About Studio Arts

Learn how to successfully express your ideas in a wide range of visual arts media as well as in the spoken and written word. 

Studio Arts project-based assignments motivate learning about culturally diverse artwork from ancient to contemporary times while strengthening your analytical, creative and design abilities to support your artistic goals.

Explore Potential Careers

Student makes a sculpture

Building the skills needed to foster self-initiative and to communicate ideas and complete projects with diverse and creative teams, an art degree will support your success in many fields.

  • As an entrepreneurial studio artist – printmaker, sculptor, painter, or ceramicist contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of regional communities
  • As a freelance or staff illustrator or animator support small and large creative projects
  • As a jewelry or a tattoo artist aid others in expressing a personal aspect about themselves
  • As an art teacher or art therapist encourage learning about and valuing oneself and others
  • As an art critic, curator, art director or gallery docent provide opportunities for people to engage in the arts and social action

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ART 103 History of Modern Art 3  
ART 125A Basic Design 3  
ENGL 1A + 1AS University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support 4-6   
CSU GE Area B1 Physical Science 3-6  
CSU GE Area E Lifelong Learning and Self-Development 3  

Total Units: 16-21

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ART 102 Western Art History 3  
ART 125B Advanced Design: 3D 3  
CSU GE Area B4 Math / Quantitative Reasoning 3-8  
CSU GE Area A3 Critical Thinking 3-4  
CSU GE Area D Social Sciences 3  

Total Units: 15-21

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
Art 130A Basic Drawing 3  
Additional Major Requirement- 1 course from a different Studio Arts area (See Counselor) 3  
CSU GE Area C2 Humanities 3-5  
Additional Major Requirement- 1 course from Art History course list (ART 101 or ART 102 or ART 104 or ART 109) Western Art History or Western Art History or Asian Art History or History of Contemporary Art 3  
CSU GE Area B2 Life Science 3-6  
CSU GE Area B3 Lab Activity (To Be Taken with Course from B1 or B2) 1  

Total Units: 16-21

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
Additional Major Requirement- 1 course from a different Studio Arts area (See Counselor) 3  
Additional Major Requirement- 1 course from a different Studio Arts area (See Counselor) 3  
CSU GE Area A1 Oral Communication 3  
POLS 1 U.S. Government 3  
CSU GE Area D Social Sciences 3  
CSU Graduation Requirement Group 2 (See Counselor) 3  

Total Units: 18

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Studio Arts programs at the following institutions: 

  • UC San Diego
  • UC Berkeley
  • UC Davis
  • Humboldt State University
  • San Jose State University
  • San Francisco State University
  • Cleveland Art Institute
  • California College of the Arts
  • Pratt Institute
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Kansas City Art Institute

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.