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Studio Arts
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Contact: Carolyn AlexanderTitle: Department ChairContact: calexander@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Studio Arts

Arts Division
Degree A0395

The Associate of Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate art degree programs. This degree provides students with the lower division breadth and depth of the field of art. This degree exposes students to the core principles and practices in the field. Students will learn to visually express personal experience and thought with skill and clarity. Students will acquire fundamental visual experiences and concepts basic to many forms and fields of art, animation and design.

To earn an Associate in Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer (AA-T) a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
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    • Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

      Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-1121.00

      Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $41.44

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $103,540.43
      Annual Job Openings
      20,510

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Elementary School Teachers

      Elementary School Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-2021.00

      Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $30.90

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $92,187.99
      Annual Job Openings
      13,874

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Middle School Teachers

      Middle School Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-2022.00

      Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $36.16

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $91,149.27
      Annual Job Openings
      3,866

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Secondary School Teachers

      Secondary School Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-2031.00

      Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $35.51

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $94,758.07
      Annual Job Openings
      8,210

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

      Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-3021.00

      Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $15.99

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $47,489.01
      Annual Job Openings
      9,369

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Archivists

      Archivists

      SOC Career Code: 25-4011.00

      Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.69

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $63,455.50
      Annual Job Openings
      182

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Curators

      Curators

      SOC Career Code: 25-4012.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $26.91

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $71,719.12
      Annual Job Openings
      207

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Museum Technicians and Conservators

      Museum Technicians and Conservators

      SOC Career Code: 25-4013.00

      Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $20.67

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $56,733.73
      Annual Job Openings
      211

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Art Directors

      Art Directors

      SOC Career Code: 27-1011.00

      Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $33.55

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $97,756.14
      Annual Job Openings
      2,011

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Craft Artists

      Craft Artists

      SOC Career Code: 27-1012.00

      Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $5.64

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $22,763.68
      Annual Job Openings
      872

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Painters, Sculptors, Illustrators, and Other Fine Artists

      Painters, Sculptors, Illustrators, and Other Fine Artists

      SOC Career Code: 27-1013.00

      Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $8.44

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $30,634.78
      Annual Job Openings
      2,356

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Special Effects Artists and Animators

      Special Effects Artists and Animators

      SOC Career Code: 27-1014.00

      Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $38.71

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $112,608.98
      Annual Job Openings
      2,276

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Commercial and Industrial Designers

      Commercial and Industrial Designers

      SOC Career Code: 27-1021.00

      Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $29.61

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $84,075.67
      Annual Job Openings
      414

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Graphic Designers

      Graphic Designers

      SOC Career Code: 27-1024.00

      Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.19

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $65,710.90
      Annual Job Openings
      3,658

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Set and Exhibit Designers

      Set and Exhibit Designers

      SOC Career Code: 27-1027.00

      Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $22.98

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $68,713.71
      Annual Job Openings
      397

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Photographers

      Photographers

      SOC Career Code: 27-4021.00

      Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $14.52

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $57,432.63
      Annual Job Openings
      1,948

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Art Therapists

      Art Therapists

      SOC Career Code: 29-1129.01

      Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $20.82

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $69,727.14
      Annual Job Openings
      774

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Jewelers

      Jewelers

      SOC Career Code: 51-9071.00

      Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $12.03

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $38,360.89
      Annual Job Openings
      790

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Gem and Diamond Workers

      Gem and Diamond Workers

      SOC Career Code: 51-9071.06

      Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $12.03

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $38,360.89
      Annual Job Openings
      790

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Etchers and Engravers

      Etchers and Engravers

      SOC Career Code: 51-9194.00

      Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $15.99

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $39,560.32
      Annual Job Openings
      120

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Studio Arts

    Arts Division
    Degree A0395

    The Associate of Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate art degree programs. This degree provides students with the lower division breadth and depth of the field of art. This degree exposes students to the core principles and practices in the field. Students will learn to visually express personal experience and thought with skill and clarity. Students will acquire fundamental visual experiences and concepts basic to many forms and fields of art, animation and design.

    To earn an Associate in Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer (AA-T) a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    AHIS 5History of Western Art: Renaissance Through Modern3
    or AHIS 5H History of Western Art: Renaissance Through Modern - Honors
    ARTD 15ADrawing: Beginning3
    ARTD 20Design: Two-Dimensional3
    ARTS 22Design: Three-Dimensional3
    LIST A
    Choose one from the following:3
    AHIS 4
    History of Western Art: Prehistoric Through Gothic
    or AHIS 4H
    History of Western Art: Prehistoric Through Gothic - Honors
    LIST B9
    ARTD 17A
    Drawing: Life
    ARTD 21
    Design: Color and Composition
    ARTD 25A
    Beginning Painting I
    Total Units for Major24
    CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern 139-42
    Total Units60
    1

    Courses may be double-counted with either CSU-GE or IGETC.

    Fine Arts Website 

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Carolyn AlexanderTitle: Department ChairContact: calexander@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 1A-6APhone: (909) 274 - 4317