Web Design Schools in Chicago
January 15, 2007 10:43 AM Subscribe
Does anyone know of any good web design/graphic design schools or programs in Chicago (or the midwest)? I have a background in Computer Science, but I'd like to pursue web design.
I'm considering moving from Los Angeles to Chicago to go back to school and switch careers. I originally from Illinois, so Chicago was the logical choice. I'm open to other large cities in the Midwest.
I'm considering moving from Los Angeles to Chicago to go back to school and switch careers. I originally from Illinois, so Chicago was the logical choice. I'm open to other large cities in the Midwest.
Response by poster: Great. Thanks j-dawg. Columbia didn't come up in any of my searches.
Still looking for more. I like to explore all my options. If anyone has attended either school/program, please share your experience.
posted by MediaJunkie at 11:35 AM on January 15, 2007
Still looking for more. I like to explore all my options. If anyone has attended either school/program, please share your experience.
posted by MediaJunkie at 11:35 AM on January 15, 2007
There's some interactive design school in Chicago that has Donald Norman as a teacher.
http://www.nngroup.com/
posted by xammerboy at 11:52 AM on January 15, 2007
http://www.nngroup.com/
posted by xammerboy at 11:52 AM on January 15, 2007
For the long term of your career, you might benefit more from taking a real Graphic Design curriculum somewhere and having both a CS and a GD degree.
However, I can say that a web portfolio is far more likely to get you a job than an extra degree will. Your CS degree along with a web portfolio will prove that you've got the artistic and technical know-how more than the proverbial "piece of paper"
I say this as a former CS guy myself who did web stuff right out of college (though I'm now in business).
If you need a place to host said portfolio where you can also use some of your CS skills, drop me a line. Dreamhost and its overselling semi-scamming ilk are not good places for programmers.
posted by twiggy at 1:41 PM on January 15, 2007
However, I can say that a web portfolio is far more likely to get you a job than an extra degree will. Your CS degree along with a web portfolio will prove that you've got the artistic and technical know-how more than the proverbial "piece of paper"
I say this as a former CS guy myself who did web stuff right out of college (though I'm now in business).
If you need a place to host said portfolio where you can also use some of your CS skills, drop me a line. Dreamhost and its overselling semi-scamming ilk are not good places for programmers.
posted by twiggy at 1:41 PM on January 15, 2007
A good friend of mine recently started Columbia's web design bachelor's degree program. Her undergrad and some of her work experience is in journalism but she lucked into a web content job where she does a fair bit of design and programming. She has nothing but positive things to say about it, however, she does share one caveat - many of the individuals in the school (your classmates) are truly artsy-fartsy. They're quick learners but they don't always come in with the computer skills you'd expect. Now, this clearly would be a problem in the lower-level programs (which is what she's in now as she just started) but I would imagine that issue would be eliminated by the prerequisites for higher-level courses for the major.
Good luck. The Chicago mefi group gets together somewhat regularly so look us up if you come here!
posted by MeetMegan at 7:01 PM on January 15, 2007
Good luck. The Chicago mefi group gets together somewhat regularly so look us up if you come here!
posted by MeetMegan at 7:01 PM on January 15, 2007
Response by poster: Thanks. All of this has been very helpful.
posted by MediaJunkie at 12:58 AM on January 16, 2007
posted by MediaJunkie at 12:58 AM on January 16, 2007
Response by poster: Does anyone know of any other programs in Chicago or nearby (MN, IL, IA, WI) that offer a web design, interactive media, graphic design, or similar program?
I'm interested in Chicago mainly, but open to any of the schools with great programs.
posted by MediaJunkie at 10:06 PM on January 16, 2007
I'm interested in Chicago mainly, but open to any of the schools with great programs.
posted by MediaJunkie at 10:06 PM on January 16, 2007
Those are the best programs in and surrounding Chicago. Is there a reason you want additional schools? Perhaps some additional information can help us help you.
posted by MeetMegan at 9:00 AM on January 17, 2007
posted by MeetMegan at 9:00 AM on January 17, 2007
Response by poster: It's a big move for me. LA to Chicago. I'm just concerned. I'm trying to figure out what my best options are.
posted by MediaJunkie at 12:19 PM on January 17, 2007
posted by MediaJunkie at 12:19 PM on January 17, 2007
Are you moving strictly for the program? I would imagine Silicon Valley has programs that are just as good, if not better.
posted by MeetMegan at 1:47 PM on January 17, 2007
posted by MeetMegan at 1:47 PM on January 17, 2007
Response by poster: No, I like the midwest. It's home and I have family in and around Chicago. Just looking for the best program I can find.
posted by MediaJunkie at 11:36 PM on January 18, 2007
posted by MediaJunkie at 11:36 PM on January 18, 2007
Then you already have your answers. Columbia and the Art Institutes.
posted by MeetMegan at 9:06 AM on January 19, 2007
posted by MeetMegan at 9:06 AM on January 19, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by j-dawg at 11:13 AM on January 15, 2007