Art Degrees Online

The curriculum in studio art offers both a major (leading to a BA in art) and a minor. It also provides experiences for the liberal arts student who wishes to explore studio practices through elective courses.

The studio program consists of five areas of concentration: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and graphic design. It is supported by a generous endowment: the Elsie Benensohn Rosefsky Visiting Artists Series.

The studio program is enhanced by events and activities in the Rosefsky Studio Art Gallery, which presents an ongoing series of exhibitions, including visiting artists, alumni artists, solo shows, lectures and seminars. It is also supported by the Art Student Co-op, a student-organized and operated source for art supplies.

For beginning and intermediate courses, the quality of work determines whether the student may repeat a course for further development. The decision for such action is a result of mutual consent of the student and the instructor. A repeated course receives credit and fulfills the major requirements.

Art majors and minors must declare an area of concentration and choose an appropriate adviser from among the faculty.

All courses used to satisfy departmental requirements must be taken under the normal grading option.

Beginning drawing is a prerequisite for the beginning courses in graphic design and printmaking, and recommended for all others.

Students must be in residence their last semester.

Our admissions process isn’t just about forms and numbers and what you did in high school. It’s about you, the individual. Yes, we look at your academic background and work. But we also take the time to sit down and find out what’s important to you. We help you assess your career possibilities…what holds the most promise, what’s realistic, and what isn’t. Together we will define your goals and professional objectives.

A prospective student seeking admission to The Art Institute of California — Orange County must be a high school graduate, hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of postsecondary education as a prerequisite for admissions. An applicant who holds a bachelor’s degree or higher may submit proof of the bachelor’s degree to satisfy the high school completion requirement. Students who have a high school diploma or G.E.D. scores, yet cannot provide a transcript of GED scores, may submit alternate written documentation to satisfy this requirement. The Art Institute of California — Orange County President must approve all such exceptions. High School seniors who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript that indicates their expected graduation date.

Also, all prospective students will be required to independently conceive and write two essays of approximately one page length each on two of the following topics-
What you expect from an Art Institute education and how it will help you reach your life and career goals
List three of your strengths, then pick two and explain how they have contributed to your success in school, life or your art
Discuss a life challenge and the efforts you took to meet it and work through it.

Each individual who seeks admission to The Art Institute of California — Orange County will be interviewed either in person or by telephone by an assistant director of admissions. The purpose of the interview is to: (1) explore the prospective new student’s background interests as they relate to the programs offered at The Art Institute of California — Orange County ; (2) assist prospective students to identify the appropriate area of study consistent with their background and interest, and (3) provide information concerning curriculum offerings and support services available at The Art Institute. The pre-admission interview is designed to assist in assessing whether the student has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the appropriate program of study. Other nationally-based exams, such as the SAT or ACT exam, will be considered.

The Art Institute of California — Orange County does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

For information, please contact the Director of Admissions. The Art Institute of California — Orange County reserves the right to request any additional information necessary to evaluate an applicant’s potential for academic success.

Prerequisites of program specific courses are listed in parentheses; prerequisites of all courses can be found in the Course Descriptions.)
First Year: (32 credits)
Math Elective
AD 101 – Traditional Animation I 3 credits

(Fall)
AD 102 – Traditional Animation II 3 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: AR 102, AD 101
AR 102 – Basic Drawing Skills 3 credits
AR 109 – Color Theory 3 credits
AR 111 – Anatomy and Figure Drawing 3 credits
AR 112 – Two- and Three-Dimensional Design 3 credits
CC 101 – First-Year Seminar 3 credits
EN 101 – Composition and Literature I 3 credits
EN 102 – Composition and Literature II 3 credits
PE 100 – Concepts in Health Management 2 credits
Second Year: (30 credits)
Science Elective
Social World Elective
Historical Understanding Elective
AD 110 – Drawing for Animation 3 credits

(Spring)
AD 201 – Computer Animation I 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
AD 202 – Computer Animation II 3 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: AD 201
AD 210 – Textures, Lights and Rendering 3 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: AR102, AR109, AD201
AD 220 – Concept Development 3 credits

(Spring)
AR 231 – History of Art I 3 credits
AR 232 – History of Art II 3 credits
Third Year: (30 credits)
Open Elective
JR 3XX
Two (2) Digital Media Electives
AD 205 – Digital Audio and Video 3 credits

(Fall)
AD 301 – Computer Animation III 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: AD 202
AD 302 – Computer Animation IV 3 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: AD 301
AD 322 – Animation Pre/Postproduction 3 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: Junior Standing
AD 331 – History of Computer Animation 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: EN 102
AR 433 – History of Modern and Contemporary Art 3 credits
Fourth Year: (30 credits)
Three (3) Open Electives
Literature Elective
AD 391 – Special Topics in Computer Animation 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: Junior Standing and AD 202
AD 410 – Computer Animation Portfolio 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: Junior Standing
AD 425 – Pre-thesis 3 credits

(Fall); Prerequisite: Senior Standing
AD 440 – Computer Animation Internship 3 credits

(Prerequisite: Senior Standing and CGPA of 3.0)

Or Approved Elective
AD 450 – Thesis 6 credits

(Spring); Prerequisite: AD 425

Number Course Faculty Credit Hours
ART131 Photography I Roy Pope
Regina Skouson
Christian Widmer
Michael Mulno 3
NOTE: Students will be expected to furnish some photo supplies for their own use including film and paper. ART131 will transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA as equivalent to their Photo I. Cost estimate: Approximately $228 for tuition and registration fee, $20 special lab fees, plus the cost of photo supplies and possibly the cost of a text book at the instructor’s discretion.
ART132 Photography II Michael Mulno
Regina Skouson 3

NOTE: ART132 meets concurrently with other photography courses. Cost estimate: Approximately $228 for tuition and registration fee, $20 special lab fees, plus the cost of photo supplies and possibly the cost of a text book at the instructor’s discretion. Prerequisite: ART131 Photography I.
ART142 Introduction to Digital Photography Kelley Kirkpatrick 3
Cost estimate: Approximately $228 for tuition and registration fee, $20 special lab fees, plus the cost of photo supplies and possibly the cost of a text book at the instructor’s discretion.
ART143 Intermediate Digital Photography Scott Lizama 3
Cost estimate: Approximately $228 for tuition and registration fee, $20 special lab fees, plus the cost of photo supplies and possibly the cost of a text book at the instructor’s discretion.
ART290AC Studio Art
3
NOTE: ART 290AC meets concurrently with other photography courses. Cost estimate: Approximately $228 for tuition and registration fee, $20 special lab fees, plus the cost of photo supplies and possibly the cost of a text book at the instructor’s discretion.

PHOTO 260
The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics not included in current course offerings. Students will participate in a landscape photography workshop in the Eastern Sierra emphasizing the Yosemite Valley. The course will include a variety of topics including black and white, infrared, color slide and negative, large format and low light photography. Students will be responsible for their own food, accommodations and photographic materials. Field trip fees may be applied to offset travel and accommodations. This course may be taken two times for credit.
PHOTO 262
The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Mono Lake Basin
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics not included in current course offerings. Students will participate in a landscape photography workshop in the Eastern Sierra emphasizing the Mono Lake Basin. The course will include a variety of topics including black and white, infrared, color slide and negative, large format and low light photography. Students will be responsible for their own food, accommodations and photographic materials. Field trip fees may be applied to offset travel and accommodations. This course may be taken two times for credit.
PHOTO 264
The Pacific Coast Landscape
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics not included in current course offerings. Students will participate in a landscape photography workshop emphasizing the Pacific Coast. The course will include a variety of topics including black and white, infrared, color slide and negative, large format and low light photography. Students will be responsible for their own food, accommodations and photographic materials. Field trip fees may be applied to offset travel and accommodations. This course may be taken two times for credit.
PHOTO 280
Portfolio Development
.5-3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 301. Grade of “C” or better required to meet prerequisite.
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed for advanced students to develop their portfolios both for creative and professional purposes. Individual style, presentation methods, and forums for distribution and exhibition will be stressed. Topics of discussion will include: developing a personal visual style, self publishing, on-line promotion, and conferences and workshops. The format of the class includes lectures, lab time, fieldtrips, and critique sessions. This course may be taken two times for credit. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 294
Topics in Photography
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
PHOTO 295
Independent Studies in Photography
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
PHOTO 299
Experimental Offering in Photography
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
PHOTO 300
Photography – Its Influence in Contemporary Society
1 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: CSU Area C1
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC
This course is a survey course of important historical and contemporary photographers, designed to expose the student to various fields of photography. In our society, we are overwhelmed by visual information of all kinds. This course intends to increase visual literacy. The format of the class includes: slide presentations, discussions, written tests and a journal.
PHOTO 301
Beginning Photography
3 Units
Same As: ART 410
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: PHOTO 300
General Education: AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course combines lectures with hands-on experience in traditional black and white photography. Instruction includes camera function, exposure control, film processing, enlarging prints, low light photography, and print finishing. Creative control and elements of composition will also be covered. The format of the class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, exams and a portfolio. Students may wish to challenge the prerequisite on the basis of equivalent experience. This course is the same as ART 410. This course, under either name, may be taken only one time for credit. See “Cross-Listed Courses” in the catalog.
PHOTO 302
Beginning Digital Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: PHOTO 300
General Education: AA/AS Area I
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course combines lectures with hands-on experience in digital photography. Instruction includes digital camera function, exposure control, technical and creative control, computer manipulation of images and digital output options. The format of the class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, exams and a portfolio. A fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 310
Intermediate Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 301 or 302 with a grade of “C” or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to expand on the technical and creative concepts acquired in beginning photography. Topics of instruction include: exposure and development control, archival printing, introduction to medium and large format photography, studio lighting techniques, and alternative processes. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, written tests, and a portfolio. May be taken two times for credit. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 320
Color Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 310 with a grade of “C” or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers the fundamental principles of color photography. Topics of instruction include: correct exposure for color negative images, printing color negatives, printing digital files, techniques to determine correct color balance, and retouching color prints. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, visual presentations, lab time, written tests,and a portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 330
Advanced Color Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better .
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers color slide processes and advanced color processes. Topics of instruction include: correct exposure for color slide film, scanning color slides, printing color slides, color management, and advanced color negative processes. Students will work with digital and traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, visual presentations, lab time, written tests and a portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 340
Careers in Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is an overview of different careers available in the photographic industry. Fields of study include: portraiture, wedding photography, fashion, commercial and tabletop, photojournalism, and fine art photography. Students are encouraged to pursue their own area of interest by working with professionals in the field. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, studio visits, lab time, written tests, and completion of a resume, price list, and portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 350
Photojournalism
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 310 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers documentary photography and a career in photojournalism. Students explore editorial and sports photography, spot news the photo essay. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, written tests, and a portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 360
Large Format Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 310 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of view camera operation in the studio and in the field. Topics of instruction include: view camera movements, exposure techniques, processing sheet film, adjustments necessary to print large format negatives, and presentation of the large format image. Students may work in black and white, color, or both. The class includes: lectures, visual presentations, lab time, studio time, and a portfolio. Students are urged to provide their own large format camera. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 364
Advanced Black and White Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 310 with a grade of “C” or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to expand on the technical and creative concepts acquired in intermediate photography. Topics of instruction include: zone system, archival printing techniques, advanced methods of image manipulation, and digital fine art printing. Students will work with digital and traditional cameras. The class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, exams, and a portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 370
Portraiture and Wedding Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the portraiture and wedding photography business. Topics include: techniques of lighting, use of appropriate cameras and films, professional practices and strategies for beginning business. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, lab time, on-location field trips, exams, a journal, and a portfolio geared toward a professional presentation. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 372
Advanced Portrait Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to give students an in depth understanding of portraiture. Topics include: techniques of lighting and posing, working with groups and individuals, use of appropriate cameras and films, professional ethics and business strategies. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, lab time, on-location field trips, exams, a journal, and a portfolio geared toward a professional presentation. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 390
Studio Lighting Techniques
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is a study in studio lighting techniques used in commercial photography. Topics of instruction include: correct exposure using strobe, lighting ratios, basic portraiture and advertising, appropriate choice of camera formats and films, and studies in composition of commercial photographs. Students are encouraged to work in a variety of formats, using black and white and color. Students may complete the course with film or digital cameras. The class includes: lectures, visual presentations and discussions, on-location field trips, lab time, exams, and a portfolio. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 392
Commercial and Advertising Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 320 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers studio lighting techniques used in the production of advertising photographs. Topics of instruction include: advanced studio lighting techniques, correct exposure using strobe, appropriate choice of camera format and films, studies in composition and meaning of advertising photographs, and market research. Students are encouraged to work in a variety of formats, using both film and digital cameras. The class includes: lectures, visual presentations and discussions, on-location field trips, lab time, written tests, a journal, and a portfolio geared toward a professional presentation. A lab fee is charged for all studio classes.
PHOTO 400
Digital Imaging
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This is an introductory course in digital imaging and electronic desktop photography. Methods currently used in publishing will be emphasized. The course includes lectures, use of computers and scanners, slide presentations, occasional off-campus class meetings, and preparation of a notebook and a digital portfolio. A fee is charged for digital printing.
PHOTO 410
Advanced Digital Imaging
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 400. Grade of “C” or better required to meet prerequisite.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is an advanced study of digital imaging and related software programs. Methods currently used in publishing will be emphasized. The course includes lectures, use of computers, scanners, and a variety of output devices, and preparation of a digital portfolio. This course will introduce the student to the emerging field of multi-media and visit various local businesses. A fee is charged for digital printing.
PHOTO 495
Independent Studies in Photography
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: PHOTO 310. Grade of “C” or better required to meet prerequisite.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is designed to allow advanced students to pursue and research their photographic interests and receive credit. Students must provide a proposal outlining their area of interest and arrange meetings with an instructor. Students may wish to challenge the prerequisite on the basis of equivalent experience.
PHOTO 498
Work Experience in Photography
1-4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 300 hours LAB
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within their current job. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms, which document the student’s progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the course of the semester, the student is required to fulfill an 18 hour orientation and 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of unpaid work experience for one unit. An additional 75 or 60 hours of related work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken again when there is new or expanded learning on the job for a maximum of 16 units.

ANIM 103 Introduction to Video Art 3 CR
In this film video art course, students will learn basic video operation, cinematography, and non-linear editing with Mac, Final Art, Movies, DVD, and DVD Studio programs. Emphasis will be on comprehensive understanding in the art of the movie image. Students will be challenged to develop their own ideas and showcase skills and techniques. Lab Fee
ANIM 104 Introduction to Sound, Recording, and Editing 3 CR
This sound, recording, and editing class will teach basic studio sound recording, on-site sound recording, composing sound, and digital sound editing. Lab Fee
ANIM 233 Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Students will study the basic principles of animation with an emphasis on the analysis of motion. An overview of the evolution of animation techniques will provide the student with examples of independent film work from early productions to the present day. Students will develop an understanding of basic animation terminology and will complete several individual animation exercises, as well as work on a group project. Appropriate software will be discussed and introduced within the context of each exercise. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 233E Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 0 CR
Same description as ANIM 233. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234 Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
This course will explore the foundations of 3-D animation environments, as well as animation techniques unique to digital imagery. Students will develop a series of projects using software designed for the Internet, as well as other 3-D computer-based platforms. Projects will explore a variety of possibilities for 3-D interactive design. Special regard will be given to portfolio development. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234E Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Same description as ANIM 234. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235 Intermediate Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234. Character development in a variety of methods will be explored by students in this course in order to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation for the effect of strong visual techniques, Further depth in the concepts of storyboards and production design will be explored. Students will learn layout scenes around character action, work with camera fields, deal with issues of composition, and create mood. While advance instruction on the principles and concepts of character development will be used, students are encouraged to develop their own aesthetic. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235E Intermediate Animation 0 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234 or 234E. Same description as ANIM 235. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236 Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Using the techniques developed in the first three animation courses, the student will complete an animated project demonstrating knowledge of both 2-D and 3-D animation techniques, through motion studies, storyboard composition, character development, refinement of timing, use of exposure sheets, and basic lip-synch techniques. Final projects will be retained electronically for portfolio development. Other current technology will be introduced to direct the shooting, digitization, and efficient inclusion of the project into interactive formats. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236E Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Same description as ANIM 236. [48-48-96] Lab Fee