Why Choose Art & Design?
Creativity is more than a passion: It can be a pathway to a rewarding career. With the right tools and training, CCAC students transform their love of art and design into public exhibitions and portfolios that wow employers. After all, every organization needs an artist's touch to craft their brand's identity or share a meaningful narrative. With the right degree or certificate, you could be that artist.
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Discover a world of creativity from the comfort of your screen! Explore our vibrant online student gallery and take in the vast talents of our aspiring creatives.
Student Gallery
Art
Art, A.S. (026)
From charcoal sketches to oil paintings, the pottery wheel to the computer screen, CCAC's Art program cultivates both creativity and critical thinking skills. Experienced faculty guide students from foundations art courses to specialized study in various media, including drawing, jewelry-making, three-dimensional design and beyond.
In a combination of core classes and electives, students develop their technical skills and personal styles, culminating in a diverse portfolio of original work. In addition to studio facilities, CCAC provides students with the opportunity to showcase their work in the annual juried student art exhibition, or even develop a solo exhibition.
Students may continue their education by transferring credits to a four-year institution. The Art, A.S. degree is approved by the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, ensuring that all credits are transferable to any college or university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Alternatively, graduates may choose to pursue work directly as an art administrator, art educator, set designer, museum or gallery assistant, and more.
Design
CCAC offers three design programs: one degree and two certificates. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to advance your career, we have the program for you.
All design students have access to the latest technology, including a dedicated Apple computer lab with industry-standard software, as well as photography equipment and color printers. Plus, unlike at other colleges and universities, CCAC students can bring their projects to life with unlimited printing.
Graphic Communications, A.S. (374.3)
CCAC's Graphic Communications degree program exists at the intersection of art and technology, providing students with the skills to turn their creativity into a career. The curriculum provides foundational instruction in art history, social science and communication, as well as advanced coursework in design methodology, brand identity design, interactive design, packaging design and digital publishing.
The program is taught by experienced design professionals who can help students tailor their course selection to suit their individual goals. The flexible curriculum allows students to enroll in the best graphic communication design, art history and studio art electives for their plan, whether that includes graduating directly into the job market or transferring credits to another college or university.
Perfect for individuals who are both technical and creative, this program allows students to develop an innovative portfolio of conceptual design projects suitable for presenting to potential employers. Students acquire the aesthetic, conceptual and technical skills necessary for entry-level positions in the print or interactive design field.
Graduates may find employment as a graphic designer, illustrator, publication designer, web designer or freelance designer. They may also choose to continue their design and communication studies by transferring to a four-year institution.
Certificate Programs
Not looking for a full degree? Certificate programs are an excellent choice for students who want to fast-track their way to an entry-level job by focusing exclusively on their area of interest.
Certificates also allow working professionals with previous degrees to further their careers by honing a specific skillset—and earning the credential to prove it.
What if you start a certificate program, then realize you want to go further? No sweat: Overlapping course requirements mean you'll simply have a head start on the full associate degree.
Graphic Design, Certificate (376.3)
Whether you already have professional design experience or are an aspiring designer, students in this certificate program benefit from reviewing fundamental design principles and working with the latest technology.
Coursework addresses everything from drawing and color theory to conceptual development, typography, vector illustration, digital image compositing, logo design, interactive design and packaging design. Graduates are prepared for entry-level jobs in the design field, or may use their credits to pursue a degree.
Digital Design, Certificate (176)
This certificate program focuses on digital graphic design, typography, imaging and conceptual development. The curriculum covers principles of design and color theory, as well as current technology as it applies to the arts. Students learn the technical and aesthetic skills to develop a variety of visual communications, preparing for entry-level positions as a graphic designer, illustrator, desktop publisher, web developer or freelance graphic designer.
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This data is national aggregate data, which may or may not be reflective of current local labor market circumstances.