Associate of Arts – Art: Pre-Major

abstract artwork

Program Information

  • Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
  • Pathway: General Education
  • Program Code: 20-800-1
  • Offering: In-Person
  • Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
  • Start Dates: August/January

About the Associate of Arts – Art: Pre-Major Degree

DESCRIPTION

Liberal Arts and Sciences Four-Year College Transfer Program

The study of art and design develops creative thinkers, artist professionals and cultural leaders through a cross-disciplinary curriculum that balances innovation, traditional craftsmanship, critical thinking, and scholarly civic engagement. This pre-major aligns with transfer agreements with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to give you a head start on a bachelor degree in the arts.

Students earn the first two years of bachelor’s degree credit courses that will transfer (consult with the destination institution regarding specific requirements for a major and credit transfer details). 

Note: It is important to consult the four-year college/university regarding transferability of your selected courses. Successful completion of this degree requires a grade-point average of 2.0 (C) or higher, with 25% of the credits taken at MATC.

 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now. 

Request Info    Visit Us    Apply Now


Career Outlook

 

Related Programs

student in study lab

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree provides you with the first two years of bachelor’s degree credit courses that will transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The courses in this degree emphasize the humanities and allow students many options to analyze information, think critically and creatively, respect diversity and collaborate with others. Courses may be taken online or face to face. Students who plan to transfer should consult with the four-year college/university regarding specific requirements for a major and the credit transfer details.

student in science lab

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree provides you with the first two years of bachelor’s degree credit courses that will transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The courses in this degree emphasize the sciences and allow students many options to analyze information, think critically and creatively, respect diversity and collaborate with others. Courses may be taken online or face to face. Students who plan to transfer should consult with the four-year college/university regarding specific requirements for a major and the credit transfer details.

Detailed Program Information

2025-26 Curriculum

Course Course Name Credits
English – 6 credits required 6
ENG-201 English 1 ‡
ENG-202 English 2 ‡
Speech – 3 credits required 3

SPEECH-201

(or) SPEECH 203

(or) SPEECH 206

Elements of Speech

Interpersonal Communication

Intercultural Communication

World/Foreign Language – 4 credits required 4
Any 200-level FLANG
Most four-year universities require at least two consecutive semesters of the same language. Students with prior experience can place into a higher level with the potential of earning 2-14 free retroactive credits. Students who completed four high school semesters of the same language with a grade of C or better can waive this requirement; the four waived credits must be made up with other 200-level credits.
Humanities – 12 credits required 12

ART-201

ART-202

ART-203

 

 

Understanding Art

Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture

Ancient to Medieval Art and Architecture

Select one additional 3-credit 200-level Humanities course; see list of courses on Program Plan. Discuss your course selections with Pathway Advisor.

Social Sciences – 9 credits required 9
See list of courses on Program Plan. Discuss your course selections with Pathway Advisor.
Diversity/Ethnic Studies – 3 credits required 3
See list of courses on Program Plan. Discuss your course selections with Pathway Advisor.
Mathematics/Natural Sciences – 11 credits required (combined between Math and Natural Sciences)
11
Minimum of 11 total credits in Mathematics and Natural Sciences to include: 3-4 credits of Math at the level of Intermediate Algebra or above, and 7-8 credits of Natural Science. See list of courses on Program Plan. Discuss your course selections with Pathway Advisor.
Physical Education – 3 credits required 3
Select any 200-level PHYED course(s).
Additional Art Courses – 9 credits required 9

ART-204 Drawing by Observation

GRDS-103 Design Elements and Principles

GRDS-107 Digital Imaging

TOTAL CREDITS

60

‡ Prerequisite required.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.

Successful completion of this Associate in Arts degree requires a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher.

Important: Consult the four-year college or university you plan to attend regarding transferability of selected courses.

Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.

Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.

2025-2026 Program Flyer

View/Print pdf

Important Dates

Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines

Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar

Program Outcomes

The Associate of Arts degree (AA) prepares students with the necessary academic and practical skills to complete a program of general education study and successfully transfer to a four-year college/university or to the workforce. It requires coursework to prepare students to enter into many different areas of study, emphasizing humanities and social sciences.

Specifically, learning outcomes for graduates include the following:

Effective Communication in Writing

Problem-Solving

Global Competence

Professionalism

Data Literacy

 

Admissions Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent

Scholarships

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now. 

Request Info    Visit Us    Apply Now

 

QUESTIONS?

General Education Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6584
genedpathway@matc.edu

 

Last updated: 04/03/2025