Art is the study of communicating concepts and ideas visually.

Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in art commonly include but are not limited to studio artist, art educator, art consultant, art therapist, conservator, museum curator, art historian, photographer, designer, illustrator, animator or gallery manager.

Careers in the discipline that generally require graduate-level degrees include art historian, conservator, museum curator and art educator. Even students who choose not to major in art find that coursework in the field can improve their ability in complex and creative problem solving, critical analysis, research skills, understanding the intuitive process and in their ability to visualize.

College of the Desert’s art curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as an emphasis in art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, three-dimensional design and two-dimensional design.

The College offers an Associate of Arts degree in Art, as well as courses leading to transfer.   Students earning an associate degree in art may pursue entry level positions as designers, illustrators, art consultants or gallery assistants or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree. COD has transfer agreements with twenty different California State Universities and University of California systems in this discipline/program. California State University at Long Beach, Chico, Los Angeles, Fullerton and San Bernardino as well as University of California at Berkley, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego are some examples of these schools. However, transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities vary from institution to institution; students should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university. For more information please call (760) 773-2574.

Advisors: J. Cook, R. Evans, L. Soccio

ART A.A. DEGREE AND TRANSFER PREPARATION
Dept.	No.	Title	Units
Required Courses:
ART	1A	Drawing / Composition	3
ART	3A	Basic Design / Color	3
ART	2A	History of Art	3
or ART	2B	History of Art	(3)
ART	2C	History of Modern Art	3
ART	4	Three Dimensional Design	3
ART	27	Art Portfolio Preparation	1
		Total Required ART Courses	16
		Additional ART Electives	9
		ART Total	25
		General Education (Option 1* or Option 2)	34-43
		Physical Education Activities	2
		DEGREE TOTAL	61-69
The above plan of study allows students to take nine (9) units from a broad range of art electives in any of the following areas: Art History (Art 2A, 2B, 2D, 26, 33) Ceramics (Art 7A-D, 7F-I) Drawing (Art 1A-B, 5A-B) Graphic Design (Art 6, 40, 41) Painting (Art 21A-B, 23A-B, 25A-B) Photography (Art 30A-D, 31, 33) Printmaking (Art 9A-B, 14A-B) Three-Dimensional Design (Art 7A-B, 11A-B, 18A-B, 20A-B) Two-Dimensional Design (Art 1B, 6, 9A, 14A, 18A, 21A, 23A, 25A)