic arts courses such as design, introduction to graphic arts technology, graphic arts desktop publishing, digital imaging, and digital illustration. The web design specialty courses include variable data technologies, web graphics, web multimedia, and web authoring tools. Students must also complete a professional portfolio and resume for graduation from the program. Individuals who complete the web design programs will have the ability to demonstrate keen visual skills through graphic design, a strong understanding of typography and design principles, and basic knowledge and procedures in web design and related areas. They will also be able to use all graphic applications for web design.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Harper College
1200 W. Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: (847) 925-6000
Websites:

Heartland Community College

Technology Division

Founded in 1990, Heartland Community College is the newest community college in the state. It is a public, two-year institution that focuses on the success of students by offering affordable, accessible, and personalized education. The college strives to promote an upbeat attitude that empowers students and the community. Its educational environment is student-centered and emphasizes creating a personalized path for success of all individuals. Heartland Community College is home to more than 5,600 students. It also offers a variety of non-credit enrichment, recreation, and professional development classes for over 8,000 members of the community.

Digital Media Communication Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Associate in Applied Science in Digital Media Communication provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to understand media communication concepts. Students learn how to create an array of media for digital environments, such as web pages, interactive modules, print materials, videos, audio programs, animation, and digital skills. Students have the ability to select from three program options: web media designer, communication graphics, and digital imaging. All options require 63 to 65 credit hours, including general education courses, technical courses, concentration courses, and electives. The technical courses for all three concentrations include basic drawing, introduction to business, introduction to digital media, web page development, introduction to computer science, computer imaging and design, and employment success strategies. Graduates of the AAS program in digital media communication are prepared for employment at any entity with a web component. These entities can be in the media industry, health care, business, communications, government, or other areas.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Heartland Community College
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, Illinois 61761
Phone: (309) 268-8000
Email: ashley.domonkos@heartland.edu
Website: https://www.heartland.edu/tech/dmed/degreeDigitalMediaCommunication.jsp

Lewis and Clark Community College

Computer Graphics

Residing in the Metro-East region of the state, Lewis and Clark Community College is a large, comprehensive institution of higher learning that was established in 1970. It is home to about 26,000 students and offers associate degrees and certificate programs in over 40 areas. The mission of the college is to empower individuals by increasing ambitions and promoting achievement through vigorous, compassionate, and responsible academic experiences. Its programs prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or to transfer to four-year institutions. The college’s values include integrity, compassion, responsibility, respect, and service.

Computer Graphics AAS

The Associate in Applied Science in Computer Graphics is a rigorous program that incorporates traditional design concepts with the current technologies and software used in the industry. It blends the basics of computing, graphics, layout, digital video and audio, interactivity, and web technology with general education classes to improve the critical learning abilities of students. Students gain hands-on experience in computer laboratories that integrate current software with concept and design aspects. They also learn about various software packages. A total of 67 credit hours are required for completion of the AAS in Computer Graphics program. The major courses include Adobe Illustrator, computer literacy, basic design, graphic design, digital photography, desktop publishing, and drawing. Students must also complete computer graphics elective and computer graphics cooperative courses. Additionally, they must create a portfolio of their work.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Lewis and Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Road
Godfrey, Illinois 62035
Phone: (618) 468-7000
Email: enroll@lc.edu
Website: http://catalog.lc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=793&returnto=172

Moraine Valley Community College

Career Programs

Moraine Valley Community College is the second largest community college in Illinois. It was founded in 1967 and is home to about 36,000 students. It is devoted to making sure students acquire the necessary knowledge and abilities to meet the demands of an evolving world. It helps students enrich their lives by preparing them for rewarding careers and assisting them in discovering new interests. The mission of the school is to provide education to the whole person in a learning-focused atmosphere. The college offers many accommodations to help students succeed, such as night and weekend classes, distance learning options, on-campus day care, and career counseling and services.

Computer Graphics-Digital Art/Design Associate Applied Science

The Digital Art/Design program prepares students for careers in the graphic production and information technology fields that incorporate visual arts. Individuals enrolled in this program gain a strong theoretical understanding in traditional art and design and develop advanced abilities in Macintosh software and hardware. The degree program requires a total of 66 credit hours for graduation. Students have the ability to complete the program on a full or part-time option. The digital art and design courses include drawing, two-dimensional design, introduction to photography, three-dimensional design, introduction to computer art, digital illustration, digital imaging, and layout design. Students also have the ability to choose from a wide range of elective courses based on their interests. An internship component in digital design is also required for completion of the program.

Management Information Systems Associate in Applied Science

The Management Information Systems program prepares students for positions in information technology. Students have the ability to specialize in three areas in information technology, such as web development, e-commerce, or development of applications. A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete the AAS program in management information systems. The credit hours include general education, basic management information systems courses, and concentration courses. The management information systems courses include introduction to computer systems, programming principles, Internet technologies, database design, operating systems, and networking for business. All concentration options require 27 credit hours. The application development concentration 18 credit hours of special career courses. The e-commerce concentration requires 27 credit hours of special career courses. And the web development concentration requires 18 credit hours of special career courses. An internship component is required for all concentrations to provide students with practical job training in professional environments.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W College Parkway
Palos Hills, Illinois 60465
Phone: (708) 974-4300
Email: Alvarado@morainevalley.edu
Websites:

Quincy University

Fine Arts & Communication

Residing in Quincy, Illinois, Quincy University is a private, liberal arts, and Catholic institution of higher learning. Franciscan Friars established it in 1860, and it welcomes students from all faiths. It is devoted to learning, caring, and connecting with others and the global society. Quincy University is a small and quaint institution, home to about 1,300 students. It prides itself on its small, yet stimulating classes and encouraging faculty and staff that help students recognize their individual talents. The mission of Quincy University is guided by the inspiration of the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi and it respects every individual as a being with self-respect, worth, and value.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Graphic Design

The graphic design program enables students to gain a bachelor’s degree and a minor in a variety of areas, including art history, two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art, art studio, advertising production, and graphic design. Students have the ability to work with professional software and printing equipment to enrich their learning experiences. The faculty and staff within program bring their extensive experience into the classroom to provide students with guidance and mentoring throughout their academic path. Students have access to various active learning options, such as a design laboratory and multimedia laboratory with the latest versions of web, production, and design software. They can also acquire professional experience through internship options available in the community.

Introduction to drawing, introduction to computer graphics 2-D design, 3-D design, web design, printmaking, computer illustration, and graphic design for desktop publishing are among the core courses of the program. Students must also complete a senior seminar and senior retrospective course for completion of the program.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Quincy University
1800 College Ave
Quincy, Illinois 62301
Phone: (217) 222-8020
Email: admissions@quincy.edu
Website: http://www.quincy.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/division-of-fine-arts-and-communication/graphic-design

In today’s constantly changing world, technology plays a part in nearly all fields and related degrees provide students with a competitive edge in the workforce. Due to the wide range of web design degree programs in Illinois, interested individuals have many options that will meet their professional and personal needs.