Art/ART - IAI Major Course Recommendations
Note to Faculty and Course Submitters working with IAI Courses:
Before submitting to the IAI Art major panel, please review the panel criteria and other important documents which are available at
Illinois colleges and universities typically offer two bachelor’s degree options in Art: the professional Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Art. The B.F.A. generally requires more studio coursework and is often intended for students preparing for graduate study or professional practice, while the B.A. usually includes fewer art credits and may require foreign language competency, depending on the institution.
Students planning to transfer as juniors into either a B.F.A. or B.A. program should select courses in consultation with an Art department advisor. Many B.F.A. programs also require a portfolio review for admission, enrollment in advanced studio courses, or scholarship consideration.
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) represent different pathways in Studio Art. The A.A. is best suited for students pursuing a liberal arts bachelor’s degree, typically a B.A., and generally completes general education requirements before transfer. The A.F.A. is intended for students pursuing a professional degree, typically a B.F.A., and includes more studio coursework, with general education requirements completed across the four-year degree.
Students should seek advising early from their community college faculty advisor and contact their intended transfer institution at least one semester before transferring. Students who are undecided should begin with Drawing I, Two-Dimensional Design, one art history survey course, English Composition, and a general education Math course. These courses apply to both degree pathways and allow time to work with an advisor on long-term academic goals.
Associates in Art - AA - IAI Art major recommendations
Associates in Fine Arts - AFA - Associates in Fine Arts IAI GECC recommendations
Be sure to consult the institution you plan on transferring to for course articulations.
Return to the Illinois Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations (IAI Majors).