Fine, Performing, and Applied Arts

Create Your Story in Fine, Performing and Applied Arts Programs

Oakton understands that cultural enrichment through access to the arts is essential to a well-rounded education. With on-campus spaces dedicated to the arts and a close-knit community of encouragement, Oakton can be the studio, stage and canvas where you hone your craft and prepare for the spotlight.

We've created a flexible environment in which you can explore your passion for art, music, theater and graphic design and build a complete portfolio while working toward an applied arts degree. Alternatively, your wish may be to simply register for classes for personal enrichment in between your studies toward another major. Oakton welcomes you to flex those artistic muscles and let your creativity inspire you. Explore all the fine art, graphic design, music and theater programs below to get started. We can't wait to see where your creativity will take you.

Programs of Study

Art and DesignGraphic DesignMusicTheater

Embrace Creativity With Arts Careers

Refine Your Craft With an Arts Degree

An artist's work is never complete, and just as art, music and theater trends evolve, an artist's education is ongoing as well. We're always looking ahead to what comes next, including what comes next for you after Oakton. We welcome all degree-seeking students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university and major in the arts, along with students interested in personal development and shorter programs. The portfolio of work you create here at Oakton will be a founding step in your unique journey, regardless of where it takes you. The Career and Transfer Center is available to help you plan for college transfers and look ahead to future careers, so take advantage and get a head start on your arts degree today.

Plan Your Arts Career Path

Enter the Spotlight

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. Performances by our music program students can be heard from the Performing Arts Center across campus frequently. 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.

Explore the Koehnline Museum of Art

Discover the Performing Arts Center

Featured Program

two students on campus

Graphic Design

Organizations everywhere depend on graphic designers to create visual messaging for their brands. Without graphic design, our visual world in printed and digital spaces would not exist as we know it. You can get started with the invaluable training needed for a graphic design career with one of Oakton's innovative programs. Available certificates include animation and multimedia, content creation, photography and web design, in addition to a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program.

About the Graphic Design Program

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are already an artist, singer or performer as a hobby, taking your art to the next level with professional instruction is maybe something you've already considered, which makes you a perfect candidate for our programs. Students of the arts are creative above all. Arts programs are focused on encouraging student creativity and expression while training in a specific craft's technical skills. Arts students can be outgoing performers and introspective artists alike, but the common thread of creativity still bonds them all. Appreciation for the arts and a passion for entertainment and media is another similarity among Fine, Performing and Applied Arts students at Oakton.

Yes! Visit Transfer Services to get information about transferring to or from Oakton. Many plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing an Oakton course or program. Our university partnerships with leading schools in the region and beyond make transferring a simple process at Oakton.

We can't wait for you to join the Oakton family! To get started, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Review the steps for how to apply and get started on admission requirements. Apply to Oakton.
  2. Learn more about our history, the community spirit of our campuses and what it's like to be an Oakton student. Learn More About Oakton's Community.
  3. Our Office of Advising, Transitions and Student success is available to help guide students with their educational journeys. Get Personal Help from an Advisor.
  4. If you have general questions about becoming an Oakton student, our team is here to help. Contact the Office of Admission.

Yes, many of our students are retired and take art classes for fun. Our ceramic, painting and watercolor classes are our most popular for seniors. Art history courses are also available. In these classes, a sense of community and friendships are formed.

Yes, senior citizens do receive a discounted price on tuition.