Students who earn the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will develop a well-rounded skill set in many aspects of the Graphics Design industry. They will find themselves prepared to pursue careers in a variety of related fields.
Those who complete a certificate in Animation and Multimedia, Digital Content Creation, Web Design, or Photography can take a more focused pathway to a credential and entry into the workforce.
The curriculum focuses on a number of areas including, but not limited to: design fundamentals; web design; digital content creation, including audio and video production; 2D and 3D animation; studio photography; photojournalism and portraiture.
If you are seeking to transfer for a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, you are encouraged to consult with the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success to determine what degree path to follow. Oakton does have transfer agreements for the A.A.S. in Graphic Design with certain 4-year schools, while others require the Associate of Arts degree.
Some of your classes may have minimum technology requirements. If you need help with computer access, you can reach out to the Help Desk to request to borrow equipment or contact your professor prior to class.
With our Graphic Design degree, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic design principles, concepts, media, and format and solve communication and design problems.
Learn to use the basic tools and techniques of animation and multimedia, including software and special hardware and create a portfolio of animation/multimedia projects to demonstrate the acquisition of the necessary skills with our Animation and Multimedia Certificate.
Learn to engage and influence audiences through the production of high-quality digital audio content. Through hands-on experience in copywriting, creating digital video assets, managing electronic media, and building market plans, students will gain the skills and experiences critical to pursuing digital video content creation professionally. This certificate can be completed in one semester.
Learn to engage and influence audiences through the production of high-quality digital video content. Through hands-on experience in copywriting, creating digital video assets, managing electronic media, and building market plans, students will gain the skills and experiences critical to pursuing digital video content creation professionally. This certificate can be completed in one semester.
With our Photography Certificate, you will learn to use the basic tools of photographic production, including the mastery of materials, equipment, techniques, and processes used in digital photography, lighting, film, and the processing of images. You will also be able to demonstrate functional knowledge of the history of photography and its aesthetic development and create a portfolio of work to demonstrate the acquisition of the necessary skills.
Our Web Design Certificate will help you understand the fundamental principles of graphic design as they relate to web design. You will learn to use the basic tools and techniques of web design, including relevant software and create a portfolio of websites and web pages that demonstrate the acquisition of the necessary skills.
We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
The employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 24,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $50,710 in 2021.
Potential Careers
• Art Directors
• Craft and Fine Artists
• Desktop Publishers
• Drafters
• Industrial Designers
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
• Technical Writers
• Web Developers and Digital Designers
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.
We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.
Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.
Get Started at Oakton
Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience. In addition to classroom learning, students receive support from our panel of expert advisors.
Meet our full-time faculty:
Erick Rohn
Coordinator, Graphic Design and Multimedia
Associate Professor of Art
B.F.A. Columbus College of Art & Design
M.F.A. Rochester Institute of Technology
erohn@oakton.edu
847.376.7248
Office: 2610, Des Plaines
Meet our part-time faculty
Jeremi W. Bialowas
Lecturer
B.A. Columbia College
M.S. Brooks Institute of Photography
jbialowa@oakton.edu
847.635.1841
Office: 1111, Des Plaines
Michael Boruch
Lecturer
M.F.A. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
mboruch@yahoo.com
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Cynthia Crampton
Lecturer
B.S. Illinois Institute of Technology - Institute of Architecture & Design
crampton@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
Timothy King
Lecturer
B.F.A. Kansas City Art Institute
M.A. University of Tulsa
M.F.A. Northern Illinois University
tking@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Sandra Krohnert
Lecturer
BFA in Visual Communication from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design
MA in Art History from Northern Illinois University
krohnert@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Jody Lepinot
Lecturer
B.S. Michigan State University
D.V.M. Michigan State University
B.F.A. Michigan State University
M.F.A. Academy of Art University
jlepinot@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Angelo Mantas
Lecturer
B.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
M.F.A. Columbia College Chicago
amantas@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
John Petroshius
Lecturer
B.S. Northwestern University
john@prairiestudio.com
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Ronald B. Powell
Lecturer
B.S. Illinois State University
rpowell@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
Joseph Cancellaro, Ph.D.
Chair, Interactive Arts & Media Department
Columbia College Chicago
Evan Lindsay
Principal Designer, Blaque, Inc.
Marie Miller
Founder, Marie Miller Photography
William Simos
Fine Arts Department
Evanston Township High School
Oakton College [ex-officio]
Linda Korbel
Dean of Liberal Arts
Lou Pierozzi
Chair, Art & Design Department
Erick Rohn
Coordinator, Graphic Design/Photography