Degrees and Certificates

Orange Coast College's Art Department offers multiple pathways to launch your creative career—whether you're building a foundation for transfer to a four-year university or developing specialized skills for professional practice. Each program combines rigorous instruction with hands-on studio work.

Studio Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

The Studio Arts AA-T introduces students to foundation, history, and technical knowledge across many facets of art while fulfilling lower-division requirements for CSU transfer. Students build professional portfolios through rigorous problem-solving and conceptual assignments that develop critical thinking and aesthetic understanding. Graduates are guaranteed CSU admission and positioned to complete a bachelor's degree with 60 additional upper-division units. (Catalog page)

Art History, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

The Art History AA-T examines visual communication across cultures and historical eras, exploring how art functions within political, economic, and social contexts. Graduates are guaranteed CSU admission and well-positioned to complete a bachelor's degree in Art History or a related field with 60 units of upper-division coursework. (Catalog page) 

Entertainment Art, Certificate of Achievement

Entertainment Art prepares students for studio careers in Film, TV, Animation, and Game industries, focusing on Visual Development and World Building. Students learn to design and illustrate characters, environments, vehicles, and props, gaining the skills and methods needed for internships and entry-level positions as Entertainment Artists. (Catalog page)

Narrative Illustration, Associate in Science Degree (AS)

This degree program emphasizes drawing and painting courses across traditional and digital media, preparing students for careers in book illustration, children's literature, magazines, entertainment art, and editorial work. The AS degree includes general education requirements alongside specialized coursework, providing both technical illustration skills and the broader academic foundation of a two-year degree. The diverse curriculum offers multiple career alternatives while building professional portfolios ready for immediate industry entry. (Catalog page)

Narrative Illustration, Certificate of Achievement

This certificate emphasizes drawing and painting across traditional and digital media, leading to career alternatives in book illustration, children's literature, magazines, entertainment art, and editorial work. The diverse curriculum builds technical proficiency in both handmade and digital illustration. (Catalog page)

Ceramics, Certificate of Specialization

The Ceramics certificate covers clay and glaze interaction, studio organization and maintenance, and industrial specialization. This program provides the necessary tools for students to perform at basic levels within the ceramic community. (Catalog page)

Entertainment Art student receiving professional feedback during the opening of the Mistborn project exhibition.