Associate in Arts - Studio Arts

The associate in arts degree in studio arts offers students a curricular program for studying a variety of beginning courses within the field of art practice. The student with an associate in arts degree in studio arts is prepared for upper division work in the major at four-year institutions. The major is available at UC and CSU systems, the San Francisco Art Institute, the California College of Art, and at other colleges of art and schools of design. The studio arts curriculum develops a student’s critical thinking skills, hones problem-solving skills, and establishes visual literacy. Career opportunities in studio arts include: exhibiting artist, art critic, art dealer, educator, art historian, graphic designer, photographer, sculptor, ceramist, jeweler, printmaker, painter, art illustrator, art technician, museum curator, art journalist, arts administrator, product designer, advertising specialist and other professions in creative endeavor.The studio arts major is a two-year degree program of transferable courses open to all students. The program requirements are designed for those interested in art as professional practice and as preparation for transfer. The major has three components. The first component is a core of two required foundations studio arts studio courses. The second component is two required art history courses. The third component offers students choices in ten emphasis areas. Students may select an emphasis in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, art digital media, graphic design, art history, or metalsmithing, but are encouraged to choose within a wide range of these beginning courses for transfer. Studio arts faculty and staff are dedicated to assisting students in exploring job opportunities, internships, and transferring to four-year institutions of higher learning.

To be admitted, students must have graduated from high school (or have attained a high school graduation equivalency) or be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the entering semester. Official transcripts from high school are required from applicants who do not reach 18 years of age at the beginning of the term. Submission of high school and college transcript is highly recommended for all students for possible academic requirement completion.Diablo Valley College does not offer a high school completion program. California State law clarifies that a student must be 18 years of age or a high school graduate by the time their first semester begins.