Visual Arts (A.A.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements 
Program Requirements 

The Visual Arts program provides you with the foundational skills, theoretical context and creative productivity you will need as a developing studio artist, as an associate degree graduate looking for employment in creative fields, or as an art student planning to continue your education beyond the two-year level. Within this program, you will develop a professional visual art portfolio and acquire practical knowledge on how to get started as an artist. Most program requirements are studio art and art history classes; you will explore a variety of media.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Visual Arts program will be able to:

• display technical skill in drawing and composition, applying principles of design and color to their work;
• demonstrate knowledge of aesthetic elements of fine art and discuss art work from historical and contemporary perspectives;
• create art work using a wide variety of techniques, leading to the development of an individual style;
• compile a portfolio of finished work that is displayed in a professional manner and effectively integrates content and form;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

The Visual Arts program is great for you if: 

• you want to turn your passion for creative expression into a career;
• you enjoy working with your hands to engage in or create visual concepts and ideas;
• you currently work or have experience working in the visual arts field;
• you wish to create art using traditional and non-traditional media;
• you are preparing for careers working in the visual arts or in art education, art therapy, and arts administration; and
• you wish to develop your techniques of art making.

Key information and advice for students in the Visual Arts program:

• The courses in these programs are widely available throughout the state and taught by local artists.
• The program provides hands-on experience in traditional and non-traditional media.
• Students will learn foundational drawing, design, and technical skills that will help them to create visual solutions for their personal vision and/or potential clients.
• The required
  Portfolio Development
    course provides a practical understanding of the visual arts workplace and opportunities.
• Students will create a portfolio of work that can be used to support application for admission to a bachelor degree program or direct employment.
• The associate of arts degree in Visual Arts is the perfect balance of liberal arts courses and workplace preparation that will allow students to further their education in a four-year program, or join the workforce at an entry level.

The Visual Arts program prepares you for careers such as:

• Professional Studio Artist
• Gallery Worker
• Illustrator for Periodicals and Newspapers
• Curator
• Art Handler
• Art Director Assistant

Job outlook in Visual Arts in the state of Vermont:

Source: Vermont Department of Labor, http://www.vtlmi.info/oic3.cfm

Transfer Options:

For more information about special transfer agreements between CCV and other colleges, visit our transfer page.

Visit www.vtcolleges.org to learn about additional bachelor degree options in Vermont.