Program Description
For majors, the Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Studies is an interdisciplinary studio arts degree. The AFA degree provides students with fundamental competencies in artistic practice, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. These core themes are applied to material, process, historical context, concept, and critical theory. The program utilizes innovative practices and technologies in the visual arts and creative industry while fostering professional networks and engaging in dialog with communities on a global level. Students, in collaboration with faculty, design a curricular emphasis specific to their professional career goals. The entrepreneurial and professional practices component of this degree prepares students for success at every level. Students completing this competitive and demanding AFA program will leave with a keenly developed sensibility and skill set and are prepared to successfully transfer to a senior institution and engage with an evolving creative industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the AFA degree should be able to demonstrate the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Principles of Concept: Demonstrate an integration of conceptual principles
- Material Proficiency: Demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques
- Historical Context: Demonstrate fluency in historical content and context
- Critical Theory: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art
- Creative Process: Demonstrate the application of the creative process
Degree Requirements
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
ART 1100 | Visual Culture | 2 |
ART 1110 | Drawing I | 3 |
ART 1120 | 2D Surface | 3 |
ART 1130 | 3D Space | 3 |
ART 1140 | 4D Time | 3 |
ART 1150 | Photo I | 3 |
ARTH 2710 & ARTH 2720 | Art History Survey I and Art History Survey II 3 | 6 |
ARTH 2720 | Art History Survey II | 3 |
4 | 27 |
| Summer Snow Master Classes | |
| Jewelry Making/Small Metals | |
| Experimental Drawing | |
| Figure Studio | |
| Introduction to Painting | |
| Portrait Painting | |
| Screen Printing | |
| Relief Printmaking | |
| Intaglio Printmaking | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | |
| Introduction to Animation | |
| Experimental Animation | |
| Digital Drawing & Painting | |
| Portraits and Selfies | |
| Land and Place | |
| Black & White Film Photography | |
| Sculpture I | |
| Frame Making Fundamentals | |
| Mixed Media:Collage/Assemblage | |
| Ceramic Sculpture | |
| Portrait Sculpture | |
| Ecorche - The Muscles | |
| Figure Sculpture | |
| Experiments in Creative Thinking | |
| Figure Drawing | |
| Travel Seminar | |
ART 1200 | Art Talks (take a minimum of 4 times) | 4 |
ART 2000 | AFA Capstone Seminar: Professional Practices | 2 |
| 28 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Human Dynamics for Visual Artists & Performers LS 7 | |
| |
| |
| |
Total Hours | 93 |
Note: AFA candidates must pass all studio courses with a grade of a B- or above in order to be counted toward AFA graduation requirements.
Additional Considerations
- It is highly recommended that students meet with a faculty advisor prior to registration to assure expediency in the curriculum
- The AFA curriculum is designed to prepare students and promote successful transfer into 120 hour BFA programs and is an option to the 60 credit hour AA or AS (80 credit hour AFA + 40 credits at senior institution = 120 hour BFA)
- In consultation with a faculty advisor/mentor Studio Elective courses will be selected to create a curricular pathway based on each student’s unique career goals and specific interests
- AFA and BFA degrees do not require a foreign language or a minor
- Based on a student’s college preparation, i.e., AP credit, concurrent enrollment, transfer credit, summer course work, and overall college readiness, the AFA can be completed in five semesters
- The AFA includes two co-curricular degree requirements
- Foundations Review (entrance into the program)
- AFA Thesis Exhibition and Oral Defense
- AFA candidates must pass all studio courses with a grade of a B- or above in order to be counted toward AFA graduation requirements
- Always consult the catalog to assure when each course is taught