The Art + Design Foundations Certificate (ADFC) is a 30-credit, studio-based curriculum, which includes 2D design, 3D design, drawing, color theory, art history, digital art, art electives, and general education. The Art + Design Foundations Certificate covers the first year of an art program during which students learn the fundamentals of art and design, methods and materials, art history, and the process of creative thinking. The foundation year is essential to providing students with a base of skills and knowledge necessary for upper level coursework in the visual arts.
The Art + Design Foundations Certificate can be utilized for multiple purposes outlined below. Additionally, the 30-credit certificate is embedded into the subsequent Associate in Fine Arts degree (AFA), in Graphic Design, Art-Studio, or Photography in an effort to bridge students from the certificate credential (ADFC) onto the two-year degree (AFA). Both ADFC and AFA art majors are encouraged to seek academic advising each semester to ensure proper course sequence relative to their major and/or academic goals, to discuss transfer options, or other. Students interested in disciplines outside of Graphic Design, Art-Studio, or Photography have course flexibility to achieve personal objectives.
The Art + Design Foundations Certificate program serves an array of student needs listed below. Note: academic advising is essential to follow proper course sequence, and to guide students toward their academic goals / future goals.
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After completion of the ADFC, students may benefit from credential stacking to earn the subsequent Associate in Fine Art degree (AFA) in Graphic Design, Art-Studio, or Photography.
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Students interested in visual art disciplines not offered at DCCC can complete the ADFC before transferring to a four-year school. Such disciplines include, but are not limited to: industrial design, animation arts, illustration, concept art, sequential art, interior design, fashion, art therapy, art education, architecture, sculpture, and ceramics.
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Credential stacking opportunities for non-art majors. Liberal Arts or General Studies majors can earn the ADFC without completing additional credits.
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Retooling for mid-career shifts, including populations that have completed a college level degree and are preparing for new interests in art and design, i.e. students with a four-year college degree pursuing art education, k-12, can complete the ADFC and transfer to Kutztown Univerisity’s Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education Program (advising required). How to Transfer courses to DCCC?
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Portfolio development and a credential opportunity for students committed to early transfer.
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Creative professionals and lifelong learners, wishing to enhance skills and knowledge.
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Students planning to enter into art and design fields after earning 30 credits.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Create and describe artwork utilizing the elements and principles of design.
- Utilize traditional and digital techniques, methods and materials.
- Employ the design process to initiate creative thinking.
- Evaluate artwork, historical art, artists, and periods.
Effective: Fall 2023
The College will award a certificate of proficiency to students who complete 30 credits of an approved career program. These credits will not normally include physical education, developmental, basic and/or continuing education courses and will usually consist of 24 credits in the career specialty and six credits in general education. At least 15 of the credits must be earned at Delaware County Community College. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ART 122 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 124 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 130 | Drawing I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of Graphic Design | ||
| History of Photography | ||
| Art of the Ancient World | ||
| Art from the Medieval and Early Modern World | ||
| Art of the Modern World | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 123 | Color Theory and Design | 3 |
| ART 131 | Drawing II | 3 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| History of Graphic Design | ||
| History of Photography | ||
| Art of the Ancient World | ||
| Art from the Medieval and Early Modern World | ||
| Art of the Modern World | ||
| Photography I | ||
| Photography II | ||
| Drawing as a Design Process | ||
| Introduction to Painting | ||
| Intermediate Painting | ||
| Figure Drawing | ||
| Figure Painting | ||
| Computer Illustration | ||
| Digital Imaging | ||
| Page Layout | ||
| Typography | ||
| Web Graphics | ||
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Alternative Processes | ||
| Digital Photography II | ||
| Medium and Large Format Photography | ||
| Drawing III | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
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Academic advising is essential to follow proper course sequence, and to guide students toward their academic and future goals. To apply for receipt of the academic credential click here: "Apply for Credential".
Although The Art + Design Foundations Certificate (ADFC) can be utilized for multiple academic objectives, the ADFC also provides students the option to seamlessly continue studies toward completion of an associate in fine arts degree (AFA) in Art-Studio, Graphic Design, or Photography.
Incoming students must follow their major track to ensure proper course sequence to earn an associate degree in the following majors:
Kutztown University Post Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education Program
Students following the Kutztown University Post Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education Program, use the curriculum grid below. This program is designed for students that have a Bachelor's degree and are earning required studio credits to apply to Kutztown University's Post Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education Program. Click here to transfer previously earned credits to Delaware County Community College. Advising from Art-Studio faculty is required.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ART 130 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 122 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 124 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ENG 100 | English Composition I | 3 |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Art of the Ancient World | ||
| Art from the Medieval and Early Modern World | ||
| Art of the Modern World | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 123 | Color Theory and Design | 3 |
| ART 131 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 140 | Introduction to Painting | 3 |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Digital Imaging | ||
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Select One of the Following: ART 117, ART 118, or ART 119 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Liberal Arts - Additional Certificate
Students following the Liberal Arts Associate Degree can also earn an Art + Design Foundations Certificate by following the curriculum below. Advising required
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ART 130 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 122 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ENG 100 | English Composition I | 3 |
| Any transferable Quantitative Reasoning (MAT) designated course (Recommended, MAT 120) (not MAT 110) | 3-4 | |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENG 112 | English Composition II: Writing About Literature | 3 |
| Any transferable Information Technology designated Computing (DPR) course. | 3 | |
| Select Two of the Following: | 6 | |
| Color Theory and Design | ||
| Three Dimensional Design | ||
| Drawing II | ||
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Art of the Ancient World | ||
| Art from the Medieval and Early Modern World | ||
| Art of the Modern World | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| American National Government | ||
| American State and Local Government | ||
| World Affairs | ||
| Principles of Public Administration | ||
| Select One of the Following: ART 123, or ART 131, or ART 124 | 3 | |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Digital Imaging | ||
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Any transferable Scientific Inquiry designated Science course | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Any transferable Diversity and Social Justice designated course (recommended, PSY 225 or SOC 215) | 3 | |
| Any Transferable Global Understanding designated History (HIS) course | 3 | |
| MAT/Natural Science Elective | 3-4 | |
| Select One of the Following: ART 117, ART 118, or ART 119 | 3 | |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Painting | ||
| Photography I | ||
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Hours | 61-63 | |
General Studies - Additional Certificate
Students Following the General Studies Associate Degree and earning an Art + Design Foundations Certificate can follow the course sequence below:
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ART 130 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 122 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 124 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| Any Quantitative Reasoning designated course (recommended, MAT 120) | 3-4 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 123 | Color Theory and Design | 3 |
| ART 131 | Drawing II | 3 |
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Art of the Ancient World | ||
| Art from the Medieval and Early Modern World | ||
| Art of the Modern World | ||
| Select One of the Following | 3 | |
| Digital Imaging | ||
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Select One of the Following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Painting | ||
| Drawing as a Design Process | ||
| Photography I | ||
| Computer Illustration | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Any Oral Communication designated course | 3 | |
| Any Diversity and Social Justice designated course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Any Scientific Inquiry designated course | 4 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 61-62 | |