Art (AA)
Program Overview:
our Imagination is the Beginning of Your Successful Career
Create public artworks for city buildings and Metro Stations. Work in an innovative animation studio. Explore the restoration of historical artworks at the Getty Museum Develop new video game technologies. A degree in art will prepare you with highly-valued and transferable skills across a wide variety of careers in art, web design, and education.
Today, artists are needed in a variety of industries. The boom of technology and computer-generated graphics has put artists who can create animation and visual effects in high demand. Fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create aesthetic and functional art in a wide range of careers, from sculptors to comic book illustrators. This career path will lead you to a life of learning, creativity, and critical thinking.
Careers in Art
With an associate degree in Art, you can choose from a variety of different career paths. Ever-evolving technology has increased job prospects and creative opportunities in the art field, while traditional art continues to remain highly prized.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with an Art degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov February 2020. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Work in a fine or commercial art studio, or a private studio in your own home to create art for sale and exhibition using a variety of materials and techniques.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $78,010/year | $37.51/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 15% increase (much faster than average) |
1,430 |
Use technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images to capture moments to tell a story.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | $56,980/year | $27.39/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 10% increase (faster than average) |
3,300 |
Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $86,240/year | $41.46/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 21% increase (much faster than average) |
5,280 |
Design and create websites using your background and knowledge of art.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $78,200/year | $37.59/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 12% increase (faster than average) |
7,110 |
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $68,990/year | $33.17/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Moderate-term on-the-job training | 6% increase (as fast as average) |
520 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Art
You can get an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through LASC’s Art program where you will develop skills to analyze works of art, study and work with other artists, and build your portfolio:
- Exhibit your own work and learn to curate and prepare an exhibition at the LASC college gallery.
- Improve your understanding of concepts, techniques, and methods of form and content within different works by studying the diversity of art across cultures, looking at changes in design principles, media techniques, themes, and terminology over time.
- Work directly with artists and teachers in diverse media like sculpture, graphic design, photography, drawing, painting, and two- and three-dimensional design to build your resume and portfolio while being mentored by faculty with experience working in art.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Art will prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university while saving money on your first two years of college as you learn from motivating, knowledgeable faculty. Meet with your counselor to learn more!
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Associate in Arts in Art (AA) degree below along with our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1002.00
Total Units Required: 60
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Use terminology appropriate to art appreciation, and analyze works of art to explain how visual works of art communicate within a cultural context.
- Analyze the composition, design, application of media, and iconography of art works.
- Explain what constitutes significant or major innovations by studying the evolution of style.
- Demonstrate application of color, the visual elements, space systems, and how to organize and present a resolved composition.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| ART 101 Survey of Art History I | 3 |
| ART 102 Survey of Art History II | 3 |
| ART 201 Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 501 Beginning Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 502 Beginning Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| PLUS 3 Units from Recommended Electives | |
| ART 103 Art Appreciation I | 3 |
| ART 104 Art Appreciation II | 3 |
| ART 202 Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 300 Introduction to Painting | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
| PLUS 3 Units from Recommended Electives | |
|---|---|
| Art 213 Color Theory | 3 |
| Art 204 Life Drawing | 3 |
| Art 503 Intermediate Design | 3 |
| Art 604 Graphic Design | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in a career in art? Before your first class at LASC, you can start preparing for your art career
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss your career goals. Your counselor can also let you know about possible bachelor degree programs at four-year colleges and universities if you are interested in pursuing your education.
- Still in high school? Join or start your own art appreciation club at your school. Enroll in the Art courses at LASC or other local colleges or community centers to build and develop creative and artistic skills in these hands-on studio courses and labs. Take a wide range of art classes in visual arts, drawing, history, and digital media while you’re in high school. Seek feedback from your teachers on your artwork to build a portfolio.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, become a student ambassador, or run for student body government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to strengthening your writing, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
- Use terminology appropriate to art appreciation, and analyze works of art to explain how visual works of art communicate within a cultural context.
- Analyze the composition, design, application of media, and iconography of artworks.
- Explain what constitutes significant or major innovations by studying the evolution of style.
- Demonstrate the application of color, the visual elements, space systems, and how to organize and present a resolved composition.