Associate in Fine Arts (A10200)

The Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) is a 65 credit hour degree intended for students transferring to a Bachelor in Fine Arts (B.F.A.) four year program or those with a strong interest in visual art. The degree shall be granted for planned programs of study consisting of approved college transfer courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course. The A.F.A. is designed to encourage students to focus their course work to achieve an associate degree that builds a strong foundation in art and design fundamentals. This degree combines a high concentration of art course work with general education courses. Official acceptance into the A.F.A. program will require a portfolio review by the A.F.A. faculty. A culminating show of student work will be required for graduation.

Career Opportunities:  The Associate of Fine Arts degree program prepares students for many career options in art and design. Each participant receives foundational training for entry into a career as an art professional. Students who transfer from Gaston College pursue majors such as: Animation, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Art Therapy, Computer Art/Design, Commercial Art, Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Museum Studies, Photography, Studio Arts, Visual Communications, or Web Design.

Upon completion of the degree, our students traditionally transfer into a B.F.A. program at a four-year university. Students who intend to transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree art program should carefully plan their courses with a Gaston College art faculty advisor to be certain they will meet the requirements at the four-year college or university. Students who have not decided upon a major but intend to transfer their credits towards a four-year degree should also consult with a counselor from the four-year school to be certain they will fulfill all of the general education requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

1. Demonstrate use of the elements of art and apply the principles of design to create original compositions.
2. Produce a body of work that demonstrates fundamental competence with traditional and current art methods, processes, and techniques in a variety of art media.
3. Recognize and analyze the aesthetic, social, and historical context of major and diverse artistic periods and styles.
4. Use appropriate terminology and apply critical and analytical approaches to explain and evaluate personal artwork and the work of others.
5. Use the terminology of visual arts to communicate effectively through writing and/or speaking.
6. Demonstrate competence in the preparation of a digital portfolio and a culminating pre-graduation exhibition.

Official acceptance in the Associate of Fine Art program will require a portfolio review by the Associate of Fine Art faculty. A culminating show of student work will be required for graduation.