Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Visual Art, A.F.A.

Associate of Fine Arts
Northern Virginia Community College

Purpose This studio-arts, portfolio-intensive curriculum is designed for students who seek transfer into a competitive Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program or similar baccalaureate program in either fine arts, graphic design, or photography at a college or university. Students work on a common foundation year of studio art courses and then select their concentration in either finearts, graphic design, or photography for their second year of study. NOTE that the graphic design concentration is offered at the Alexandria campus and Loudoun campuses and the photography concentration is offered at Alexandria campus and Woodbridge campus


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for Details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Satisfactory aptitude in visual art.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Visual Art, A.F.A.
62
Visual Art, AFA
62
5610 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 2025-26
62
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 46 credits may be applied to this program.
English Requirements
9
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 200 Level Literature
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 200
SDV Requirement
1
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CST Requirement
3
CST 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Math Requirements
3
MTH 154 or Higher
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Category:
AND
Complete courses from the following Course:
Social/Behavioral Science Elective Requirement
3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Physical or Life Science with Lab Elective Requirement
4
Physical or Life Science with Lab Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
ART Requirements
27
ART 101
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 131
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 102
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 223
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 132
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 298
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 215
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 250
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 140
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHT 101
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART OR PHT Electives
12
ART or PHT Elective
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students who are interested in Graphic Design, select from ART 116, ART 141, ART 142, and ART 217. Students interested in Fine Arts select from ART 130, ART 153, ART 154, ART 231, ART 236, ART 241 or ART 242. Students interested in Photography, select from PHT 101, PHT 102, PHT 103, PHT 104, PHT 110, PHT 130, PHT 131, PHT 201, PHT 221, PHT 270.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
43891
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical SonographyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: EchocardiographyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass)AssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Visual ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Art HistoryBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Photography and Video ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in 2D and 3D MediaBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Architectural DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Industrial DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Art EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Art Therapy EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Graphic Design EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Studio Art EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Education ConcentrationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryArt (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityFine Art-BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityGraphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityArt Education-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Studio ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, CeramicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Music (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Theater (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeStudio Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Film (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArt History (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Architecture in ArchitectureBachelorBachelor of Architecture4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Creative TechnologiesBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Fashion Merchandising and DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Industrial Design in Industrial DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Industrial Design4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Science in Interior DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBach of Landscp Arch in Landscape ArchitectureBachelorBachelor of Landscape Architecture4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Property ManagementBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Residential Environments and DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Studio ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-2032.00Diagnostic Medical SonographersProduce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1012.00Craft ArtistsCreate or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1013.00Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and IllustratorsCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-4021.00PhotographersPhotograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 62 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Visual Art, A.F.A. at Northern Virginia Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $225 Per Credit $13,950 $0 $13,950
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.