Fine Arts, Associate in Arts
Program Description
This program offers students the first two years of two-dimensional design courses which prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate programs and to pursue careers in art and design. The focus of the program is on artistic development and technical training. The curriculum is designed to promote students’ development of their academic and artistic potential.
Transfer Information
Students pursuing the Fine Arts degree can transfer into majors such as fine art, studio art, visual arts, and art education. Many colleges offer concentrations in photography, art therapy, graphic design, animation, and multimedia. Admission is competitive and usually requires a portfolio and interview. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org.
Career Information
The Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science Degrees are designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum provides students the knowledge and skills needed to pursue various career pathways, while providing a credential beyond the high school degree. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. OCC students can also utilize Focus2 Career, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers. To get started, log in through Ocean Connect.
Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| ARTS 183 | Basic Drawing | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 2 | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ARTS 184 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Fine Arts Program Elective | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Fine Arts Program Elective | 3 | |
| Diversity Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| Mathematics or Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3-4 | |
| Elective to meet 60 credits | 0-1 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-17 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |
- 1
Students must select one math course, one lab science course, and one technology course and complete the 12 credit requirement with any additional math or lab science course from the list of Approved General Education Courses. Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take additional credits in math or lab science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
- 2
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
- 3
It is recommended that students take any Art History course (such as ARTS 181, ARTS 182, ARTS 205 or ARTS 206) to fulfill Humanities General Education Requirements.
Fine Arts Program Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS 170 | Ceramics I | 3 |
| ARTS 185 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| ARTS 186 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ARTS 270 | Ceramics II | 3 |
| ARTS 271 | Ceramics III | 3 |
| ARTS 286 | Painting I | 3 |
| ARTS 287 | Painting II | 3 |
| ARTS 296 | Painting III | 3 |
| ARTS 297 | Painting IV | 3 |
| PHOT 181 | Basic Digital Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 187 | Experimental Digital Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 188 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |