About our Liberal Studies
Associate Degree: Art Focus
The Liberal Studies program with a focus in Art is designed to prepare students for a career in the arts. Working in state-of-the-art studio facilities and guided by practicing professional art faculty, graduates can go on to careers in studio art, illustration, graphic design, art education, art therapy, arts advocacy and curatorial work in galleries and museums. The program prepares students to transfer to a baccalaureate program upon graduation.
The foundation year is a hands-on studio program with a basis in traditional foundation courses of still life and figure drawing, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design and art history, in addition to Liberal Arts core courses. The program helps students develop skills in a variety of art media, while gaining a balanced education through liberal studies and art history courses. The second year focuses on studio practice in a specific media. Students enroll in a capstone course with their colleagues for group critiques, visits to museums, galleries and artist studios, presentations by guest art professionals, and the development of vital professional skills such as portfolio presentation and small business management. In the studio, art students develop a finished body of work for a group exhibition that culminates the program.
Please note: You are only eligible to receive one Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies degree. You may not receive a second or subsequent degree in Liberal Studies with a different focus.
Graduation Outcomes
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Animator
- Art Director
- Art Gallery Manager
- Art Program Coordinator
- Art Teacher
- Content Marketing Specialist
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Interior Designer
- Photographer
- Production Artist
- Theatre Manager
Continue Your Education
Available transfer agreements for this program include:
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
- View full program details in our academic catalog.
- View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
- View all current courses.
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
Want to learn more?
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Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.eduÂ
Department Chair: Virginia Rose, 207-741-5537 or vrose@smccME.edu