Fine Arts Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Fine and Performing Arts – Fine Arts Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, studio art, visual arts, or a related field.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in drawing, design, and visual expression while encouraging creative exploration across multiple media. Students develop technical skills, conceptual thinking, and an understanding of artistic traditions and contemporary practices. Coursework emphasizes studio practice, critique, and portfolio development, preparing students for upper-level study in areas such as painting, sculpture, digital media, illustration, or graphic arts.
The program combines hands-on studio experience with a broader liberal arts education, helping students refine both their artistic voice and their analytical and communication skills.
Transfer Information
The Fine Arts concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts and related visual arts disciplines. Students intending to transfer should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure their coursework and portfolio meet the requirements of their intended institution.
Many four-year art programs require a portfolio review for admission. Early preparation and ongoing portfolio development are strongly recommended.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Career Information
The A.A. in Fine and Performing Arts – Fine Arts Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in fine arts, and some careers may require additional specialization or graduate study.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Visual Artist
- Illustrator
- Graphic or Digital Designer
- Art Director (with experience)
- Museum or Gallery Professional
- Art Educator (with certification)
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research creative industries and related professions.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| ARTS 183 | Basic Drawing | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ARTS 184 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art From Prehistory to Middle Ages | ||
| Art From Renaissance to Modern World | ||
| Modern Art | ||
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ARTS 185 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| HIST 191 | African-American History | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art From Prehistory to Middle Ages | ||
| Art From Renaissance to Modern World | ||
| Modern Art | ||
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ARTS 186 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Painting I | ||
| Basic Digital Photography | ||
| Graphic Design I | ||
| Diversity Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
MATH 151, MATH 156, or MATH 158 is preferred.