Unlock your imagination.
Start with the fundamentals and build toward an advanced certificate or degree.
The Digital Art and Design: Fundamentals certificate introduces students to the core skills used in graphic design, digital media and visual communication. Through hands-on coursework using industry-standard software, equipment and techniques, students learn the fundamentals of digital image creation, editing, typography, color, composition and production for both print and digital media. Studio projects and critiques help students strengthen creative problem-solving, develop professional workflows and build a portfolio of foundational work.
This 18-credit-hour certificate can be completed in as little as one semester of full-time study. It also serves as the first step in a stackable pathway, applying in full to the 30-credit-hour Digital Art and Design: Professional certificate and ultimately the Digital Art and Design Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
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Turn creativity into a Career in Digital Art
Explore different technologies and unlock the pathway to a career in digital art.
The Digital Art and Design: Fundamentals certificate provides the foundational creative and technical skills used in graphic design, digital media and visual communication. Students gain experience with industry-standard software while developing skills in image editing, typography, layout, color theory and digital production.
This certificate prepares students for entry-level production and creative support roles, while also serving as the first step in Moraine Valley’s stackable Digital Art and Design pathway. All 18 credit hours apply directly to the Digital Art and Design: Professional certificate and the Digital Art and Design Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
The Digital Art & Design: Fundamentals Certificate program at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about one semester.
This 18-credit-hour certificate can be completed in as little as one semester of full-time study and serves as the first step in the Digital Art and Design stackable credential pathway.
Explore the spaces where creativity come to life.
Create digital illustrations, graphics and multimedia projects using industry-standard software and technology. This studio gives you the tools to develop skills in digital design, image editing and visual communication.
Learn hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques while exploring form, texture and glazing. The ceramics studio provides dedicated space to create functional and sculptural works.
Develop the fundamentals of visual design through drawing, composition, color and design principles. This studio helps build the creative foundation used across art and design disciplines.
Explore three-dimensional form through hands-on projects that emphasize space, structure and materials. Students learn design concepts while creating physical works of art.
Experiment with color, composition and a variety of painting techniques in a dedicated studio environment. Build technical skills while developing your own artistic style.
Capture professional-quality images while learning lighting, composition and camera techniques. The studio provides space for portrait, product and creative photography projects.
Discover traditional and contemporary printmaking processes to produce original works of art. Students explore techniques that combine craftsmanship, creativity and experimentation.
Potential careers in Digital Art & Design
The Digital Art and Design: Fundamentals certificate prepares students to apply creative and technical skills in entry-level production and content creation roles.
Start with this certificate and build toward a degree鈥攄eveloping your creative and technical skills along the way.
Real stories of success.
Moraine Valley’s Automation and Engineering Technology program will expose students to robotics, cybersecurity, 3D printing and automation/programmable logic controllers. Learn more about how to enter this growing field.
Student Work
Anni Rasmussen
Program Coordinator
The Addiction Studies program is more than just a career path鈥攊t鈥檚 an opportunity to truly impact lives. Addiction affects individuals, families, and entire communities, creating a growing need for skilled and compassionate professionals. In this program, you鈥檒l gain a strong understanding of the full continuum of care, effective treatment approaches, and how to support people on their journey to recovery. Join us and start building a meaningful and rewarding future for all.
Faculty with real-world experience.
Your instructors don鈥檛 just teach the material, they鈥檝e worked in the field. With experience in counseling, treatment programs, and community outreach, they bring real examples and practical knowledge into every class. You鈥檒l learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role in the field.
Explore credentials within this program
These degree and certificates are part of the same program and allow you to explore specialized areas, with some designed for graduates looking to advance their skills.
Emmy Jordan
Freelance designer; earned her Digital Art & Design A.A.S. degree in 2019
If you are looking for some awesome, knowledgeable people to work with, these are the guys I highly recommend. Their friendliness and result-driven approach is what I love about them.
Ken Beckwith
Visual arts instructor; Attended Moraine Valley 2002-2005; Author & illustrator of 鈥淗eart of Birds or She Sent Me Things鈥�
Moraine Valley is not only a place to prep for a full-fledged degree; it is a place to return to in order to hone and sharpen skills you already have. Whether for a personal or community-related project, Moraine Valley鈥檚 staff are there to support you. What a beautiful campus, filled with many opportunities.
Sue Buenger
Freelance designer; earned her Digital Art & Design, A.A.S. degree
Moraine Valley gives students a solid foundation to build a career in this field. We worked on the same type of equipment used in the industry. And you were encouraged to develop your own style.
Michael McErlean
Graphic artist; earned Digital Art & Design A.A.S. and associate in arts degrees Illustrator for the book 鈥淧atrick McStup鈥檚 Mixed-Up Family Christmas, Part 1鈥�
I had a great experience at Moraine Valley. The faculty was amazing! They taught us to apply critical thinking skills in our projects and helped us learn how to talk to clients. They really prepare you for a job in the real world.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1408 | Art |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support, and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
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