The Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA – VA) is a 60-61 credit hour degree intended for students transferring to a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) four-year program or those with a strong interest in visual art. The degree shall be granted for planned programs of study consisting of approved college transfer courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course. The A.F.A. is designed to encourage students to focus their course work to achieve an associate degree that builds a strong foundation in art and design fundamentals. This degree combines a high concentration of art course work with general education courses. A culminating show of student work will be required for graduation.

The Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA-VA) degree program prepares students for many career options in art and design. Each participant receives foundational training for entry into a career as an art professional. Students who transfer from Gaston College pursue majors such as: Animation, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Art Therapy, Computer Art/Design, Commercial Art, Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Museum Studies, Photography, Studio Arts, Visual Communications, or Web Design.

Upon completion of the degree, our students traditionally transfer into a BFA program at a four-year university. Students who intend to transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree art program should carefully plan their courses with a Gaston College art faculty advisor to be certain they will meet the requirements at the four-year college or university. Students who have not decided upon a major but intend to transfer their credits toward a four-year degree should also consult with a counselor from the four-year school to be certain they will fulfill all of the general education requirements. AFA-VA students are able to participate in the University of North Carolina (UNC) System’s Uniform Articulation Agreement and the Uniform Articulation Agreement between the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.