Study Art and Creative Expression with a General Fine Arts Degree
The general associate of fine arts (AFA) degree at St. Louis Community College provides a strong foundation in artistic techniques, creative thinking and visual communication. You’ll explore different areas of art, develop your skills with various mediums and learn how artists use creativity and problem-solving to bring ideas to life.
Through coursework in art concepts, studio practices and creative processes, you’ll build the skills needed to continue your education or pursue opportunities in creative fields. This program is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree in art, design or a related area.
What is General Fine Arts at
St. Louis Community College?
STLCC’s general fine arts program provides students with a foundation in visual art concepts, studio techniques and creative practices. The program introduces you to both traditional and contemporary approaches to art while helping you develop technical skills, artistic knowledge and an understanding of the creative process.
You’ll complete core art courses focused on fundamental skills, including:
- Drawing.
- Figure drawing.
- Two-dimensional design.
- Three-dimensional design.
The program also allows you to explore additional studio areas through elective coursework. These courses give you the opportunity to experiment with different materials, refine your artistic techniques and develop a portfolio of your work. Elective studio areas include:
- Ceramics.
- Painting.
- Printmaking.
- Sculpture.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in General Fine Arts?
The general fine arts AFA degree provides a strong foundation in artistic techniques, creative thinking and visual communication. You’ll explore different areas of art, develop your skills with various mediums and learn how artists use creativity, observation and problem-solving to bring ideas to life.
Through coursework in art concepts, studio practices and creative processes, you’ll build technical skills while developing your own artistic perspective. You’ll gain experience working with different materials, creating original artwork and preparing a portfolio that showcases your abilities.
The program includes general education courses that are part of Missouri’s CORE 42 framework, helping ensure your credits transfer to public colleges and universities across the state. STLCC also works with partner colleges and universities to maintain transfer agreements that support a smoother transition into a bachelor’s degree program in art, design or a related creative field.
AFA in General Fine Arts
- Degree offered: Associate in fine arts
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec
- Hours to complete: 60
- Florissant Valley program contact: Michael Quintero, mquintero@stlcc.edu
- Forest Park program contact: Norleen Nosri, nnosri@stlcc.edu
- Meramec program contact: Amy Reidel, areidel@stlcc.edu
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's General Fine Arts Program
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Fitting a quality education into your busy life is easy with the flexibility STLCC offers, including day and evening classes, in-person and live virtual lectures, as well as online and hybrid options.
Multiple Locations Near You
With four campuses and multiple education centers, STLCC has locations around the St. Louis metropolitan area that are close to your home or work, which makes for an easy commute.
Graduate with Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third less than other local institutions.
Hands-on Learning
Bring your artistic vision to life in our studios, where you'll discover new techniques, experiment with different mediums and cultivate your unique creative voice.
STLCC. What's your reason?