Through the integration of diverse disciplines in art, design, business, computers, and the liberal arts, the academic programs at Wade College reach beyond specialized professional skills to a broader spectrum of knowledge. The curriculum promotes a well-rounded perspective of the world in general and the field of merchandising and design in particular.

The Associate of Arts degree is a balanced dual-major program. A minimum of 63 semester credit hours is required for degree completion. Each student takes the core curriculum consisting of 16 courses totaling 42 semester credit hours. Instructional areas of emphasis in the core curriculum are merchandising, design, and general studies. Seven elective courses totaling 21 semester credit hours are also required. The choice of electives gives each student the opportunity to acquire specialized skills in one of the fields of fashion design, interior design, graphic design, or merchandise marketing.

For the day program, the Associate of Arts degree can be completed in four consecutive trimesters of study. Each trimester is 15 weeks of instruction in length and is equivalent to a traditional semester. Full-time students can graduate 16 months after entering the program.

For the evening program, the Associate of Arts degree can be completed in five consecutive trimesters of study. Each trimester is 15 weeks of instruction in length and is equivalent to a traditional semester. Full-time students can graduate 20 months after entering the program.