Studio Arts
Associate in Arts for Transfer Art · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Associate in Arts degree for Transfer (AA-T) in Studio Arts meets the lower division course requirements necessary for the California State University (CSU) system. The Studio Arts program includes courses focused on developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design, specific skill building in two-, three-dimensional and digital mediums. In pursuing the AA-T in Studio Arts degree, students acquire skills through in-class projects, exercises, written and/or oral presentations, critiques, and development of personal aesthetic and creative processes. Students majoring in studio arts develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills. As studio art majors, students have learning opportunities that are relevant to many types of careers, working as a Fashion Designer, Fine Art Preparator, Illustrator, Animator, Architect, Studio Artist, or Art Educator.
To be awarded the Associate in Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer degree, students must:
(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a “pass/no pass” basis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Utilize the broader vocabulary of art and design as well as discipline specific terminology in the objective and subjective analysis of artworks.
- Build competency in technical skills and concepts.
- Establish a creative practice which includes problem solving skills.
- Recognize major artists and historical/cultural trends and styles.
- Demonstrate engagement, participation, and civility in the classroom/studio setting.
Requirements
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | 12 | |
| ART 012 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 013 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 024 | Beginning Drawing | 3 |
| ART 092 | 3 | |
| List A: Complete One Course | 3 | |
| ART 091 | 3 | |
| ART 096 | Survey of Asian Art | 3 |
| List B: Complete Three Courses | 9 | |
| ART 014 | Color Theory | 3 |
| ART 042 | Beginning Sculpture I | 3 |
| ART 046A | Beginning Ceramics I | 3 |
| ART 060 | Beginning Painting I | 3 |
| ART 071 | Introduction to Media Arts | 3 |
| ART 072 | Computer Graphics | 3 |
| ART 055A | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| orART 026 | Intermediate Drawing | |
| Total Units | 24 | |
AA-T Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 24 | |
| Cal-GETC Requirements | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60) | 5 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |