Visual Arts - Associate of Arts

College of the Mainland’s Visual Arts Program offers courses dedicated to the creative growth of students as makers and visionaries. Classes include lecture courses in art history and art appreciation, as well as hands-on studio courses in ceramics, sculpture, painting, photography, design, drawing and digital media.  Courses emphasize design skills, relevant content development, originality, critical dialog, and portfolio development for academic transfer to four-year universities or schools of art. Students may also use COM art courses for personal enrichment, or as electives enhancing the creative thinking required by other disciplines in a highly competitive world. 

Students completing an Associate of Arts (AA) degree at COM will meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours that may be comprised of courses from the Core Curriculum, institutional requirements, and Fields of Study.
  2. Maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). Only credit-bearing College of the Mainland courses will be used to calculate a GPA.
  3. Complete last 15 credit hours toward this degree at COM, with the exception of reverse transfer.
  4. Satisfy TSI liability.

Full-Time Student Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
PSYC 1300
Learning Framework 1
or Learning Framework
3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 1 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 1 3
ARTS 1311 Design I 1 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I 1
or Art History II
3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #2
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 1 3
HIST 1302 U S History II 1 3
SPCH 1315
Public Speaking 1
or Interpersonal Communication
3
ARTS 1312 Design II 1 3
ARTS 1316 Drawing I 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
ENGL 1302 Composition II 1 3
Life and Physical SciencesSelect from Core Curriculum 1 4
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 1 3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1 1
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I 1  
Sculpture I 1  
Ceramics I 1  
Digital Media 1  
Photography I 1  
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Life and Physical SciencesSelect from Core Curriculum 1 4
Language, Philosophy and CultureSelect from Core Curriculum 1 3
Social/Behavioral SciencesSelect from the Core Curriculum 1 3
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 1 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I 1  
Life Drawing 1  
Sculpture I 1  
Ceramics I 1  
Photography I 1  
Digital Media 1  
Painting II 1  
Ceramics II 1  
Photography II 1  
 Semester Credit Hours16
 Total Semester Credit Hours60

 Core Curriculum

Core Component Course Selection Minimum Hours Required
Life and Physical Sciences 2 courses from the following list: ASTR 1403, ASTR 1404, BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1409, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402; CHEM 1405, CHEM 1406, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1404, GEOL 1445, GEOL 1447; PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1410, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 8
Language, Philosophy, and Culture 1 course from the following list: ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333, ENGL 2341, ENGL 2351; HUMA 1301, HUMA 1302; PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2306; SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 3
Social/Behavioral Sciences 1 course from the following list: ECON 2301, ECON 2302; PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314; SOCI 1301, SOCI 1306 3
Note: GEOL 1405 and ENVR 1401 are equivalent; PHYS 1403 and ASTR 1403 are equivalent; PHYS 1404 and ASTR 1404 are equivalent.

1

Course(s) listed in the Texas Common Course Numbering System

Part-Time Student Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
PSYC 1300
Learning Framework 1
or Learning Framework
3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 1 3
ARTS 1311 Design I 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester #2
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 1 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 1 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I 1
or Art History II
3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1 1
 Semester Credit Hours10
Semester #3
ENGL 1302 Composition II 1 3
SPCH 1315
Public Speaking 1
or Interpersonal Communication
3
ARTS 1312 Design II 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester #4
Life and Physical SciencesSelect from Core Curriculum 1 4
HIST 1302 U S History II 1 3
ARTS 1316 Drawing I 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours10
Semester #5
Social/Behavioral SciencesSelect from Core Curriculum 1 3
Language, Philosophy and CultureSelect from Core Curriculum 1 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 1 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I 1  
Sculpture I 1  
Ceramics I 1  
Digital Media 1  
Photography I 1  
 Semester Credit Hours12
Semester #6
Life and Physical SciencesSelect from Core Curriculum 1 4
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 1 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I 1  
Life Drawing 1  
Sculpture I 1  
Ceramics I 1  
Photography I 1  
Digital Media 1  
Painting II 1  
Ceramics II 1  
Photography II 1  
 Semester Credit Hours10
 Total Semester Credit Hours60

Core Curriculum 

Core Component Course Selection Minimum Hours Required
Life and Physical Sciences 2 courses from the following list: ASTR 1403, ASTR 1404, BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1409, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402; CHEM 1405, CHEM 1406, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1404, GEOL 1445, GEOL 1447; PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1410, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 8
Language, Philosophy, and Culture 1 course from the following list: ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333, ENGL 2341, ENGL 2351; HUMA 1301, HUMA 1302; PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2306; SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 3
Social/Behavioral Sciences 1 course from the following list: ECON 2301, ECON 2302; PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314; SOCI 1301, SOCI 1306 3
Note: GEOL 1405 and ENVR 1401 are equivalent; PHYS 1403 and ASTR 1403 are equivalent; PHYS 1404 and ASTR 1404 are equivalent.

1

Course(s) listed in the Texas Common Course Numbering System

Transfer Information - Visual Arts

Important Notes: The schools represented here are only a small sample of transfer options. Information is subject to change, and this suggested pathway is a guide, not a contract. Students should use this in consultation with a COM advisor, COM catalog, Texas Pathways state-wide transfer guidelines, and advisor at the transfer institution. 

University of Houston - Clear Lake (BFA in Art and Design, Studio Concentration)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Drawing I
3
PSYC 1300 Learning Framework 3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I
or Art History II
3
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Drawing I
3
SPCH 1315 Public Speaking 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2323 Life Drawing 3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Introduction to Sociology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2316 Painting I 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Drawing II  
Ceramics II  
Photography II  
 Semester Credit Hours15
 Total Semester Credit Hours60

University of Houston (BA in Art)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Drawing I
3
PSYC 1300 Learning Framework 3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I
or Art History II
3
Select from one of the following: 3
Design I  
Drawing I  
Digital Media  
SPCH 1315 Public Speaking 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2323
Life Drawing
or Photography I
3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Introduction to Sociology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I  
Sculpture I  
Photography I  
ARTS 1317 Drawing II 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
 Total Semester Credit Hours60

University of Houston - Downtown (BA in Art)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Design II
3
PSYC 1300
Learning Framework
or Learning Framework
3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I
or Art History II
3
Select from one of the following: 3
Design I  
Drawing I  
Digital Media  
SPCH 1315
Public Speaking
or Interpersonal Communication
3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2323 Life Drawing 3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Introduction to Sociology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 1317 Drawing II 3
 Semester Credit Hours12
 Total Semester Credit Hours57

Texas State University - San Marcos (BA in Art)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
Select from one of the following: 3
Design I  
Design II  
Drawing I  
PSYC 1300 Learning Framework 3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I
or Art History II
3
Select from one of the following: 3
Design I  
Drawing I  
Digital Media  
SPCH 1315
Public Speaking
or Interpersonal Communication
3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Life Drawing  
Ceramics I  
Photography I  
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
Introduction to Sociology  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I  
Sculpture I  
Photography I  
Select from one of the following: 3
ARTS 1317 Drawing II 3
ARTS 2347 Ceramics II 3
ARTS 2357 Photography II 3
 Semester Credit Hours24
 Total Semester Credit Hours69

Texas A&M University (BFA in Visualization)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Drawing I
3
PSYC 1300 Learning Framework 3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1301
Art Appreciation
or Art History II
3
ARTS 1311 Design I 3
SPCH 1315 Public Speaking 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2323
Life Drawing
or Photography I
3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Introduction to Sociology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2356 Photography I 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Drawing II  
Ceramics II  
Photography II  
 Semester Credit Hours15
 Total Semester Credit Hours60

University of Texas - Austin (BFA in Studio Art)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester #1Semester Credit Hours
MATH 1332 Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors I  
Physical Geology  
Stars and Galaxies  
Select from one of the following: 3
Design I  
Design II  
Drawing I  
PSYC 1300 Learning Framework 3
 Semester Credit Hours16
Semester #2
ENGL 1302 Composition II 3
HIST 1301 U S History I 3
ARTS 1303
Art History I
or Art History II
3
ARTS 1311
Design I
or Drawing I
3
SPCH 1315
Public Speaking
or Interpersonal Communication
3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Semester #3
Select from one of the following: 4
Biology for Non-Science Majors II  
Environmental Science I  
Introductory Chemistry I  
HIST 1302 U S History II 3
GOVT 2305 Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) 3
ARTS 2323
Life Drawing
or Photography I
3
PHED 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Semester #4
Select from one of the following: 3
Introduction to Philosophy  
Introduction to the Humanities I  
British Literature I  
Select from one of the following: 3
General Psychology  
Introduction to Sociology  
Principles of Macroeconomics  
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) 3
Select from one of the following: 3
Painting I  
Sculpture I  
Photography I  
Select from one of the following: 3
Drawing II  
Ceramics II  
Photography II  
 Semester Credit Hours15
 Total Semester Credit Hours60
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