Associate in Fine Arts

What is an AFA Degree?

The Associate in Fine Arts degree is designed for students who are primarily interested in studying the visual arts. This degree is for students preparing to work in the field of visual arts, and for those who wish to transfer into four-year universities or art schools that grant the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Students take 25 credit hours of General Education requirements and an 18 credit fine arts core. The fine arts core consists of six classes that create a strong foundation for success in the practice of studio art. Students must also complete 18 hours of studio art electives from a wide variety of studio art courses such as ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography and digital imaging, and printmaking.

For transfer, five universities in Kentucky offer the Bachelor in Fine Arts degree (BFA): Western Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Northern Kentucky University, and Murray State University. Most art institutes in the United States grant the BFA as well.

WKCTC’s Paducah School of Art and Design has memorandum agreements with Murray State University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to ensure seamless 2+2 transfer into their four-year bachelor programs.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

Length of Program

You can earn an Associate in Fine Arts degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

Credentials Offered

• Associate Degree in Fine Arts

Field Licensure Requirements

Students are not required to pass a licensure for the Associate of Fine Arts degree. Students are encouraged to produce a portfolio of work in anticipation of transfer to a 4-year institution.

Our Goals

• To challenge each student to reach his or her highest level of artistic potential.
• To produce culturally literate citizens who value art as a natural and integral part of their lives.
• To serve as an anchor for the Paducah Arts District, creating a magnet for talent, energy, and critical thinking.
• To provide culturally stimulating, thought-provoking programming to the citizens of western Kentucky and neighboring regions.

Our Mission

WKCTC’s Paducah School of Art and Design’s mission is to promote student success, excellence in teaching and learning, and economic development through diverse visual arts and design programming.

Our Vision

WKCTC’s Paducah School of Art and Design’s vision is to be a nationally recognized art program that promotes a creative community and regional economic growth.

Paducah School of Art and Design offers classes in a wide variety of visual arts studio areas and art history. Students may take classes for credit or recreationally and may choose to pursue a variety of credentials in visual communication and multimedia or an Associate in Fine Arts degree.

What are your career choices?

With the right skills and credentials, a career in art is a reality for those wishing to enter the field. According to a 2020 survey by the Kentucky Labor Market, art occupations earn an average salary of $45,900 in our state.

An AFA degree will prepare you for future academic and career paths in:

Or, continue your education and receive a Bachelor in Fine Art Degree.

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Financial Resources

How to Apply for Scholarships

How to Pay for College