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An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Graphics or Studio Art will prepare students for transfer to a university program to continue with their studies. The Graphics program provides a foundation in art and technology as it relates to graphic design, and the Studio Art program provides foundational opportunities for the study of visual art.
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Fine Arts @ AWCGraduates of the Graphics program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Identify stylistic characteristics of cultural/historical periods studied
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between purpose and form in art and architecture
- Analyze the relationship between 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional form and space
- Demonstrate foundational technique methods
- Demonstrate use of the elements and principles of design
- Demonstrate technical/conceptual skills at an appropriate level
Graduates of the Studio Art program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Describe 3-dimensional form in space utilizing 2-dimensional media
- Demonstrate critical skills used in analyzing the relationship between form and content in the visual art movements of the past
- Demonstrate a hands-on and conceptual understanding of the process of design
- Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize in three-dimensional space
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AA in Art (Graphics)
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester (Fall)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics or higher | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| ARH 141 | Survey of World Art 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 101 | Basic Design/2 Dimensional | 3 | Major Requirement |
| GRA 101 | Graphic Communication 1 | 4 | Major Requirement |
| SSC 101 | Student Success Course (recommended) | 1 | General Elective |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program Options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester (Spring)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| ARH 142 | Survey of World Art 2 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 102 | Basic Design/3 Dimensional | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 111 | Drawing 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| GRA 102 | Graphic Communications 2 | 4 | Major Requirement |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART/GRA | Choose a course from ART/GRA Departmental Requirements | 3-4 | Departmental Requirement |
| HIS 110 | World History to 1500 (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| Physical & Biological | Choose a course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Language/101 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 14-15 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRA 206 | Portfolio & Career Management | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| Social & Behavioral | Choose a course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PHI 105 | Introduction to Ethics (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| Physical & Biological | Choose a course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Language/102 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Courses |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
AA in Art (Studio Art)
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics or higher | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| ARH 141 | Survey of World Art 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 101 | Basic Design/2 Dimensional | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 111 | Drawing 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SSC 101 | Student Success Course (recommended) | 1 | General Elective |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| ARH 142 | Survey of World Art 2 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART 102 | Basic Design/3 Dimensional | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART elective | Choose a course from approved ART electives | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| Social & Behavioral | Choose a course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART elective | Choose a course from approved ART electives | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| ART elective | Choose a course from approved ART electives | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| HIS 110 | World History to 1500 (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| Physical & Biological | Choose a course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 3 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Language/101 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART elective | Choose a course from approved ART electives | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| ART elective | Choose a course from approved ART electives | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHI 105 | Introduction to Ethics (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| Physical & Biological | Choose a course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Language/102 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY / LOCATION | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BFA, BA | Art (multiple program options) Fashion |
None |
| Northern Arizona University | BFA, BSED | Studio Art (multiple program options) Visual Communication (multiple program options) |
None |
| University of Arizona | BFA, BA | Art & Visual Culture Education (multiple program options) Studio Art |
2nd or 4th Semester Proficiency (depends on program) |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Craft Artists Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft. |
$32,330 |
| Photographers Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. |
$38,760 |
| Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints. |
$40,590 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques. |
$47,050 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles. |
$50,430 |
| Graphic Designers Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. |
$59,530 |
| Art Directors Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. |
$80,560 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design. |
$91,690 |
Contact Information
Brad Pease
Division Chair, Fine Arts
Professor of Computer Graphics and Fine Arts
(928) 344-7707
Office: AB 101
Division Chair, Fine Arts
Professor of Computer Graphics and Fine Arts
(928) 344-7707
Office: AB 101