Washington Community Colleges
Art Programs
Art and visual-arts coursework at community colleges in this state. Studio art, art history, and design-track classes for fine-arts transfer.
29 colleges · 1018 sections · 135 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Washington community college art programs span studio art (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics) and applied design (graphic design, digital media, illustration). The 1018 sections across 29 SBCTC colleges this term include intro studio courses, art history, design fundamentals, and software-specific training (Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Blender for 3D).
Two distinct outcomes: the studio-art associate is largely transfer-prep for BFA programs at four-year art schools; the graphic-design AAS is a direct-to-career credential preparing students for entry design roles, agency junior positions, and in-house marketing teams. Compare colleges below — programs with strong portfolio-development emphasis place graduates better than those focused purely on technique.
Colleges offering Art
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Art is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
| College | Sections | Courses | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green River College | 152 | 20 | 44 |
| Tacoma Community College | 70 | 17 | 5 |
| Clark College | 63 | 21 | 8 |
| North Seattle College | 60 | 24 | 3 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | 59 | 23 | 5 |
| South Seattle College | 53 | 15 | 11 |
| Seattle Central College | 44 | 10 | 12 |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology | 43 | 19 | 7 |
| Pierce College District | 43 | 9 | 13 |
| Everett Community College | 41 | 17 | — |
| Yakima Valley College | 34 | 15 | 3 |
| Bellevue College | 33 | 17 | 7 |
| Olympic College | 32 | 16 | 5 |
| Lower Columbia College | 29 | 17 | 1 |
| Shoreline Community College | 29 | 22 | 9 |
| Skagit Valley College | 29 | 12 | 9 |
| Spokane Falls Community College | 29 | 18 | — |
| South Puget Sound Community College | 25 | 16 | 11 |
| Edmonds College | 23 | 14 | 1 |
| Big Bend Community College | 21 | 10 | 4 |
| Columbia Basin College | 19 | 15 | 1 |
| Walla Walla Community College | 18 | 9 | 2 |
| Highline College | 17 | 13 | 3 |
| Whatcom Community College | 17 | 10 | 3 |
| Centralia College | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Peninsula College | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Cascadia College | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Grays Harbor College | 6 | 2 | — |
| Spokane Community College | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Art Availability Snapshot
How art sections are being offered across 29 colleges in Washington this term (1018 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person511 (50%)
- hybrid329 (32%)
- online178 (17%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)287
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)274
- Evening (5 PM and after)52
- Asynchronous / TBA405
Start dates
Sections begin on 9 distinct dates. 20 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 180 distinct instructors across 29 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Centralia College2 programs
Clark College2 programs
Edmonds College2 programs
Green River College8 programs
Highline College2 programs
Lake Washington Institute of Technology1 program
Plan all required courses
General Education Requirements - 30 Credits
30 creditsCore Courses - 55 Credits
55 credits- ART 301Drawing Expression2 sections+ plan
- ART 302Illustrationnot offered+ plan
- ART 305Figural Form-making and Hand Drawn Technique2 sections+ plan
- ART 312Scientific Illustration2 sections+ plan
- ART 313Multicultural History of the Illustrated Imagenot offered+ plan
- ART 324Printmaking for Designers2 sections+ plan
- ART 383Digital Design Fabrication and Prototypingnot offered+ plan
- ART 400Exhibition Planning and Marketing1 section+ plan
- ART 401Senior Studio Inot offered+ plan
- ART 402Senior Studio IInot offered+ plan
- ART 410Thesis Exhibition and Portfolionot offered+ plan
Elective - 5 Credits
5 creditsRecommended Course Sequence
- ELEC XXXQuarter Onenot offered+ plan
- ART 301Drawing Expression2 sections+ plan
- CMST 302Mass Communication1 section+ plan
- PSYC 441Psychology of Creativitynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXQuarter Twonot offered+ plan
- ART 313Multicultural History of the Illustrated Imagenot offered+ plan
- ART 302Illustrationnot offered+ plan
- ART 383Digital Design Fabrication and Prototypingnot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXQuarter Threenot offered+ plan
- ART 305Figural Form-making and Hand Drawn Technique2 sections+ plan
- ART 324Printmaking for Designers2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXQuarter Fournot offered+ plan
- ART 312Scientific Illustration2 sections+ plan
- ART 400Exhibition Planning and Marketing1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXElective 4-5 creditsnot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXQuarter Fivenot offered+ plan
- ART 401Senior Studio Inot offered+ plan
- MATH 335Computational Design1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXQuarter Sixnot offered+ plan
- ART 402Senior Studio IInot offered+ plan
- ART 410Thesis Exhibition and Portfolionot offered+ plan
- ART 430Undoing Erasure in Art Historynot offered+ plan
Source: College catalog
Olympic College1 program
Plan all required courses
Fall - First Year
Winter - First Year
Spring - First Year
Spring - Second Year
Source: College catalog
Pierce College District1 program
Plan all required courses
1. College Success
- COLLG 110College Success34 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXNote: Successfully completing either COLLG 110 or COLLG 115 will fulfill the College Success requirement.not offered+ plan
2. English Composition I
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Artists need to communicate in a variety of ways, including in writing. Clear and strategic communication with others is a central feature of all careers in the arts. The skills learned in ENGL 101 are foundational for later course work and beyond.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXNote: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.not offered+ plan
3. Art Design
4. Art Drawing
6. Survey of Astronomy
7. Social Science Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: When selecting Social Sciences courses, we recommend courses that touch on the importance of “history” and “humans” as these have direct relations to Art History. Archaelogy also involves hands-on type projects related to excavation.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: When selecting Social Sciences courses, we recommend courses that touch on the importance of “history” and “humans” as these have direct relations to Art History. Understanding the role of art in culture is valuable for educators and creators of art.not offered+ plan
8. Humanities Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: The examination of the effects of culture upon the process of communication. Using theory and skill development, students are prepared to communicate effectively both within and across cultures.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: In this course, you will use literature as the catalyst to your own voice.not offered+ plan
- HUM 106Ethnic Thought and Culture3 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course will help you deepen your understanding of how the arts are impacted by culture.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Students will learn the links between the creative forces of music and art. You will see the shared traits in both disciplines, and may find common ground for future art works.not offered+ plan
· World Language (1)
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course is the beginning of a sequence that builds toward fluency. Note: If transferring to the University of Washington, two credits of study are required in World Languages. If taken in high school, the two credits must be devoted to a single language, and applicants must progress through a second-year level course. Please work with your advisor to determine the best Humanities course for you.not offered+ plan
9. Art Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course is a survey of art over time as well as preparation for observing and participating in art.not offered+ plan
- ART 145History of Art - Contemporary2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This is good class to add depth to the knowledge based on history. This course in particular focuses on the “current” art world.not offered+ plan
- ART 243History of Art - Ancient World Through the Middle Ages1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: It is imperative that art students be able to examine Art History to see the importance of what has happened and how that affects what IS happening in the art world.not offered+ plan
- ART 244History of Art- Renaissance Through Rococonot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: It is imperative that art students be able to examine Art History to see the importance of what has happened and how that affects what IS happening in the art world.not offered+ plan
- ART 245History of Art - The Modern Worldnot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: It is imperative that art students be able to examine Art History to see the importance of what has happened and how that affects what IS happening in the art world.not offered+ plan
10. Art Painting
- ART 201Beginning Painting10 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This is a common “Foundations” course in many art programs. This course provides you with foundational understanding of painting which will be useful in future studio courses.not offered+ plan
- ART 250Beginning Landscape Drawing and Painting2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXThis is a foundational class to learn more concerning landscape and urban painting and sketching practices. Both plein air, or on location in the outdoors, and in class studio methods of working from collected photographic reference is covered in this beginning level course. A wide variety of painting and drawing materials are demonstrated and explored in this highly flexible and fun class.not offered+ plan
11. Natural Science Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course is designed to help you identify human remains. Art students interested in the human form may be interested in this science lab option.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Human Biology and Anatomy would be an ideal course for any art student who is interested in incorporating the human form / figures into their practice. An understanding of the human body and systems will make your physical depictions of the human body much stronger.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: The course reviews the composition of the Earth over time including natural events that impact and continue to shape our world.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course covers the development of the Earth over time to what it is today. You will learn about the formation and creation of continents as well as the current challenges of climate change.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course covers the impact of humans on the Earth and of Earth on humans. This is important not only to the creation of art materials, but will impact an understanding of the environment – both as an issue, and as an aid in creating landscape based visuals. Proper disposal of wastes and pollution will be a useful topic as it relates to artists and responsibility toward the environment.not offered+ plan
- NSCI 150Nature4 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course focuses on the observation of nature for both scientific and recreational purposes. Includes lab and field studies. This would be beneficial for any landscape work an artist would create.not offered+ plan
12. Social Science Course Recommendation
- ECON 110Survey of Economics2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This class can be a good foundation for you to understand the economic impacts of a career in the arts. Budgets, profit margins, and money management skills will be a need skill set for a working designer and artist alike.not offered+ plan
- GEOG 100Introduction to Geography4 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Artist creativity can grow once the natural world is examined in this class. Landscape paintings and other depictions of our own natural world can improve after the successful completion of this course.not offered+ plan
- GEOG 200Human Geography1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Many of the most drawn and painted subjects are examined in this class topics include: landscapes, languages, migrations, nations, regions, and religions.not offered+ plan
13. Biological Anthropology
14. Art Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: If you plan to pursue a specific studio focus, you may choose to allow for multiple levels of a studio course (multiple painting or drawing courses).not offered+ plan
- ART 102Intermediate Designnot offered+ plan
- ART 112Intermediate Drawingnot offered+ plan
- ART 113Advanced Drawingnot offered+ plan
- ART 202Intermediate Paintingnot offered+ plan
- ART 203Advanced Paintingnot offered+ plan
- ART 250Beginning Landscape Drawing and Painting2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: If you plan to pursue a graphic design focus, you may choose to allow for multiple courses in the Digital Design (DDSGN) program to prepare you for the future. Students wishing to take multiple DDSGN courses may want to look ahead at Section 16 to determine if a future course they are interested in has a DDSGN prerequisitenot offered+ plan
- DDSGN 110Introduction to Graphic Design and Rich Media2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Introduces basics of digital design and the essential software and technical skills.not offered+ plan
- DDSGN 160Digital Photographynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Photography and Adobe Photoshop are two cornerstones that every graphic and media designer must master to be successful.not offered+ plan
15. Social Science Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychology courses are good for art students to think about the implications of the content and concepts you put into your own creative work. Getting into the mind and actions of others and learning to see and experience from outside perspectives can have a major impact on how an artist learns and appreciates the work of others and how they design their own work to accomplish their own goals and messages.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Sociology courses are good for art students to think more actively about the world around you and the implications of the content and concepts your put into your own creative work. Understanding the impact of society on individuals and individuals on society can have a major impact on how an artist learns and appreciates the work of others and how they design their own work to accomplish their own goals and messages.not offered+ plan
16. Art Course Recommendation
- ART 150Beginning Printmaking2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course develops printmaking skills, techniques, and equipment familiarity.not offered+ plan
- ART 204Beginning Watercolor2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides a historic and broad review of watercolor techniques and applications.not offered+ plan
- ART 260Art in Motion: Real and Recordednot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course focuses on the use of time and media as artistic expression. This is a computer based lab course.not offered+ plan
- DDSGN 131Digital Illustration1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: In this course, you will learn advanced technical skills in Adobe Illustrator, which is one of most common tools for designers.not offered+ plan
- DDSGN 161Advanced Digital Imagingnot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: You will learn advanced technical skills in Adobe Photoshop to enhance and retouch photographs and create new works of art.not offered+ plan
17. Composition Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides you with experience in research, supporting ideas, and advocating which can benefit your artistic statements and promotion.not offered+ plan
- JOURN 102Introduction to News Writing2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: In this class you will gain further insights in interviewing, press releases, and other writing techniques that are key to the promotion of your artwork.not offered+ plan
- ENGL 107Research and Argumentation about Literature2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: In this course you will use literature as the catalyst for your own voice. The literary arts often intersect with the arts in interesting ways.not offered+ plan
19. Physical Education
Source: College catalog
Shoreline Community College9 programs
Skagit Valley College2 programs
South Puget Sound Community College1 program
Plan all required courses
Recommended Course Sequence
- ABE 062Applied Math Inot offered+ plan
- ABE 063Applied Math IInot offered+ plan
- ABE 064Contextualized Math Inot offered+ plan
- ESOL 061ESOL Level I (Beginning Literacy)not offered+ plan
- ESOL 062ESOL Level II (Low Beginning)not offered+ plan
- ESOL 063ESOL Level III (High Beginning)not offered+ plan
- ESOL 064ESOL Level IV (Low Intermediate)not offered+ plan
- ESOL 065ESOL Level V (High Intermediate)not offered+ plan
- ESOL 066ESOL Level VI (Advanced)not offered+ plan
- ABE 053ABE Language Arts III (Low Intermediate Language Arts)not offered+ plan
- ABE 054ABE Language Arts IV (High Intermediate Language Arts)not offered+ plan
- ABE 055ABE Language Arts V (Adult Secondary Level Language Arts)not offered+ plan
- MATH 092Mathematical Reasoning(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- ABE 065Contextualized Math IInot offered+ plan
- ENGL 090Integrated Reading and Writing I(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- ENGL 095Integrated Reading and Writing IInot offered+ plan
- CCS 101Pathways to Success(3 cr)27 sections+ plan
Source: College catalog
Spokane Falls Community College7 programs
Tacoma Community College1 program
Plan all required courses
Art Specialization Requirements (35 credits)
10 creditsDistribution Requirements (60 credits)
5 creditsChoose 5 credits from 4 approved courses
Catalog group: Electives (25 credits)
Multicultural Course (5 credits)
5 creditsSee catalog for course list
Source: College catalog
Common Art courses
- ART 111Design Color(58 sections)
- ART 101Modern Architecture and Design(55 sections)
- ART 102Drawing I (H)(34 sections)
- ART 112Three-Dimensional Design(33 sections)
- ART 105Art Appreciation(29 sections)
- ART 299Individual Projects In Art(29 sections)
- ART 201History of Western Art(28 sections)
- ART 113Drawing I(27 sections)
- ART 115Drawing I(24 sections)
- ART 114Drawing II(22 sections)
- ART 103Drawing I(21 sections)
- ART 110Two-Dimensional Design(18 sections)
Career outlook for Art graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare Washington’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Typical state median (national reference)
$56,170
median across covered states
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I be a graphic designer with just a community-college degree?
- Yes — the AAS in graphic design is a complete entry-level credential, and most Washington programs are designed to build a portfolio strong enough for junior designer roles. Hiring is heavily portfolio-driven; the degree gets you in the door but your portfolio determines whether you get the role. Software fluency (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is table stakes.
- Will my art credits transfer to a BFA program?
- Studio courses (drawing, painting, sculpture) typically transfer as elective credit toward a BFA but may not fulfill specific BFA major-requirement slots — BFA programs usually want their own foundation sequence. Art history and gen-ed courses transfer cleanly. The associate of fine arts (AFA) is the strongest transfer-prep pathway if you know you'll continue to a BFA; check articulation agreements with target schools.
- What's the difference between studio art and graphic design programs?
- Studio art is fine-art-oriented (creating original work, often for galleries or commission); graphic design is commercial-art-oriented (creating work to client briefs for marketing, branding, packaging, web). The career economics are very different — graphic designers have many more entry roles available; studio artists typically need to build a separate career while developing their practice.
- Do I need to be 'good at art' to start?
- Less than you'd think for graphic design — the program teaches design principles and software from the foundation up. Studio art programs assume more foundational drawing skill but most Washington CCs offer beginner-level studio courses; the question is whether you have time and motivation to put in the hours of practice that any visual-art career requires.
Compare Art programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Washington’s art programs stack up.
Art in AlabamaArt in ArizonaArt in ArkansasArt in CaliforniaArt in ColoradoArt in FloridaArt in GeorgiaArt in HawaiiArt in IllinoisArt in IowaArt in KansasArt in KentuckyArt in LouisianaArt in MaineArt in MarylandArt in MassachusettsArt in MichiganArt in MinnesotaArt in MississippiArt in MissouriArt in NebraskaArt in NevadaArt in New HampshireArt in New JerseyArt in New MexicoArt in New YorkArt in North CarolinaArt in North DakotaArt in OregonArt in PennsylvaniaArt in South CarolinaArt in TennesseeArt in TexasArt in VirginiaArt in Wyoming
Other programs in Washington
NursingBusiness AdministrationComputer ScienceAccountingEarly Childhood EducationCriminal JusticeLiberal ArtsEngineeringBiologyPsychologyWelding TechnologyAutomotive TechnologyHistoryMathematicsEnglish
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.