Art, Visual Communications, AA (ARTV.AA)

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The Associate of Arts - Visual Communications degree will provide a student transfer credit to a university Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, or Bachelor of Fine Art, Visual Communications/Graphic Art. Students wishing to transfer to four-year institutions will have the academic foundations applicable to various fields such as graphic design, environmental design, industrial design, illustration and fine art/computer imaging. For more information regarding the Visual Communications, AA, see the Visual Communications webpage.

Note: For a course to be eligible for transfer, the student must receive a “C” or better. Acceptance of a transfer course is determined by the receiving institution.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

Apply the basic concepts of semiotics to visual communications. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Apply basic design elements, applications, and principles to visual communications. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Apply the history of art and visual communications to a variety of media.(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Produce works of visual communications in a variety of media. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Produce a professional portfolio. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Recommended Program Pathway

NOTE: Courses with an asterik (*) indicates the course is a program requirement.

First Semester: 15 credits

ENG 101 - English Composition I Credits: 3
MAT 142 - College Mathematics Credits: 3 or higher
ART 111 - Design I Credits: 3 *
ART 130 - World Art History I Credits: 3
ART 148 - Introduction to Visual Communications Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Review your academic plan and confirm your course sequence with advisor.
- Ensure financial aid, payment options, and required forms are complete.
- Explore campus resources such as tutoring, student life, libraries, and career exploration tools.

Second Semester: 18 credits

COM 100 - Introduction to Communication Credits: 3
or COM 121 or COM 151
ENG 102 - English Composition II Credits: 3
or
ENG 136 - Technical/Professional Writing Credits: 3
ART 112 - Design II Credits: 3 *
ART 121 - Drawing I Credits: 3 *
ART 230 - World Art History II Credits: 3
ART 245 - Digital Design Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Begin exploring career interests or transfer options related to your program of study. (If interested in transferring to another college or organization, start reviewing requirements and opportunities.)
- Use available academic success resources to strengthen study strategies and time management.
- Check your academic progress and adjust as needed to stay on track.

Third Semester: 15 credits

ART 133 - History of Visual Communications Credits: 3 *
ART 151 - Photo I Credits: 3 *
or any other two-dimensional ART Program requirement
ANT 102 - Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3
HIS 234 - History of the Indigenous Americas Credits: 3
or any 3 credit course within the Institutions of the Americas category of the AGEC
ART 289 - Portfolio and Presentation Credits: (3) *
Notes:
- Review progress toward graduation and confirm remaining requirements.
- Begin preparing application materials such as resumes, personal statements, or transfer documents.
- Track important application deadlines, testing requirements, or program prerequisites.

Fourth Semester: 13 credits

SOC 131 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
or any 3 credit course within the Social & Behavioral Sciences category of the AGEC
ART 221 - Drawing II Credits: 3 *
Any course within the Natural Sciences category of the AGEC Credits: 4
ART 256 - Photo II Credits: 3
Notes:
- Submit your graduation application and verify completion of eligibility.
- Finalize applications for transfer institutions, programs, or certifications, if applicable. (If planning to transfer, confirm all necessary materials and deadlines.)
- Confirm all financial obligations, forms, and holds are cleared.
- Celebrate your accomplishments and explore the next steps, including transfer, employment, or continuing education.