What You’ll Learn

Channel your creativity into a fulfilling career through Highland Community College’s Visual Arts program. Taught by experienced faculty and professional artists, our courses foster a welcoming environment that will prepare students for the rapidly changing field of visual communications. Get ready to hone your critical thinking, analysis, creation, study, exhibition, and presentation of the visual arts.

If you choose our Associate of Arts (AA) program you will graduate with the essentials to succeed in the field of studio art. Encompassing diverse disciplines — including digital media, ceramics, drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, photography, printmaking, and sculpture — the program provides a comprehensive study of visual art, including art history and hands-on studio experience.

If you pursue an AA with an emphasis in graphic design you will also master the fundamentals of typography, layout, and design, as well as explore web site design, animation, and multimedia.

Designed for the student planning to pursue a baccalaureate degree in visual art, our AA program offers you a unique advantage: upon graduation from HCC, you can seamlessly transition to Western Illinois University to complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in either studio art or graphic design.

Those not interested in a four-year degree may choose to earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or certificate in graphic design. With access to HCC’s state-of-the-art computer software, you will gain a solid footing in the graphic design field.