As a HACC student...
Our program is competitive and on the same level as a four-year school. We provide students with the tools, inspiration and experience that prepares them for a successful career. Classes are held in a state of the art graphics lab that allow for creativity and experimentation outside the traditional classroom projects. We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design, and our students have won many regional and national design competitions.
Top image by Adam Engel
Artwork by Glenna Stehman
Meet our Faculty
“The GID program at HACC not only teaches technical skills, but focuses on the creative expression needed to become a good designer. Our dedicated faculty, and state of the art computer lab, give students an environment that allows them to grow and refine their design skills.”
– Marjaneh Talebi, GID Program Director
Artwork by Marjaneh Talebi
Why Consider HACC?
We have been a leader in the education of designers in Central PA for the last four decades and our students have won many regional and national design competitions.
HACC is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Most of the nation’s major art programs and art schools are accredited by NASAD. Of the 1462 community colleges in the United States, less than 20 have NASAD accreditation.
HACC Programs in Art, Graphic & Interactive Design, and Photography complete periodic peer review processes to remain accredited and to achieve and maintain NASAD’s stringent criteria for our students.
Artwork by Tyler Yordy
What We Offer/Facilities/Labs
Classes are held in a state of the art graphics lab that allow for creativity and experimentation outside the traditional classroom projects.
Photo by Garrick Dorsett
What You’ll Need For Class
Students in Graphic Design Certificate are required to purchase textbooks and some supplies. As part of program requirements students in the Graphic and Interactive Design AAS program; participate in portfolio reviews that may require fees.
Some of What You’ll Do
ART109 - Computer Graphics
In this course students are introduced to Mac computers as tools for design. Fundamentals of software commonly found in design studios such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are covered. Students will create simple projects for print, web and video.
Artwork by Glenna Stehman
ART143 - Typography
Typography is one of the most important tools in visual communication. This course emphases on functional use of typography in design for both print and interactive media. Students learn about type anatomy and work on expressive typography.
Artwork by Dalibor Samardzic
ART145 - Graphic Design II
In Graphic Design II students are introduced to graphic design as a conceptual and visual discipline. Assignments focus on solving visual problems from a wide range of topics in a variety of media. Students are encouraged to explore the complex relationship between content, composition, technical execution and visual ideas.
Artwork by Kevin Pisani
ART147 - Graphic Design Portfolio
Students will develop a portfolio in preparation for entering professional design practice. The course focuses on both electronic and print formats. Students’ portfolios will be reviewed at two different professional portfolio review events. Specific dates for the reviews will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
Artwork by Tyler Yordy
ART176- Digital Photo Imaging
Art 176 focuses on the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of digital photography. Students use digital cameras and computers to create photographic images for creative expression. Black and white photography, portrait and low light capture are parts of class assignments.
Artwork by Keanna Qarooni