Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts

Program Description

The Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA) degree is designed to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs for students who wish to complete a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Art or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in Art. The curriculum provides General Education courses required of liberal arts students and art specialization courses required by four-year institutions. The purpose of the AFA degree is to provide the first two years of preparation for those students interested in careers in applied art. 

The AFA degree is not part of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and is not uniformly transferable to all 16 state universities and colleges in the North Carolina University System. The degree focuses on continued training in Art to enhance the portfolio of students seeking competitive admission to bachelor’s degree programs.

Upon transfer, students will still be required to meet the General Education Core requirements of the receiving college or university as well as foreign language and/or health and physical education requirements of the receiving college or university.  The AFA is also appropriate for students who want additional training in art for their present career, without the need to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Articulate and critique different fine art theories.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, interpret, and formulate conclusions from data.
• Write and/or speak with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness.
• Demonstrate how historical, philosophical, cultural, global, and/or socioeconomic factors affect human interactions and behaviors.

Career Opportunities

• Graphic artist
• Digital artist/Photographer
• Sculptor (wood, metal, stone, etc.)
• Art restoration
• Fashion
• Jewelry
• Interior designer
• Animator
• Painter
• Ceramics artist
• Art historian/Curator
• Cartoonist
• Educator
• Artistic director
• Talent scout/Agent
• Critic (newspaper, online blogging, etc.)
• Commercial/newspaper photographer
• Marketing
• Product/industrial design
• Illustrator

Transfer Opportunities

All courses within the AFA will transfer to UNC-system schools; however, universities without BFA degrees may transfer specialized art courses as electives.

To provide for a smooth transfer, students should consult with both an academic advisor and the potential transfer institution for academic course selection and guidance.

Contact Information

Program Coordinator of Fine Arts
252-638-7357

Associate Vice President for Instruction
252-638-3745

Admissions Office
252-638-7430