General Fine Arts: AFA
Associate in Fine Arts | 60 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Communication, Design, and Creative Arts
Program Description:
The Associate in Fine Arts Degree in General Fine Arts is designed for students who plan to transfer to four-year programs to earn a bachelors degree in an art-related discipline. Students may experience both two- and three-dimensional artwork through courses in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, design, and other studio areas. Persons interested in this program should possess a strong interest in the visual world and a desire to produce work using traditional as well as non-traditional techniques.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley, Forest Park, and Meramec.
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, the most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years before the current academic year. The time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- identify the elements and principles of design that are present in examples of fine and applied art.
- evaluate works of art based on contemporary standards and historical context.
- present artwork highlighting relevant concepts and materials using appropriate terminology.
- explain the qualities of exhibition-worthy and/or professional-level work that reflects the formal, conceptual, and/or media interests of the student's artwork and artistic practice.
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education* | ||
| ART 101 | Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) | 3 |
| ART 102 | Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) | 3 |
| or ART 103 | History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| or ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| or COM 101 | Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement * | 3 |
| MATH/SCIENCE: Complete MTH 161 (MOTR MATH 120) or higher and one Natural Science course with a MOTR discipline OR two Natural Science courses with a MOTR discipline * | 6-8 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 207 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 |
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 112 | Figure Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 210 | Advanced Drawing | 3 |
| AT 291 | Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | 3 |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 |
| or ART 172 | Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | |
| Electives* | ||
| Select 12 credit hours with ART or AT prefix, or EDU 211. Consult transfer instituion for elective options. | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |
- *
Students who are interested in art education will be advised to make particular selections in the areas noted.
Full-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Spring 2026, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 101 | Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway/Critical Course |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway/Exploratory/Critical Course |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |||
| College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |||
| College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 102 or 103 | Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) or History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 207 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 | ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 112 | Figure Drawing II | 3 | ART 111 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | Students have the option of taking one math and one science OR two sciences. | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning (MOTR MATH 120) | Satisfactory score on placement test and Reading Proficiency | Students interested in art education should take MTH 161. GFA majors who are not on an art education path have the option of taking a non-lab science, lab science, or MTH 161. | ||
XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | The following courses are a list of suggested non-lab science courses: BIO 109, BIO 117, BIO 151, BIO 154, or GEO 100. | ||
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 210 | Advanced Drawing | 3 | ART 110 and ART 112 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 131 or 172 | Computer Art Studio or Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Students interested in art education should take ART 131. |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix. See footnote below. | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix. See footnote below | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | Students interested in art education should take COM 101. | ||
| College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |||
| Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | Concurrent enrollment in ENG 070 or Reading Proficiency | |||
| Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | Reading Proficiency | |||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 291 | Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | 3 | ART 210 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Capstone Course. Apply for graduation. |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credits) are required. Students may choose courses with ART or AT prefix. See footnote below. | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credits) are required. Students may choose courses with ART or AT prefix. See footnote below. | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | 3-4 | Students interested in art education should take a 4-credit science with lab. GFA majors not on an art education path have the option of taking a non-lab science or a lab science. | |
| XXX xxx | Social and Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |||
- 1
The following is a list of suggested courses for the first art elective: ART 113, ART 114, ART 115, or ART 116.
Students interested in Art Education should take EDU 211 and ART 113 OR ART 116.
GFA students may also take courses from the Graphic Communications and Photography areas with an ART/AT prefix.
Students interested in pursuing further studies after successfully completing 100-level courses may choose to take ART/AT 200-level courses. For example, students who have successfully completed ART 113 Ceramics I may subsequently choose ART 213 Ceramics II and AT 213 Advanced Ceramics.
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Part-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Spring 2026, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway/Critical Course |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway/Exploratory/Critical Course |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 102 or 103 | Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) or History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 | ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 112 | Figure Drawing II | 3 | ART 111 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |||
| College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |||
| College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | Students have the option of taking one math and one science OR two sciences. | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning (MOTR MATH 120) (or higher) | Satisfactory score on placement test and Reading Proficiency | Students interested in art education should take MTH 161. GFA majors who are not on an art education path have the option of taking a non-lab science, lab science, or MTH 161. | ||
XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | The following courses are a list of suggested non-lab science courses: BIO 109, BIO 117, BIO 151, BIO 154, or GEO 100. | ||
| Credit Hours | 6-7 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 101 | Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 210 | Advanced Drawing | 3 | ART 110 and ART 112 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix or EDU 211. See footnote below. | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 131 or 172 | Computer Art Studio or Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Students interested in art education should take ART 131. |
| ART 207 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix or EDU 211. See footnote below. | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |||
| College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |||
| Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | Concurrent enrollment in ENG 070 or Reading Proficiency | Students interested in art education should take COM 101. | ||
| Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | Reading Proficiency | |||
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Third Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix or EDU 211. See footnote below. | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | 3-4 | ||
| Credit Hours | 6-7 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| AT 291 | Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | 3 | ART 210 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Capstone class. Apply for graduation. |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | Four art electives (12 credit hours) are required. Students may choose with ART or AT prefix or EDU 211. See footnote below. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |||
- 1
The following is a list of suggested courses for the first art elective: ART 113, ART 114, ART 115, or ART 116.
Students interested in Art Education should take EDU 211 and ART 113 OR ART 116.
GFA students may also take courses from the Graphic Communications and Photography areas with an ART/AT prefix.
Students interested in pursuing further studies after successfully completing 100-level courses may choose to take ART/AT 200-level courses. For example, students who have successfully completed ART 113 Ceramics I may subsequently choose ART 213 Ceramics II and AT 213 Advanced Ceramics.
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.