Art and Design
Create content, design visuals, and communicate with purpose
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many Moraine Valley students begin by exploring their options and discovering what fits. Along the way, they build skills, gain direction and create a plan for what comes next.
Create, Explore and Develop Your Artistic Voice.
The A.F.A. in Art is designed for students who plan to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in art. Studio courses help you develop technique, explore art history and refine your work through critique. You’ll learn from faculty who are practicing artists and build a portfolio that reflects your skills and creative direction.
The 65-credit program includes foundational art and general education coursework for the first two years of an art degree and prepares students to transfer as a junior. Transfer admission can be competitive, and many schools require a portfolio review for admission to the major, advanced course placement or scholarships. Check requirements with an academic advisor and your intended transfer school.
Benefits of this degree:
Create visual designs for digital media and creative careers
The Digital Art and Design program offers a fully stackable path from foundational design skills to a two-year degree. Start with the 18-credit Fundamentals Certificate, which requires no previous design experience. Continue into the 30-credit Professional Certificate to develop portfolio-ready skills for the job search, then complete the 60-credit Digital Art and Design A.A.S. degree.
Each credential builds into the next, so you can stop after earning a certificate or continue without losing credits. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience in design, illustration, digital production and content creation using industry-standard tools. You’ll learn to combine typography, imagery and layout to communicate ideas, build brands and create effective print and digital experiences.
Benefits of this program:
Build on your design skills and prepare for creative careers in digital media.
The Digital Design Certificate program is designed for individuals who already have experience in design or a related field and want to strengthen their skills using industry-standard tools. Through hands-on, studio-based projects, students work with Adobe Creative Cloud to create digital and print designs while gaining experience in real-world design workflows.
Students develop advanced skills in layout, interface design and visual communication while applying concepts such as color, typography, grid systems and brand standards. The program also emphasizes portfolio development, helping students present their work professionally and prepare for internships or entry-level design roles.
Stackable Certificate
The 18-credit Fundamentals Certificate is the first step in the stackable pathway, with all credits applying toward the Professional Certificate and the A.A.S. degree.
Benefits of this program:
Build on your design skills and prepare for creative careers in digital media.
The Digital Art & Design: Professional Certificate is designed for students who have completed the Fundamentals Certificate or have equivalent design experience and want to strengthen their skills using industry-standard tools. Through hands-on, studio-based projects, students use Adobe Creative Cloud to create digital and print designs while gaining experience with real-world design workflows.
Students develop advanced skills in layout, interface design and visual communication while applying concepts such as color, typography, grid systems and brand standards. The program also emphasizes portfolio development, helping students present their work professionally and prepare for internships or entry-level design roles.
Stackable Certificate
This 30-credit certificate includes the Fundamentals coursework, and all 30 credits apply toward the Digital Art & Design A.A.S. degree.
Benefits of this program:
Create Professional Designs for Print and Digital Media
The Graphics Layout & Design program prepares students to create effective visual materials using digital design and page-layout tools. Designed for experienced computer users, the program is best suited for students who already hold a degree or have significant professional experience.
Students strengthen their skills in graphic design, digital layout and visual communication while preparing for opportunities in graphic design, production and publishing. Those beginning their education or career in this field should meet with the department chair or program coordinator to select the appropriate courses.
Benefits of this program:
Create digital media for a variety of creative industries.
The Multimedia Designer Certificate prepares students for careers in digital media by developing creative and technical skills used in multimedia production. Students learn to create visual content for a variety of platforms through hands-on experience with industry-standard design and production tools.
Coursework focuses on digital media, motion graphics, animation, visual effects, production development, editing and layout design while building a strong foundation in multimedia design and communication.
Benefits of this program:
Design and Build Websites for Digital Careers
The Website Designer Certificate program prepares students to create and maintain modern, responsive websites for a variety of industries. Students learn how to design engaging user experiences while developing technical skills in web layout, visual design and front-end development.
Through hands-on projects, students gain experience working with web design tools, coding basics and industry best practices to build functional, accessible and visually effective websites. The program focuses on both creative design and technical execution to prepare students for real-world web environments.
Benefits of this program:
No matter where you begin, you’ll find opportunities to build skills, gain experience and prepare for a meaningful career in a growing industry.
Your education is within reach.
Financial aid can help make college affordable. From grants and scholarships to loans and work-study, Moraine Valley is here to help you understand your options and take the next step.
We’re here to help you succeed.
From academic support to campus resources and personal guidance, explore the services designed to support you at every step of your journey.