Moraine Valley Community College

Art and Design

Home » 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 Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art, music or theater. This program provides a strong foundation in the arts while allowing students to build a portfolio or performance experience that reflects their skills, creativity and personal style.

Students gain hands-on experience in studio art, music or theater while developing technical techniques, creative expression and an understanding of artistic concepts and history. The program emphasizes both skill development and preparation for transfer, helping students take the next step in their artistic education.

Benefits of this degree:
  • Focused coursework designed for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in art, music or theater
  • Development of technical skills, creative thinking and artistic expression
  • Preparation for transfer and careers in fine arts, performing arts and related creative fields

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:
  • Hands-on training using industry-standard design software and digital tools
  • Development of creative, technical and visual communication skills
  • Preparation for careers in graphic design, digital media, advertising and related creative fields
student sitting at computer working on digital art

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.

Benefits of this program:
  • Hands-on training using Adobe Creative Cloud and industry-standard design tools
  • Development of advanced layout, typography and visual communication skills
  • Preparation for entry-level roles, internships and portfolio-driven careers in graphic design and digital media
Student looking at computer with faculty member in digital design studio

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.

Benefits of this program:
  • Hands-on training using Adobe Creative Cloud and industry-standard design tools
  • Development of advanced layout, typography and visual communication skills
  • Preparation for entry-level roles, internships and portfolio-driven careers in graphic design and digital media
female artist using tablet and stylus for digital drawing. Coffee nearby.

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:
  • Training in graphic design, digital layout and visual communication
  • Designed for students with previous education or professional experience
  • Preparation for careers in graphic design, production and publishing
A digital artist using a graphics tablet and stylus in a modern workspace. High-tech creative process.

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:
  • Develop creative and technical skills in digital media production.
  • Gain hands-on experience with motion graphics, animation, visual effects and editing.
  • Prepare for careers in multimedia design, video production, animation and digital content creation.
Young woman sitting at a computer.

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:
  • Hands-on training in website design, layout and front-end development
  • Development of user experience, visual design and technical web skills
  • Preparation for entry-level roles in web design, digital media and related fields
A digital workspace featuring Apple devices with Nike sneaker design displayed on a tablet.

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.

View Financial Aid Options

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.

Art and Design