Studio Arts

This degree provides a comprehensive lower division foundation in the visual arts for students preparing for transfer to baccalaureate programs in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and photography that are not aligned with the AA-T in Studio Arts or students who are interested in participating in the local cultural community as studio artists, potters, gallery assistants, and other arts-related employment through community or private arts organizations. Students pursuing this degree must meet with a counselor and faculty advisor to develop an educational plan that aligns with their specific educational goals. Not all elective options in this degree are appropriate for all educational pathways. Students intending to use this degree for transfer preparation must select the specific courses within this degree that meet the lower division requirements at their selected transfer institution.

Career Opportunities

Artist – fine artist with commercial gallery representation, Educator (K-12, higher education, museum, non-profit organizations, private institutions), Curator, Gallerist, Exhibition Technician, Exhibition Designer, Sign Maker, Art Handler, Fabricator (for example, facades on movie sets or amusement parks), Registrar (tracks artworks in gallery or museum), Conservator (preserves and restores artworks, usually knows chemistry), User Experience/Visitor Services (visitors to physical and online places), Data/Information Designer, Public Relations, Media/Communications/Marketing, Digital Designer (websites, apps, interactivity), Graphic Designer (publications, online, signage), Art Director, Creative Director, 2D and 3D Animator (storyboard artist, concept artist, character design, backgrounds and textures artist, model making, visual sequences), lighting, Visual Effects, Special Effects, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Product Designer, Packaging Designer, Industrial Designer, Transportation Designer, Toy Designer, Illustrator, Interior Design, Landscape Designer, Event Designer/Stylist, Stylist, Advertising, Jewelry Maker, Graphic Novelist, Cartoonist, Scientific Illustrator, Sustainability Designer, Entertainment Designer, Environmental Designer, Photographer, Architecture, Art Historian

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate artwork in cultural context.
2. Evaluate and critique artwork and receive criticism from others.
3. Express artistic intents, concepts, and practices in writing.
4. Create art that skillfully engages and builds on historical and contemporary practices, theories, and materials.  
5. Translate concepts and visual experiences into images or tactile forms.
6. Present finished artwork for peer, professional, or academic review.

Degree Requirements

1. Students must work with a counselor and department faculty advisor to select elective courses that meet their specific educational goals. Not all courses on this list are appropriate for every educational pathway. Students intending to transfer to a baccalaureate program in the arts must complete courses from this list that are specific to their concentration within the major (e.g. painting and drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, etc.) in order to meet program pre-requisites at the transfer institution.

To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern and the Health, Wellness and Self Development graduation requirement to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.