What is art?

Hesston College’s art program offers a series of drawing, painting, photography and design courses to prepare students to complete a four-year art degree for a variety of career paths.

Success factors

Students interested in problem solving, sharing information, storytelling, physical work, and any creative pursuits, will find art to be a great fit. Art in all of its forms is uniquely suited for honing aesthetic and concrete skills, learning new ways of thinking, and building the foundation for life-long interests. Many students in terminal degree programs enjoy art classes as a creative release while they pursue their major.

Career possibilities

• Studio artist
• Art teacher
• Graphic artist
• Photographer
• Curator

Studies have shown that a degree in the arts brings a highly useful set of skills to any career.

Majoring in art

• The Hesston College community offers some unique local resources. These include area artists and partnerships with area universities for workshop, lecture and presentation opportunities. Some past workshops include large scale ceramic sculpture with Conrad Snider, figurative sculpture with Pat Hines and an aluminum casting day with the Fort Hays (Kan.) State University mobile foundry crew.
• Opportunities for independent self-designed studies provide a unique and precise way for students to pursue interests deeper than regular class work may allow. Within the department, there are internships available to develop related skills for the visual arts, as well as a competitive graphic design internship with the college’s Marketing and Communications department to gain valuable job skills.

Art curriculum

The art curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and an art degree. Students receive core courses, individual study and support in finding a niche and expanding creativity and skill. Academic advisors work one on one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in art

What is graphic design?

Graphic design is a focused path within the wider art department that uses a combination of visual and textual content.

Success factors

Students interested in problem solving, sharing information, storytelling, physical work and any creative pursuits will find art to be a great fit. Art in all of its forms is uniquely suited for honing aesthetic and concrete skills, learning new ways of thinking and building the foundation for life-long interests. Many students in terminal degree programs enjoy art classes as a creative release while they pursue their major.

Career possibilities

Graphic designers can find work in a wide variety of professional areas including advertising agencies, corporations, colleges and universities, newspapers, magazines, publishers, websites, museums. You can also work as a self-employed freelance designer, securing clients and projects in a variety of areas. Studies have shown that a degree in the arts brings a highly useful set of skills to any career.

Majoring in graphic design

• Opportunities for independent self-designed studies provide a unique and precise way for students to pursue interests deeper than regular class work may allow. Within the department, there are internships available to develop related skills for the visual arts, as well as a competitive graphic design internship with the college’s Marketing and Communications department to gain valuable job skills.
• The Hesston College community offers some unique local resources. These include area artists and partnerships with area universities for workshop, lecture and presentation opportunities. Some past workshops include large scale ceramic sculpture with Conrad Snider, figurative sculpture with Pat Hines and an aluminum casting day with the Fort Hays (Kan.) State University mobile foundry crew.

Graphic design curriculum

The graphic design curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and a degree. Students receive core courses, individual study and support in finding a niche and expanding creativity and skill. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in graphic design