Art Degree

The Associate of Science

Contact Information

Dr. Lisa Smith
731-424-3520 ext. 271
lsmith@jscc.edu

Carol Norman
731-424-3520 ext. 223
cnorman@jscc.edu

Program and Career Description

The art major is a two-year program for students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree in this field of study. Designed to parallel the first two years of art schools across the country, our program gives students the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty and provides ample access to the campus art studios. A wide variety of careers, from architect to zoological illustrator, are available with an art degree. Employment opportunities are available in offices, design studios, museums, education, and industry as well as in private studios. Art therapists and college art instructors must have at least a master’s degree. Below are a few examples of careers and local salaries.

Transfer Options

At Jackson State, we work hard to make sure that you graduate with your associate’s degree and arrive at a university prepared to start junior-level courses. That’s why we have special agreements with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools that allow students completing the Associate of Science in Art to transfer as juniors. TBR universities with art degrees include:

  • Austin Peay State University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • The University of Memphis
  • Other schools in West Tennessee with art degrees include the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lambuth University, , Freed Hardeman University, and Union University. Students transferring to one of these colleges may require additional courses before becoming a junior.

    Accreditation Information

    Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    Career Beginning Salary Range with a Bachelor’s Degree Experienced Salary Range
    Cartoonist/Animator $41,308 $48,063
    Graphic Design Spec. $38,197 $43,078
    Painter/Illustrator $28,391 $34,074
    Photographer $40,162 $47,636
    Web Designer $38,831 $47,335

    Salaries are based on information found at http://hotjobs.salary.com/salarywizard. Salaries are not guaranteed.

    Program Requirements

    (Students may require additional Basic and Developmental courses.)

    Communication Requirement (All required)
    ENGL 1010 English Composition I
    ENGL 1020 English Composition II
    SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech

    Required Humanities Courses
    ART 1010 Art History I
    ART 1020 Art History II

    Choose ONE Literature Course
    ENGL 2111 American Lit: Pre-Colonial - 1865
    ENGL 2121 American Lit: 1865 - Present
    ENGL 2210 British Lit: Beginnings - 1785
    ENGL 2220 British Lit: 1785 - Present
    ENGL 2310 World Lit: Beginnings - 1650
    ENGL 2320 World Lit: 1650 - Present

    Choose TWO Social and Behavioral Science Courses
    ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 212 Principles of Microeconomics
    GEO 201 Survey of World Regions
    PHED 2050 Health and Wellness
    POLS 1100 U.S. Government and Politics I
    POLS 1200 U.S. Government and Politics II
    PSY 101 General Psychology I
    PSY 102 General Psychology II
    SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology
    SOC 202 Social Problems

    Choose TWO History Courses (American History is required for TBR Schools.)
    HIST 1110 Survey of World Civilizations I
    HIST 1120 Survey of World Civilizations II
    HIST 2010 Survey of American History I
    HIST 2020 Survey of American History II

    Choose TWO Natural Science Courses
    BIOL 1110 General Biology I
    BIOL 1120 General Biology II
    BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
    BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
    CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I
    CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II
    PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Based Physics I
    PHYS 2020 Non-Calculus Based Physics II
    PSCI 1010 Survey of Physical Science I
    PSCI 1020 Survey of Physical Science II

    Choose ONE Mathematics Course
    MATH 1010 Math for Liberal Arts
    MATH 1410 Topics in Contemporary Math I
    MATH 1420 Topics in Contemporary Math II
    MATH 1530 Statistics and Probability
    MATH 1630 Finite Mathematics
    MATH 1710 Precalculus Algebra
    MATH 1720 Trigonometry
    MATH 1830 Applied Calculus
    MATH 1910 Calculus I

    Major Required Courses
    ART 121 Drawing I
    ART 122 Drawing II
    ART 141 2D Design
    ART 142 3D Design
    One Credit General Elective

    Major Electives: Choose TWO
    ART 131 Painting I
    ART 132 Painting II
    ART 241 Graphics Design I
    ART 242 Graphics Design II
    ART 151 Color
    ART 271 Introduction to Printmaking

    The Associate of Science Art Major requires 60 college level credits. Some courses have prerequisites and co-requisites. See JSCC Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.

    Sample Schedule

    First Year Fall Semester Credits
    ART 121 Drawing I 3
    ART 141 2D Design 3
    ENGL 1010 English Composition I 3
    MATH Mathematics Course 3
      Natural Science Course 4
      Total Credits 16

    First Year Spring Semester Credits
    ART 122 Drawing II 3
    ART 142 3D Design 3
    ENGL 1020 English Composition II 3
    SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech 3
      Natural Science Course 4
      Total Credits 16

    Second Year Fall Semester Credits
    ART 1010 Art History I 3
    ART Major Elective 3
    HIST History Course 3
      Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
      General Elective 1
      Total Credits 13

    Second Year Spring Semester Credits
    ART 1020 Art History II 3
    ART Major Elective 3
    ENGL Literature Course 3
    HIST History Course 3
      Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
      Total Credits 15