The AFA degree certifies completion of approved course work. It is suitable for students currently working in art but does not currently transfer with the same transfer rights to area colleges as the NSCC Associate of Arts (AA) degree. However, it is accepted by Evergreen State College with transfer rights similar to those of the AA. Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts should consult NSCC AA degree requirements, their Art advisor, and the university in which they intend to enroll about equivalency requirements. Since university requirements for admission may change annually, the students must keep themselves informed of these changes.

The AFA degree scope and sequence requires ENGL&101 and &102; and one of the following computation courses: MATH (&107 or above), BUS116, BUS152, or ACCT (110 or above). Students must also complete 15 credits in three areas of knowledge: Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts; Individuals in Cultures and Society; and The Natural World. There are also 45 required art credits and a minimum of 24 art elective credits. During the final quarter, students must submit a portfolio of work of at least eight pieces for evaluation. The art faculty will provide exact details on portfolio preparation and will review and vote on acceptability toward the degree.

All students entering this program of study must plan their program with one of the full-time art faculty, who becomes their advisor. Because some of the art courses are offered only once a year and studio art courses must be taken in sequence, it's important to consult both with the faculty and the annual schedule for planning purposes. Substitutions may be made only with the approval of the art faculty and Humanities Division dean.

Full-time art faculty are Elroy Christenson, David Harris, and Joan Stuart Ross.