Visual Arts (A.A.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements 
Program Requirements  

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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 techniques in your chosen art media.

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
    capstone ccourse 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:

Title	Median Salary	Projected Growth (10 Yrs)
Art Teacher, Elementary (bachelor’s)	$51,860	0.3%
Art Teacher, Secondary (bachelor’s)	$53,790	-0.3%
Fine Artist (Painter, Sculptor, Illustrator)	$19,940	no trend data

 

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.