The Associate of Fine Arts Degree Program emphasizes studio education in art and design combined with liberal arts courses, allowing students to develop basic skills, concepts and values in their respective areas of study.

The AFA curriculum consists of 68 to 70 credits, composed of 44 to 46 credits in studio courses, 9 to 10 credits in art history courses and 15 credits in academic courses. The fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks long. The optional summer semester is 12 weeks long with three-week intensive classes.

DCAD maintains a concise, comprehensive and demanding curriculum that provides the training and information necessary to compete successfully in today’s art and design markets. The studio curriculum allows students to develop basic skills, concepts and values in their respective areas of study. Through an engagement with studio activities, process and environment, students develop both their skills and resourcefulness. The art history/academic studies curriculum instructs students in the liberal arts with particular emphasis on written and verbal expression, critical thinking and history and theories of art and design.

Students enrolled in the Associate of Fine Arts Degree Program receive thorough preparation for transfer into bachelor of fine arts degree programs at Pratt, the Corcoran, or other prestigious art and design schools. Completion of requirements for the AFA may be accomplished through two years of full-time study.