Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago’s School of Design offers two programs in graphic design, a BFA and BA. Both degrees give students the tools and experience needed to launch a career in graphic design within a broader program of foundational studies in art and design. Students also gain a strong business foundation, which will prepare them to join a design firm, an agency, an in-house corporate design team, or launch their own freelance business. The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree in graphic design. The BFA requires students to learn multiple disciplines and has fewer opportunities to choose electives. The BA provides a foundation in design but allows students to double major or choose a minor. All graphic design students develop a professional portfolio of work senior year as part of the requirements of the degree programs. www.colum.edu/academics/design/

Creative Comment: What AI Can and Cannot Do

We Want To Hear From You!

GDUSA Digital Magazine: April 2026

FEATURE Highlight

Columbia College Chicago offers two programs in graphic design, a BFA and BA. Both degrees give students the tools and experience needed to launch a career in graphic design within a broader program of foundational studies in art and design. Students also gain a strong business foundation, which will prepare them to join a design firm, an agency, an in-house corporate design team, or launch their own freelance business. A second Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design is also available. The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree in graphic design. The BFA requires stu dents to learn multiple disciplines and has fewer opportunities to choose electives. The BA provides a foundation in design but allows students to choose a general concentration one in Web Design or Publication Design. All Graphic Design students develop a professional portfolio of work as part of the requirements of the degree programs.

colum.edu

Creative Comment: What AI Can and Cannot Do

We Want To Hear From You!

GDUSA Digital Magazine: April 2026

FEATURE Highlight

Columbia College Chicago offers two programs in graphic design, a BFA and BA. Both degrees give students the tools and experience needed to launch a career in graphic design within a broader program of foundational studies in art and design. Students also gain a strong business foundation, which will prepare them to join a design firm, an agency, an in-house corporate design team, or launch their own freelance business. A second Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design is also available. The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree in graphic design. The BFA requires students to learn multiple disciplines and has fewer opportunities to choose electives. The BA provides a foundation in design but allows students to choose a general concentration one in Web Design or Publication Design. All Graphic Design students develop a professional portfolio of work as part of the requirements of the degree programs.

Contact: colum.edu

Columbia College Chicago offers two programs in graphic design, a BFA and BA. Both degrees give students the tools and experience needed to launch a career in graphic design within a broader program of foundational studies in art and design. Students also gain a strong business foundation, which will prepare them to join a design firm, an agency, an inhouse corporate design team, or launch their own business. A second BA in Graphic Design is also available. The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree that requires students to learn multiple disciplines and has fewer opportunities for electives. The BA provides a foundation in design, but allows students to choose a general concentration or one in Web Design or Publication Design. All Graphic Design students are required to develop a professional portfolio of work.

Contact: www.colum.edu