Explained
The accreditation is an example of the continuing longtime success of the HCC's arts programs, said Colleen Reilly, dean of the Center of Excellence for Media, Visual and Performing Arts.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accreditation signifies to the industry that HCC students who attain degrees and certificates meet professional standards in art and design education.
“These programs are very public-facing aspects of the institution,” Reilly said. “Our students go on to transfer to highly competitive art and design schools.”
The programs include filmmaking, studio art, fashion design, fashion merchandising, interior design, digital communication, digital gaming and simulation.
Courses in digital communication, music and studio art are available at its Katy campus. However, to complete a degree in one of those programs, students may have to attend at other HCC locations as well, Reilly said.
The HCC Missouri City campus is focused on other academic areas, such as computer programming and coding, medical training and small-business administration programs.
Zooming in
Reilly, who also serves as chair for HCC’s Art and Design Council, noted the ongoing strength of the arts industry in the Houston area as an important component of the HCC programs, as it gives students the opportunity to learn, live and work in the region if they choose.
“This is a place where we can confidently move our students through these art and design programs, and know that they can stay in this region and find employment and enter industries, or transfer into really strong and nationally recognized schools,” Reilly said.
What to expect
For families sending their children to college, cost, convenience and marketability of the program selected are key factors, Reilly said.
HCC students across all creative disciplines begin producing work in their freshman semester, as opposed to a four-year program curriculum that might not see them get that same hands-on experience until their junior or senior year, she added.
“So a student going through any of our curriculum, they're being taught by teaching artists, people who are very active in the field, people with advanced degrees and certifications, and they're able to move through four semesters,” Reilly said. “So it's really a good testing ground for students to learn about the industry and the profession to gain their core curriculum or essential curriculum that is transferable.”
What else?
HCC offers free Performing Arts Program performances that are open to the public. Reservations are required as space is limited. A calendar of HCC arts events is available online.
