Statement of Purpose
The Art program at Texas Southmost College is designed to inspire creativity, develop artistic skills, and provide students with a strong foundation in visual arts. The program particularly focuses on fundamental and traditional skills that have been used since the art of the Greeks and Romans and are still relevant today and used in all visual art fields. Through hands-on studio work, art history studies, and critical analysis, students gain the knowledge and technical proficiency needed to pursue careers in the arts or transfer to a four-year institution for further study. Whether aspiring to be a professional artist, designer, educator, or arts administrator, our program fosters artistic growth and career readiness.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn:
Career Options
At Texas Southmost College, we understand that pursuing an art education is not just about developing talent-it’s also about preparing for a career in the creative industry.
Graduates of our Art program have gone on to work in fields such as:
- Fine Arts (painting, sculpture, illustration)
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Art Education
- Museum and Gallery Management
- Advertising and Marketing Design
- Animation and Multimedia Production
Job search assistance
TSC connects students to high-wage, high-demand jobs by aligning academic and continuing education pathways to the workforce. Texas Southmost College provides valuable experiences that make our graduates exceptionally marketable, such as:
- Internship Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in studios, galleries, and creative industries.
- Networking Events: College and community-organized events allow students to connect with professional artists, designers, and industry leaders.
- Portfolio Development Workshops: Students are encouraged to prepare strong portfolios in preparation for job applications or university transfer.
- Job Fairs: Each spring TSC hosts a job fair that features more than 70 employers, all looking for the next generation of qualified candidates. Students and alumni are invited to bring their resumes and strengthen their contacts in their chosen fields.
- Career Services: TSC’s Transfer, Career, and Employment Services team assists students in mapping out college transfers, shaping career aspirations, and aiding in post-graduation job placements. Their services encompass guidance on job hunts, crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, and conducting interest inventory evaluations. More information may be found here.
Funding your education
Texas Southmost College remains the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. When we talk about financial literacy, we talk about accumulating wealth, not debt. If you want to make a good return on investment, Think TSC, and study local.
TSC offers a number of grants and scholarships for those who qualify.
- Applying for scholarships is easy. Submit one application, and you are automatically matched with all of the scholarships you qualify for at TSC. Click here to learn more about the TSC scholarship portal.
- Federal financial aid is available through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Applying for financial aid is free! Click here to learn more.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete the program?
- The Art program can typically be completed in two to four semesters, depending on the student’s course load and schedule.
How much time will I need to commit to coursework and assignments?
- Students should expect to spend 8-12 hours per week on coursework and studio projects, depending on the complexity of the assignments.
How do I apply to the program?
- To apply, complete the ApplyTexas application and follow the admissions process. If you need assistance, our advisors are available to guide you through the steps.
Testimonials from students, faculty, and/or employers
“TSC’s Art program helped me refine my skills, build a strong portfolio, and prepare for a career in graphic design. The professors are incredibly supportive and provide valuable insights into the art world.” - Juan R., Art Program Graduate
“My time learning under the TSC Art program Completely surpassed my expectations for how much vital knowledge the faculty provided to my higher education journey. With the guidance from the excellent professors such as David Ransom, Robert Andes, and David Guerra, I was able to grow varying new skillsets and also understand the academic reasoning behind each step. ...I can confidently say that each professor provided incredibly insightful feedback as well as the necessary encouragement to keep students, like myself, striving for a better future.” - Gabriella G., Art Program Graduate
“The art program at Texas Southmost College played a critical role in preparing me for my professional career. It provided me with a transformative, exquisite way of viewing the world like never before. During my time there, I was introduced to traditional techniques like value studies, oil painting, and academic drawing. My professor's passion for teaching encouraged me to nurture my ability for drawing and learning. Texas Southmost College provides a special, intimate space that deeply connects you to your professors and peers. There is no doubt that taking these art courses will help your art improve tremendously. If this is your calling, don’t hesitate to sign up!” - April P., Art Program Graduate
“... students pursuing an Associate of Arts in Art at Texas Southmost College develop strong design‑thinking skills, creativity, and discipline. Their creative perspective complements technical abilities and fosters innovative, forward‑thinking approaches that could be valuable across many fields.” - Martha C., TSC Faculty
Please provide contact information for 2-3 individuals here. The Marketing Department will follow up with your contacts for photos/video to accompany testimonial.
Gabriella Garza: ggarza785@gmail.com; 956-295-6173
Enrique Palacios: palaciosenrique620@gmail.com; 956-620-9720
April M. Prado: aprilmarieprado@gmail.com; 955-832-7673
Request more information about Texas Southmost College, our programs, or upcoming events.
Program of Study
1st Semester
| ARTS-1303 | Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century) | 3 |
| ENGL-1301 | Composition I | 3 |
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| | |
| HIST-1301 | United States History I | 3 |
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| Or | |
| HIST-2327 | Mexican-American History I (to the United States-Mexico War Era) | 3 |
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| | |
| MATH-1332 | Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) | 3 |
| ARTS-1311 | Design I (2-Dimensional) | 3 |
2nd Semester
| ARTS-1304 | Art History II (14th Century to the Present) | 3 |
| ENGL-1302 | Composition II | 3 |
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| | |
| HIST-1302 | United States History II | 3 |
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| Or | |
| HIST-2328 | Mexican-American History II (from the United States-Mexico War Era) | 3 |
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| | |
XXXX-X3XX
| Life and Physical Sciences Elective | 3 |
| ARTS-1316 | Drawing I | 3 |
3rd Semester
| GOVT-2305 | Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) | 3 |
XXXX-X3XX
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Elective | 3 |
| ARTS-1312 | Design II (3-Dimensional) | 3 |
| ARTS-1317 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ARTS-2316 | Painting I | 3 |
4th Semester
XXXX-X3XX
| Life and Physical Sciences Elective | 3 |
XXXX-X3XX
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 |
| ARTS-2348 | Digital Media | 3 |
| GOVT-2306 | Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) | 3 |
| ARTS-2317 | Painting II | 3 |
ARTS-1303, ENGL-1301, ARTS-1311, ARTS-1304, ARTS-1312, ARTS-1317, ARTS-2317, and ARTS-2348: Grade of C or better is required for graduation
XXXX-X3XX (Life and Physical Sciences Elective), XXXX-X3XX (Language, Philosophy & Culture Elective), and XXXX-X3XX (Social & Behavioral Sciences Elective): Students may take any course within this category of the TSC General Education Core Curriculum.
HIST-1301, HIST-2327, HIST-1302, and HIST-2328: Courses must be taken in sequence: United States History I and United States History II or Mexican American History I and Mexican American History II.