Artwork by a HACC Student

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

Artwork image

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
Lori Friedlander, theatre technical director

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

LARL auditorium theatre

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