CS + design

six representative works from UIC design courses arranged in a three by two matrix

The human experience is inherently interactive and visual. And today, so much of what we do and see is mediated by technology. We experience aspects of our lives and absorb information on phones and laptops, through virtual assistants, on giant LCD panels, via responsive touch screens, and even in simulated 3D worlds.

Graphic design creates the beauty and appeal that draws us to those devices, platforms, and programs for the first time and compels us to return. Graphic design is also essential to function: ensuring that these technologies offer an intuitive, satisfying experience for users of all kinds.

Developing epic technologies requires an understanding of computing and graphic design. UIC developed the CS + design major to give you — our future creators — an education in both.

Get started here Heading link

Are you just starting your inquiry into the CS + design major at UIC? This one-page PDF offers an overview of the program. (Also, fun fact: the image at left, along with several others on this page, are actual works created by UIC design students.)

View the PDF

What do people in this field do? Heading link

These are a few of the many careers you can pursue with an education that blends computer science and graphic design, and their approximate annual pay:

A panel of six sample CS + design jobs and their salaries, ranging from $63,000 for a computer graphics designer to $100,000 for a data visualization specialist.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Built in Chicago, and Payscale

Tech, design, and diversity Heading link

A black-and-white cube designed by a UIC student, which says in warped lettering

Could you imagine if every piece of art were made by artists with exactly the same perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas?

No, we can’t, either.

The world of graphic design is at its most vibrant, exciting, and useful when a broad constellation of people contributes.

That’s why UIC values diversity among its CS + design majors. We especially welcome female and nonbinary students and people from other underrepresented backgrounds who can design a future that is functional and beautiful for all.

Keep scrolling to learn more about this major, or ... Heading link

The CS + design major, start to finish Heading link

the center spread of a book, designed by a UIC student, that includes various styles of typography, including blackletter and calligraphic

You can think of the CS + design major as covering three primary areas:

  • Computer science courses: Computer science requirements and electives will teach you how to program. You’ll learn how computers store and process information, how humans interact with computers (visually and otherwise), how virtual and augmented reality environments are created, and how computers can help to present data.
  • Design courses: Ten design courses will immerse you in the creation and use of photography, typography, and other key visual elements. You will become fluent in the design process, practice using industry-current design software, and work in teams with other design students on practical projects.
  • General education courses: These courses allow you to explore writing, art and design history, culture and society, math, science, and other subjects that will enhance your critical thinking skills and your understanding of context.

One of our computer science faculty members, Shanon Reckinger, drew this flow chart to help you visualize the structure of the courses in the first of the three areas, computer science:

A colorful illustration of the computer science courses that are all listed in text form at catalog.uic.edu

Artwork by Clinical Associate Professor Shanon Reckinger

Course highlights Heading link

Two book spreads, featuring modern layouts mostly in colors of red and white, designed by UIC students

Through a mix of required and elective courses, each CS + design student gets the chance to choose a unique set of classes that appeals to them and meets their goals. Here are three courses that might be a part of your UIC CS + design degree:

DES 150 Digital Media Design

This studio-style class introduces students to the fundamentals of design in digital media. The goal of the class is to gain an understanding of the latest design software and its uses in creating both pixel and vector-based imagery. We think deeply on textures and patterns in the world around us and the ways in which we can manipulate them digitally. Students learn to manage a digital font library and file formats utilized in design disciplines. Using images we create, we also introduce elements of motion design in relation to our understanding of pattern and texture. Finally, we discuss generative image-making and how to establish an image sequence that results in unique and unexpected compositions.

DES 208 Typography I and DES 209 Typography II

Knowledge of and skill in typography lie at the core of being a designer. Understanding the structure and intention of a letter and working with size, weight, style, space, color, texture, and rhythm are all necessary to give breath and sparkle to a design. These classes offer an introduction to the aesthetics and mechanics of typographic form and usage. Students complete a series of projects that use type as an element of graphic design composition. Through making books and posters, students learn recognition and classification of type styles and explore alignment, hierarchy, and legibility.

CS 427 Creative Coding

This course focuses on interactive media, virtual reality, 3D interaction, audio design, typography, theater, audiovisual media, and seminal works. We take a deep dive into the techniques and challenges of designing for virtual reality. We investigate novel forms of creative practice and develop collaborative virtual reality projects in interdisciplinary teams of computer science and design students, which are presented during a public exhibition at the end of the term.

View all CS + design courses here

The CS + design major in depth Heading link

Ready to explore the CS + design major in detail? Use these links to access everything you need to know about pursuing this degree at UIC.

Apply to UIC! Click here