Web Design Schools in Chicago

January 15, 2007 10:43 AM

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.

posted by MediaJunkie to education (12 comments total)

I know of at least two: Columbia College's Interactive Media program, and the Chicago branch of the Art Institutes (not to be confused with the Art Institute of Chicago.
posted by j-dawg at 11:13 AM on January 15, 2007

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

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

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

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

Thanks. All of this has been very helpful.
posted by MediaJunkie at 12:58 AM on January 16, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

Then you already have your answers. Columbia and the Art Institutes.
posted by MeetMegan at 9:06 AM on January 19, 2007