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Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Art/Studio Arts

The Associate in Arts in Art/Studio Arts Transfer (AA-T) Degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for Studio Arts majors (or similar majors) at a CSU campus that offers a Studio Arts baccalaureate degree.

Students who earn an AA-T in Art/Studio Arts demonstrate knowledge and skill in areas including drawing, painting, ceramics, or photography. Foundational skills and knowledge of the studio arts are the springboard for an array of careers including professional artist, illustrator, layout artist graphic designer, animator, advertising artist, art director, art critic, art educator, art therapist, gallery and museum curator, gallery assistant and art restorer.  The CSU campuses offer a wide range of specialized bachelor’s degrees, including each of the studio arts as well as art education, art history, photography, digital arts and multimedia, graphic design and arts technology.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: ARTH C1200 / ARTH C1200H (Cal-GETC 3A)M3.0
ARTH C1200 - Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary (formerly ART 106) (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001B, ART 106)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH C1200 or ARTH C1200H)

This course provides an overview of art and architecture from the Renaissance to the contemporary period with a focus on art from Europe. The course will further consider global interactions involving this region.
The course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History or seeking to fulfill a general education requirement in Arts.

ARTH C1200H - Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary - Honors (formerly ART 106H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001B, ART 106H)

Advisory:ENGL C1000, It is also advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH C1200 or ARTH C1200H)

This course provides an overview of art and architecture from the Renaissance to the contemporary period with a focus on art from Europe. The course will further consider global interactions involving this region. This is an honors course.
This course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History or seeking to fulfill a general education requirement in Arts.

ART 120 - Two-Dimensional DesignM3.0
ART 120 - Two-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in learning basic design principles as they apply to two-dimensional media. Through lectures, written assignments, and studio projects using materials such as ink, paper collage, and paint, students learn how to orchestrate the fundamental elements of two-dimensional images like line, shape, texture, value, and space. In addition to developing a visual vocabulary for personal creative expression, students explore design concepts as they relate to effective visual communication across art, design, and culture.

ART 130 - Freehand Drawing IM3.0
ART 130 - Freehand Drawing I (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course for art and non-art majors interested in developing basic drawing skills is an introduction to observational drawing and composition. In the course, students develop the ability to perceive and define shape, contour, volume, space, and light using a variety of drawing media and subject matter. Emphasis is on clarity of observation and the ability to order and translate 3D form and space into 2D drawings.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (Cal-GETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Total Semester Units:12.5 
2nd Semester
ART 121 - Three-Dimensional DesignM3.0
ART 121 - Three-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030B)

Advisory: ART 120
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in the fundamentals of visual thinking as they apply to all three-dimensional media. The course provides an introduction to the concepts, applications, and art historical contexts related to three-dimensional art, and includes the basic elements and principles of three-dimensional design. Students explore topics such as planes, volume, and texture through the creative use of different materials like foam board, wire, or wood.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
Please select one course. ART 124/ART 131*/ART 135/ART 136*/ART 140/ART 141*/ART 146*/ ART 150/ART 170/ART 230*/ART 231*/ART 260/GDSN 178/PHTO 110/PHTO 130. *Requires a pre-requisite.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (Cal-GETC 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following to fulfill this requirement: DSCI 101, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190, STAT C1000/H.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

Cal-GETC 1C - Oral CommunicationGE3.0

Select one:
COMM C1000, C1000H

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Summer 1
Cal-GETC 3B - HumanitiesGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL C1002, C1002H, 126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:6.0† 
3rd Semester
Select one: ARTH C1100 / ARTH C1100H / ART 107 / ART 108 (Cal-GETC 3B)M3.0
ARTH C1100 - Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era (formerly ART 105) (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001A, ART 105)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH C1100 or ARTH C1100H)

This course introduces students to visual art and architecture from prehistory to the medieval era with a focus on art from Europe, North Africa, and the near East. The course will further consider global interactions involving these regions.
This course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History or seeking to fulfill a general education requirement in Arts.

ARTH C1100H - Survey of Western Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era - Honors (formerly ART 105H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001A, ART 105H)

Advisory:ENGL C1000, It is also advised that students be able read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH C1100 or ARTH C1100H)

This course introduces students to visual art and architecture from prehistory to the medieval era with a focus on art from Europe, North Africa, and the near East. The course will further consider global interactions involving these regions. This is an honors course.
This course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History or seeking to fulfill a general education requirement in Arts.

ART 107 - The Art of Asia (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course examines the artistic traditions of prehistoric to modern Asia in relation to their cultural, philosophical, and religious influences. The art and architecture of Central Asia (India, China, Korea, and Japan) are emphasized. Examples from Southeast Asia, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal also are discussed. This course is appropriate for all students interested in art and culture, and for those seeking to fulfill General Education requirements for Arts, as well as Studio Art majors.

ART 108 - The Art of Mexico (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 003)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is a survey of the art and architecture of Mexico, including PreColumbian, Viceregal (Colonial) and Modern (i.e., art and architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries). Chicano/a/x art will also be examined in relation to its Mexican antecedents. This course is appropriate for all students interested in art and culture and for those seeking to fulfill General Education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities, as well as all Studio Art and Art History majors.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
Please select one course. ART 124/ART 131*/ART 135/ART 136*/ART 140/ART 141*/ART 146*/ ART 150/ART 170/ART 230*/ART 231*/ART 260/GDSN 178/PHTO 110/PHTO 130. *Requires a pre-requisite.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Cal-GETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 5A - Physical ScienceGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Total Semester Units:15.0† 
4th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
Please select one course. ART 124/ART 131*/ART 135/ART 136*/ART 140/ART 141*/ART 146*/ ART 150/ART 170/ART 230*/ART 231*/ART 260/GDSN 178/PHTO 110/PHTO 130. *Requires a pre-requisite.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

US HISTORY (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0


All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following U.S. History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Cal-GETC 5B - Biological ScienceGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Cal-GETC 5C - LaboratoryGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in Cal-GETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
Total Units for Art/Studio Arts AA-T program61.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
  • Continuing students who started prior to Fall 2025 may follow CSU GE or IGETC.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will describe and discuss the fundamental or “formal properties” of art: line, positive/negative space, shade/tone, texture, color, etc.


2

Students will identify, analyze, and evaluate basic techniques of “process” in a variety of media: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, computer graphics, photography, ceramics, etc.


3

Students will produce carefully considered art works to final completion, thereby demonstrating their “practice” of art.


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