Creative and Applied Arts

Interested in applying your imagination and creative talents? The Creative and Applied Arts ACP supports a community of learners broadly focused on visual and performing arts as well as commercial application of artistic expressions.

Our programs of study will help you develop artistic skills that can be applied in fulfilling careers in technical theater production, stagecraft, graphic design, web and interactive design, illustration, digital photography, audio production, recording technology, and more.
If a bachelor’s or master’s degree is in your future, our creative arts majors will prepare you for transfer opportunities in the areas of art, music, dance, theater, film, design, and photography.

Career in Creative & Applied Arts *

Painters, illustrators, photographers, film makers, art critics, art teachers, and art dealers.
Dancers, choreographers, actors, producers, casting directors, talent agents, and set designers
Composers, arrangers, music promoters, music teachers, sound designers, sound editors, and recording technicians.
Advertising artists, graphic designers, animators, web designers, and videographers.

* Many of these careers require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Student Voice

Kristina Kalchev

Kristina Kalchev always dreamed big. She knew since she was young that she wanted to become not only a film director, but also a film composer and songwriter. Thanks to the lessons learned at MiraCosta College, Kalchev has already captured an Emmy Award and is well on her way toward reaching her dreams. “MiraCosta was perfect for me,” Kalchev said. “It provided an awesome opportunity to dip my toes into film, musical performance and music technology, all while getting my undergraduate requirements out of the way.”

Student Interview: Juan Beaz

Juan Beaz

Name: Juan Beaz | juanbeaz.com
Age: 27
Degree / Major from MiraCosta: A.A. Graphic Design

Did you transfer, if so where?
I did not transfer

What is your Career Goal?
My goal is to live off of freelance work eventually.

What was your favorite creative/art class(es) at MiraCosta?
3D design was by far my favorite class. The class pushed me to explore mediums I had no experience with. To this day that class influences my work.

How are you using your MiraCosta degree and skills now?
I’ve since worked at various companies as a graphic designer and have showcased artwork in various group shows and solo art exhibits.

Are you working on any projects right now?
Currently working on a solo art show where I'll be showcasing a series of relief prints at Hill Street Country Club in Oceanside.

What advice do you have for new MiraCosta students interested in the Creative & Applied Arts pathway?
My advice to new students is to take advantage of the art courses being offered at MiraCosta and really apply yourself to them. There’s more to a class than just passing it.

Work Examples

Juan Beaz Work 1

Programs of Study

KEY: Certificate of Proficiency Certificate of Achievement Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree

Art

Art History for Transfer	MAP
Digital Photography	MAP	CAREERS
Digital Photography		CAREERS
Museum Studies		CAREERS
Studio Arts for Transfer	MAP	CAREERS

Dance

Dance (prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance (no prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance Instructor (prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance Instructor (no prior training)	MAP	CAREERS

Dramatic Arts

Design and Technology		CAREERS
Design and Technology (MCC GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Design and Technology (IGETC)	MAP	CAREERS
Dramatic Arts	MAP	CAREERS
Theatre Arts for Transfer	MAP	CAREERS

Film

Film Studies	MAP
Film, Television, and Electronic Media for Transfer	MAP	CAREERS

Media Arts & Technologies

Digital and Print Publishing		CAREERS
Digital Media Foundations		CAREERS
Graphic Communication		CAREERS
Graphic Design	MAP	CAREERS
Graphic Design		CAREERS
Video and Animation		CAREERS
Video and Media Design	MAP	CAREERS
Web Design		CAREERS
Web Development and Design	MAP	CAREERS
Web Development and Design		CAREERS