The Fine Arts degree will help develop the student’s artistic interest and strengths, with the flexibility to transfer to other college programs. The Fine Arts program explores a wide range of experiences through a studio-oriented program of study, and encourages students to develop creativity through discovery along with ability to observe and analyze visual images. Exposure to career opportunities and educational options is an integral part of the program.

The curriculum provides students with a thorough exploration of a variety of visual art fundamentals. Throughout their curriculum students will expand their ability to use verbal, written and visual language effectively, use critical thinking, think logically, and solve problems practically. Students will learn to examine issues in a historical context and develop the ability to make ethical choices. Coursework within the Fine Arts concentration will reinforce these liberal arts goals and students will become aware of how the arts fit and shape the larger society, making the student more connected with the world and a more well-rounded individual.

The curriculum requirements for the Associate of Arts in Fine Arts Degree offer the equivalent of the first two years of a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. The Associate in Arts Fine Arts Degree Program meets the needs of our transfer students by preparing them to pursue a four-year bachelor degree in Studio Arts, Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Art History and Art Education.

Program Mission

The Fine Arts Degree program offers students a strong foundation in the fine arts, and includes the general education requirements to transfer to a four-year college. The program provides an educational background that is broad enough for the student to continue their education and training according to society’s changing needs, and provides an educational experience ensuring flexibility of occupational choice.

Program Goals/Objectives

Graduates from this program will:

• Have the working knowledge and the appropriate vocabulary of art terms and techniques including the principles and elements of art.
• Be able to draw, paint, weld and photograph following specific instructions.
• Participate in events including a fine arts exhibition, art museum field trip and portfolio reviews.
• Develop a portfolio for transfer to a four-year college

Admission Requirements

In addition to college-wide admission requirements, applicants must have:

• A C or better in high school level algebra, English, reading and writing.

Technical Standards

Applicants must have:

• Eye-hand and fine hand motor coordination, good vision and manual dexterity to perform drawing, painting, photography and welding techniques and operations. (Adaptive equipment is acceptable.)
• Capacity to stand or sit for extended periods of time. (Adaptive equipment is acceptable.)
• Effective communication skills that include the ability to orally communicate English at the college level.
• Ability to follow written instructions with minimal supervision, meet deadlines and work in a project-based environment.
• Ability to accept critique of artwork and make changes based on constructive criticism.

Transfer Policy

Appropriate transfer credits for courses within the major may be accepted within a 10-year time frame. The Department Chair, on an individual basis, will evaluate transfer of courses more than 10 years old.

Employment Opportunities

Though most graduates of the Fine Arts program would transfer into a four-year college Fine Arts program, they will posses the skills and knowledge to obtain entry-level positions in art management.

Transfer Opportunities

Students who graduate from MCC's Fine Arts program will have the opportunity to transfer to several four-year colleges including: University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, Colby-Sawyer College, New England College, Massachusetts College of Art, Maine College of Art, Franklin Pierce University, Endicott College, Chester College of New England, Art Institute of Boston, The New England Institute of Art and University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Fine Arts Degree Program