Find Your Program

The Associate of Arts program serves students who wish to earn an Associate of Arts degree and/or who wish to gain college credits for transfer. The program provides students with an excellent foundation for continuing their experience in higher education. Through inquiry, observation, and analysis, students acquire knowledge and skills in the arts, which enable them to broaden their perspectives, enhance problem-solving skills, and express themselves effectively in both writing and speaking. Students take courses within a core curriculum that emphasizes arts-based learning, aligning with their educational goals. Includes history and philosophy, social sciences, languages and literature, health and wellness, and performing arts.

If you have a particular four-year institution in mind, you will need to verify that your transferring college will accept the credits for your major and graduation.

Milwaukee Area Technical College offers different options for Associate of Arts Pre-Major Degrees in the following areas: 

MATC's Associate of Arts - Communication: Pre-Major Degree

The Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Communication Studies encompasses a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to the broad field of Communication. Students will gain proficiency in a myriad of communication contexts, including, but not limited to, public speaking, conflict and communication, and interpersonal and intercultural communication. With a solid introduction to the Communication field of study, you will develop skills to generate captivating messages for wherever your career endeavors take you - nonprofit work, public relations assistant, or communications planner.

MATC's Associate of Arts – Teacher Education: Pre-Major Degree

To prepare for a teaching career, this program is designed for students interested in entering K-12 teacher licensing programs at four-year colleges and universities. The program enables you to fulfill the first two years of requirements for a bachelor’s degree at MATC. The curriculum includes courses focused on the foundations of urban education.

MATC's Associate of Arts - Community Engagement: Pre-Major Degree

This Associate of Arts program prepares you to create positive change through advocacy and community engagement. The curriculum explores contemporary urban issues with an emphasis on social action and diverse perspectives. Through this program, students earn the first two years of bachelor’s degree credit courses that will transfer to a four-year college/university. Courses can be taken online or in a face-to-face format.

MATC's Associate of Arts – Art: Pre-Major Degree

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.

MATC's Associate of Arts - Global Studies: Pre-Major Degree

This Associate of Arts program prepares you for effective intercultural interaction in a globalized society. The curriculum explores contemporary global issues with an emphasis on foreign language study, multicultural perspectives and service learning. Students will develop practical communication skills and learn strategies to support cultural exploration in a global context.

MATC's Associate of Arts - Spanish: Pre-Major Degree

The Associate of Arts Spanish Pre-Major provides the initial two years of coursework focused on Spanish language, literature, and cultures, aimed at transfer to four-year degree programs. Tailored for those planning to major in Spanish or related fields, it ensures transferable credits and emphasizes linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. The program offers online and face-to-face classes, advising students to consult with future institutions for major-specific requirements. With access to academic advising, students are guided through their course selection and transfer processes, preparing them for advanced studies and global opportunities in Spanish-speaking contexts.

MATC's Associate of Arts - Global Studies: Pre-Major Degree

This Associate of Arts program prepares you for effective intercultural interaction in a globalized society. The curriculum explores contemporary global issues with an emphasis on foreign language study, multicultural perspectives and service learning. Students will develop practical communication skills and learn strategies to support cultural exploration in a global context.