Program Overview

Introduction to the Art Department

The Art Department introduces a diversity of students to the world of art with classes in studio art and art history. Our mission is to create courses to help you fulfill general education requirements, earn a degree in fine art, begin a career in art, or engage with artistic creativity as a lifelong learner.

Fields of Study

The university offers various fields of study, including:

• Art, Language, and Communication
  • Art
• Business, Entrepreneurship, and Transportation
• Health, Science, and Technology
• Culture and Society
• General Education and Undecided

What You Will Learn

The art department is a diverse, open, and interesting community of learners. Art classes, such as painting and drawing, offer ways for you to explore creativity with an emphasis on personal expression. You'll be encouraged to experiment with problems of design. Art history classes examine the world of visual culture, as you actively study and reflect upon the variety of artistic forms people have produced. In addition:

• You are engaged in the learning of fundamental skills in all classes
• All courses are taught by experienced artists and/or art historians
• People in classes are actively involved with creative thinking
• You may earn an AA-T degree in Studio Arts or in Art History
• You may begin to address a career as an Artist, Art Educator, or Art Historian

Career Opportunities

Art and Art History open pathways to careers which include:

• Art Historians
• Art Curators
• Arts Educators
• Museum and Gallery Administrators
• Fine Artists
• Multimedia Artists Art majors rely upon their ingenuity and creativity throughout life. Artists are lifelong learners.

Degrees and Certificates

The university offers the following degrees and certificates:

• Art AA Degree: The AA Degree in Art is a pathway to fundamental artistic skills and expression, and may be pursued in conjunction with other coursework, programs, and degrees, or as a component toward transfer to a CSU or UC school.
• Studio Arts AA-T Degree: The AA Degree in Art is a pathway to fundamental artistic skills and expression. The AA degree may be pursued in conjunction with other coursework, programs, and degrees, or as a component toward transfer to a CSU or UC school.
• Practitioner of Fine Arts Certificate of Achievement: The pursuit of fine art is a central component of education and healthy societies. The artist's concern for truth, beauty, and form is a bridge to the well-being of individuals within communities.
• Art Fundamentals Certificate of Accomplishment: A Certificate of Accomplishment may be awarded upon the successful completion of three non-credit courses. Students are encouraged to pursue these courses in advance of entry to a credit program or as an individualized pursuit of a career in art, self-enrichment, or for engagement in community service.