What is an Art Associate’s Degree?
An associate’s degree is a two-year undergraduate qualification you can earn at community colleges, technical colleges, and even some universities. You can find associate’s degrees in many countries, including the US and Canada.
In today’s job market, post-secondary education is becoming more and more essential. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with some form of education beyond high school. An art associate’s degree is a great choice if you’re interested in pursuing a creative career or want to learn more about art before committing to a four-year program.
There are different types of art associate’s degrees, including the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Each type focuses on different areas within the art field.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of art associate’s degrees, exploring their benefits, potential career paths, and options for transferring to a four-year university.
Understanding the Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Art
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree in art is a two-year program designed to give you a solid base in the liberal arts, including art and other humanities.
While you’re working toward this degree, you’ll hone valuable skills like communicating clearly, thinking critically, and solving problems creatively. These skills are transferrable to a wide range of careers, whether you stay in the arts or move into another field.
The curriculum of an AA in Art generally includes a mix of general education courses and classes specifically focused on art. The general education courses are designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of different subjects, while the art courses will introduce you to the fundamentals of art history, theory, and practice.
What is an Associate of Arts Degree Program Really Like?
An AA degree program in art usually involves a mix of studio work, lectures, and critiques. You’ll spend time creating art, listening to instructors, and getting feedback on your work from professors and peers.
One way to think of studio work is as lab work. You’re putting the theories and principles you’re learning into practice. You’ll experiment with different materials, techniques, and concepts.
Lectures are where you’ll learn about art history, theory, and criticism. You’ll hear from experts in the field and discuss important ideas and trends.
Critiques are opportunities to get feedback on your work from your peers and instructors. This is a chance to hear different perspectives on your art and to learn how to improve your skills.
To earn an AA degree, you’ll typically need to complete around 60 credit hours. The exact number of credits required may vary depending on the specific program and institution.
Exploring the Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees in Art
Associate’s degrees in art aren’t all created equal. You’ll typically find two main types: the Associate of Science (AS) and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Here’s a breakdown of each:
Associate of Science (AS) in Art-Related Fields
An AS degree typically emphasizes science and technology. In the art world, this can translate to programs like digital art or graphic design, where technical skills are just as important as artistic talent. You’ll likely take courses in:
- Web design
- Digital imaging
- Computer graphics
- And other courses that blend artistic principles with technological applications
If you’re interested in the tech side of art, an AS might be a great fit.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Art-Related Fields
An AAS degree is all about practical skills and getting you ready for a specific career. These degrees are focused on applied sciences and technical fields, meaning you’ll spend a lot of time learning hands-on techniques. Coursework might include:
- Animation
- Game design
- Photography
- And other fields where you’ll immediately apply what you learn
If you’re eager to jump into a career right after graduation, an AAS degree can provide the focused training you need.
What will I learn in an art associate’s program?
Most art associate’s programs include core courses designed to build foundational skills. These usually include:
- Drawing: Teaches observation, perspective, and rendering techniques.
- Painting: Introduces color theory, brushwork, and various painting mediums.
- Sculpture: Explores three-dimensional form, materials, and construction methods.
- Design Principles: Covers the elements and principles of design, such as balance, contrast, and unity.
- Art History: Provides a survey of art from different periods and cultures.
The specific courses you take will also depend on the type of associate’s degree you pursue. An Associate of Arts (AA) degree typically focuses on art history and theory. Associate of Science (AS) and Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degrees tend to emphasize technical skills and practical application.
Regardless of the degree type, studio work is a crucial element. You’ll spend a significant amount of time creating art in a studio setting, gaining hands-on experience with different materials and techniques. Critique sessions, where you present your work and receive feedback from instructors and peers, are also valuable for developing your artistic skills and critical thinking.
Career Paths with an Art Associate’s Degree
So, you’ve got your Associate’s in Art. Now what? While a bachelor’s degree might open even more doors, there are still plenty of cool and creative career paths you can pursue with your associate’s.
Entry-Level Positions
An art associate’s can qualify you for a variety of entry-level jobs. Think of positions like:
- Entry-level Graphic Designer: Assisting senior designers with projects, creating basic layouts, and preparing files for print or digital use.
- Photographer: Working as an assistant to a professional photographer, shooting events, or taking portraits.
- Gallery Assistant: Helping with the day-to-day operations of an art gallery, including customer service, artwork handling, and event setup.
- Museum Technician: Assisting with the installation and maintenance of museum exhibits.
Salaries can vary depending on location and experience, but you can generally expect to earn somewhere between $30,000 and $45,000 per year in these roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a great resource for checking out specific salary data for different art-related professions.
Building a Portfolio
In the art world, your portfolio is everything. It’s your visual resume, showcasing your skills and style. Make sure it’s strong! Include a diverse range of your best work, demonstrating your proficiency in different art styles and mediums.
Here are a few tips for creating a portfolio that makes an impact:
- Focus on quality over quantity: Only include your best pieces.
- Tailor it: Adjust your portfolio to match the specific requirements of each job application.
- Make it professional: Use high-quality images and a clean, organized layout.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Want to be your own boss? An art associate’s degree can be a great starting point for launching your own creative business. Consider options like freelance graphic design, photography, or illustration. The possibilities are endless!
To succeed as an art entrepreneur, you’ll need more than just artistic talent. You’ll also need:
- Marketing skills: Learn how to promote your work and attract clients.
- Business management skills: Understand the basics of running a business, including budgeting, invoicing, and taxes.
- A strong online presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your work.
Transferring to a Bachelor’s Degree Program
An associate’s degree in art can be a launchpad for a four-year bachelor’s degree program. It gives you a chance to explore your interests, hone your skills, and build a solid foundation before you commit to a more specialized and intensive four-year program. Plus, it can save you some serious money on tuition costs.
The benefits of transferring
Credits earned in an accredited associate’s degree program are often transferable to a bachelor’s program at a four-year university. This means you don’t have to start from scratch, and you can build on the coursework you’ve already completed.
Choosing the right bachelor’s program
When selecting a bachelor’s program, do your homework. Look at the program’s reputation, what specializations are offered, and the expertise of the faculty. Make sure the program aligns with your career goals.
The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, a portfolio of your work, and a personal statement outlining your artistic vision and goals.
Articulation agreements
Many community colleges and universities have articulation agreements in place. These agreements guarantee that specific credits will transfer from the associate’s program to the bachelor’s program, streamlining the transfer process and ensuring that your hard-earned credits count.
Check with your academic advisor to see if your community college has an articulation agreement with the four-year university you’re interested in. It could make your transfer process a whole lot smoother.
Wrapping Up
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree can be a great first step on your journey to a fulfilling career in the arts. It offers a wide range of career opportunities, helps you develop valuable skills, and often provides a seamless pathway to a four-year bachelor’s degree. Beyond the specific artistic skills you’ll acquire, an AA degree will help you hone transferable skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving—assets that are valuable in almost any profession.
If you’re passionate about art and want to explore your creative potential, an art associate’s degree is worth considering. When you’re choosing a degree program, think carefully about your career goals and academic interests to make sure you pick the path that’s right for you.
One of the best things about an AA degree is that it’s typically more affordable and accessible than a bachelor’s degree, making it a smart choice for students who want to start building their skills and experience without breaking the bank.