Transfer majors 
Earn your Associate in Fine Arts degree at Harper College and transfer to a four-year institution to complete a BFA degree in art or design. You’ll take core classes along with art-focused courses in areas such as drawing, design, ancient and medieval art history, modern and contemporary art history, gothic and romantic art history and more.
Harper College allows you to take hands-on studio courses in drawing, design, printmaking, digital art, digital photography, painting, ceramics/sculpture and more.
Harper College is home to a vibrant art scene, with more than 250 original works located across campus. The Art Exhibition Space hosts several exhibits each semester featuring student and faculty work, solo and group exhibits, visiting artists’ exhibits and juried exhibitions. Each year, Harper hosts the Small Works National Juried Art Exhibition. And the department’s Visiting Artist Program provides a variety of opportunities for you to observe and interact with different artists. You can participate in various student organizations including Point of View (a literary and art magazine), the Harper College Clay Guild, the Graphic Design Club and more.
This program is a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education. Academic advisors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
Art Studio Transfers: This plan is for students who intend to transfer to a four-year school to complete a BFA degree in art. The Harper Art Faculty suggests choosing media-specific studio electives that most align with the interests of the student. These classes will dictate the kind of artwork that makes up the student’s transfer portfolio. The fine arts encompass a host of disciplines, which are centered on personal and cultural expression, as well as creative production for various industries. Careers include: Animator, ceramic artist, college professor, fabricator, film/video-maker, furniture-maker, jewelry artist, painter, photographer, print-maker, prop/display production, and sculptor.
Design Studio Transfers: This plan is for students who intend to transfer to a four-year school to complete a BFA degree in a design field. Media-specific studio electives should be chosen to prepare the student for their area of interest. These classes will dictate the kind of artwork that makes up the student’s transfer portfolio. The design fields primarily serve the needs of business and industry. Almost all career areas in design are digital-based. Careers include: Animator, college professor, fashion designer, film/video-maker, game designer, graphic designer, illustrator, industrial designer, interior designer, landscape designer, photographer, and web designer.A
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative art baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | ||
| ART 110 | Drawing I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to descriptive and expressive approaches to drawing with black and white media. Line work, shading, perspective and experimental techniques are practiced. Students learn to accurately depict everyday objects and surroundings, and develop an awareness of drawing as a creative process. IAI ART 904 Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ART 121 | Design I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to skills fundamental to two-dimensional visual organization. Explores elements such as line, shape and color, and principles such as unity, balance and variation. Provides a foundation for all areas of art and design. IAI ART 907 Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ART 130 | Ancient and Medieval Art | 3 |
Description: Follows the historical development of the visual arts produced by Western civilizations, focusing on major artistic styles, works of art and monuments. Works are examined as examples of the ideas, beliefs and practices of artists, cultures and societies. Covers the history of art from pre-history to the medieval age. IAI F2 901 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ART 111 | Drawing II | 3 |
Description: Builds on the content of ART 110 (Drawing I) with applications beyond observation-based approaches. Emphasizes intent, idea development and use of colored media. Prerequisite: ART 110 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor. IAI ART 905 Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ART 122 | Design II | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to skills fundamental to three-dimensional visual organization. Explores elements such as form, space, and process and principles such as unity, balance and variation. Provides a foundation for all areas of three-dimensional art and design. IAI ART 908 Prerequisite: ART 121 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ART 131 | Gothic through Romantic Art | 3 |
Description: Follows the historical development of the visual arts produced by Western civilizations, focusing on major artistic styles, works of art and monuments. Works are examined as examples of the ideas, beliefs and practices of artists, cultures and societies. Covers the history of art from the medieval age to the end of the eighteenth century. IAI F2 902 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Physical and Life Science 2 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| ART 132 | Modern and Contemporary Art | 3 |
Description: Follows the historical development of the visual arts produced by Western civilizations, focusing on major artistic styles, works of art and monuments. Works are examined as examples of the ideas, beliefs and practices of artists, cultures and societies. Covers the history of art from the nineteenth century to the present time. IAI F2 902 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Art Studio elective 4 | 3 | |
| Art Studio elective 4 | 3 | |
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Social and Behavioral Science 5 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| Art Studio elective 4 | 3 | |
| Humanities and Fine Arts 6 | 3 | |
| Physical and Life Science 2 | 4 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science 5 | 3 | |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.
PSY 101 or SOC 101 is recommended. Both courses meet the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
Choose from: ART 206, ART 225, ART 250, ART 261, ART 291 and ART 296.
One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Science must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.
Select from Humanities. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Science must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
For more information about Harper's Art and Design program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700.