The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Art History is intended for students who plan to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. A student graduating with an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Art History may transfer to a CSU campus to complete a Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Fine Arts, History, Studio Arts, or similar program. Students completing the degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

Each CSU campus determines which of its degrees are “similar” to the Associate in Arts for Transfer in Art History. For a current list of the majors (and the options, areas of emphasis, or concentration within those majors) that have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search webpage. Students are also strongly encouraged to obtain guidance from a Ventura College counselor or the University Transfer Center.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Art History offers a diverse curriculum designed to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of art historical issues. Courses address Theory and Methodology, Museum Studies and Gallery Management, and the Western Canon from Antiquity to the Post‐Modern World. Offerings focused on Women in the Visual Arts, Asia, Islam, Ancient and Modern Mexico, Ancient Meso- and South America, and Modern Latin America add further diversity.

This degree provides a rich foundation in the history of art in context. Students critically examine the importance of artistic traditions in the study of human culture and learn to identify, analyze, and interpret works of art and architecture from a variety of historical periods. Creative works are evaluated as individual achievements and also as reflections of the political, social, religious, and economic interests of the societies from which they emerged.

To earn an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Art History at Ventura College, students must meet the following requirements: 

1. Complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: 
   1. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements. 
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units in the major, as determined by the Ventura County Community College District.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA.  Please consult with a counselor for more information. 
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better, or “P,” in all courses required in the major or area of emphasis. Even though a “P” grade is allowed (Title 5, Section 55062), it is recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (“A,” “B,” or “C”) due to unit limitations on “P/NP” courses.
4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the district.   

Transfer requirements may differ. Students are advised to see a counselor or consult assist.org.

A course may only be applied once to satisfy Major Course requirements.
See a counselor or consult assist.org, especially if you plan to transfer to a UC campus or a college or university other than CSU.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Identify major artistic styles, movements, and cultural areas and associated works of art.
• Analyze works of art in terms of their historical contexts and social and cultural values.