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Communication, Fine Arts and Graphics department expands curriculum with sought-after industry credentials

By Chris Caldwell 

Fine ArtsThe Department of Communication, Fine Arts, and Graphics has added four new programs that will provide students with the latest state-of-the-art curricula and training for jobs in several high-growth areas of the arts.

“We are very excited about the possibilities our new programs will have for students,” Communication, Graphic & Fine Arts Department Chair Patsy Fancher said. “We are unveiling a digital photography technical certificate, A.A.S. in graphic arts technology in game art and design concentration, commercial music technical certificate, and an A.A.S. in commercial music.”

Fancher said the digital photography technical certificate, launched in spring 2023, is designed to prepare students for employment in a field connected with photography. The program is housed at the Macon Cove Campus and requires the completion of 21 semester hours.

Students interested in learning about graphic arts technology, game art, and design concentration can earn an A.A.S. degree that can open doors to entry-level positions in the gaming and media fields. Fancher said UI/UX Design, animation, VFX, and game design industries require familiarity with several multimedia programs which the degree offers. “This program is a non-transferable degree program designed to prepare students for the workforce in entry-level positions such as an illustrator, tester, script proofer, concept designer, environment artist/designer, UI/UX designer, animator and in VFX and game design industries,” she said. The program will also be housed at the Macon Cove campus and implemented fall semester 2023.

The commercial music technical certificate and A.A.S. in commercial music will provide students with an ear for music to earn credentials and degrees in music-related fields. “Students will have a choice to select from three emphasized areas: Instrumental, Production, or Vocal,” Fancher said. “The program includes core courses in music, theory, and related musicianship skills, music recording, music production, piano, instrumental and vocal performance, and ensembles which will enable students to learn in an active and collaborative setting," Fancher added. The commercial musical technical certificate and A.A.S. degree launches in fall 2023.

Fancher also said the A.A.A. in commercial music is unique in that all the courses are transferable to a four-year degree. “It is designed to prepare students for the workforce, but if they decide to further their education with a four-year degree, they can transfer all the courses to the university they choose,” Fancher said.

Current or prospective students interested in learning more about the new Communications, Fine Arts, and Graphics programs should contact Fancher at 901-333-4151 or pfancher@southwest.tn.edu.