Your creative journey begins at Oakton. Find your voice and your vision in the close-knit community of Oakton's Performing, Fine and Applied Arts Department. With the guidance of industry-respected faculty, you can hone your technique and build a portfolio of work that can be applied towards a bachelor's in fine arts or for personal gain. The flexible environment is welcoming to those of all ages who are exploring their passions or taking classes for enrichment (while pursuing another major).
Oakton is home to our very own art museum and a theater for the performing arts. The permanent exhibition space has included works by Salvador Dali, Alexander Calder and more which grace the Koehnline Museum of Art's walls year-round. The Performing Arts Center has served as a platform for many well-known musicians and thespians to launch their careers. As a student of our arts programs, you'll benefit from the authenticity of real-world experiences in these spaces that will prepare you for your next adventure in the arts world.
Earning credentials in Fine, Performing and Applied Arts develops skills that are sought after by many employers—communication, attention to detail and creativity.
Certificates can be completed in as little as 6 months, and associate degrees can be completed in two years. Your length of study will depend on how many classes you take each semester.
Designed to be finished at Oakton and prepare you directly for the workforce with industry-relevant coursework.
This curriculum is designed for students pursuing a Bachelor's in fine arts degree, with a greater emphasis on applied/studio courses. It does not include all General Education coursework.
Designed to transfer into a 4-year Bachelor's program; includes all General Education coursework. View Oakton's Transfer Partnerships and Guides here.
Oakton offers pre-majors:
Gain a new skill or upskill to enhance your resume; complete it stand-alone or talk with Advising to plan how the certificate can be a stepping stone to a further degree.
Discover majors and in-demand careers based on your interests. The Career Coach assessment is a 6- or 60-question quiz that links your interests to programs offered here at Oakton and local career opportunities. Don’t worry about education, training or cost when answering the questions; just consider what you would like to spend time doing.
Graphic Design is for you if you are a visual storyteller, an open-minded listener, and imaginative. The A.A.S. in Graphic Design prepares you for a career; work with an advisor if you're interested in transferring to a 4-year program.
Learn more about Graphic Design
A.A.S degree
A.F.A. Art and Design is for you if you want to transfer to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or a B.A. with a major in art. This emphasizes studio art coursework.
Learn more about Associate in Fine Arts - Art and Design
A.F.A. degree
A.F.A. Music is for students who are studying to be professional musicians. This degree includes coursework in music theory and lessons in a variety of instruments and vocals.
A.F.A. degree
Associate in Arts with a concentration in Theater prepares students with hands-on acting, stagecraft, speech and drama experience.
Learn more about the Theater concentration
A.A. degree, concentration
The photography certificate is for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of visual communication, digital photography, color management, lighting, and more.
Learn more about the Photography certificate
Certificate