About the Program
The Graphic & Web Design Program
The Graphic & Web Design (GDES) program at North Idaho College prepares students to become designers, developers, and creative problem-solvers through a hands-on, portfolio-driven curriculum.
Students learn the principles of visual communication, web design, branding, and digital media while working in studio-style classes that emphasize collaboration, critique, and real project development.
Rather than focusing only on theory, the program centers on creating real work. By the time students graduate, they leave with a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to design, build, and communicate ideas through visual media.
Program Snapshot
Program Length
2 Years
Degree
AAS Graphic & Web Design
Learning Model
Cohort-Based
Capstone
Student-Produced Portfolio Show
Cohort-Based Program
A Cohort Learning Experience
The Graphic & Web Design program at North Idaho College is organized around a cohort model. Students enter the program together and progress through the curriculum as a group.
Working as a cohort allows students to build strong creative relationships while developing their skills. Students collaborate on projects, critique each other's work, and support one another as they develop professional portfolios.
By the time students graduate, the cohort has developed a shared creative identity that is reflected in the annual Portfolio Show. Many graduates stay connected long after leaving the program, creating an extended network of designers and developers working across a variety of industries.
A Studio-Based Learning Environment
The GDES program is structured like a creative studio. Students work on projects that mirror the kinds of work designers and developers produce in professional environments. Classes involve brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, critique sessions, and iterative design development.
Throughout the program students collaborate with peers, faculty, and occasionally other disciplines on campus.
This studio approach helps students develop both technical skills and the ability to think critically about design problems.
A Program Built Around the Portfolio
The most important outcome of the program is the portfolio students build during their time at North Idaho College.
Every course contributes to this portfolio. Students create work across multiple disciplines including:
- Graphic design
- Web design and development
- Branding and identity systems
- User experience and interface design
- Digital media and content production
The goal is simple: graduate with a portfolio that clearly demonstrates your abilities as a designer.
Capstone Experience
The GDES Portfolio Show
Each year the Graphic & Web Design program concludes with the annual GDES Portfolio Show, where graduating students present their work. This event is entirely student-driven.
During the third semester, each student develops and pitches a concept for the portfolio show. The pitch includes a name, theme, and visual identity for the event.
Faculty and technical advisors review the proposals and select one concept to represent the graduating class.
During the fourth semester, the entire cohort works together to bring that vision to life. Students collaborate to design the event branding, build the show website, create promotional materials, and organize the exhibition of their work.
The result is a unique portfolio show every year, designed and produced by the students themselves.
Portfolio Show Archive
Each graduating class creates a unique brand and identity for their portfolio show. Over time this archive becomes a visual record of the creative work produced within the program.
Skills Students Develop
Students in the GDES program graduate with experience in a range of creative and technical skills.
Graphic Design
Typography, layout, color theory, and visual communication.
Web Design & Development
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and modern web workflows.
Branding & Identity
Logo design, brand systems, and visual identity development.
UX/UI Design
User research, wireframing, prototyping, and interface design.
Digital Media
Motion graphics, video production, photography, and digital storytelling.
Located in Coeur d'Alene
North Idaho College is located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, just steps from Lake Coeur d'Alene and surrounded by the forests and mountains of northern Idaho.
The campus environment provides an inspiring setting for creative work while maintaining the close-knit community of a small college.
Students benefit from access to design labs, studio spaces, and other creative facilities while studying in one of the most scenic regions in the Pacific Northwest.
See the Spaces Where Students Create
The best way to understand the Graphic & Web Design program is to visit the studios, meet the instructors, and see student work in progress.
Request a Tour