Program Overview

Program Overview

The Jewelry and Metals program at North Seattle College offers an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree with a concentration in Jewelry and Metals, as well as a Certificate of Jewelry Design (CJD). The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in visual art, emphasizing craft, concept, and critical analysis.

Program Details

• The AFA degree requires 90 credits and can be completed in six quarters.
• The CJD certificate requires 90 credits and can be completed in six quarters.
• The program includes coursework in jewelry design, metal fabrication, and art business, as well as general education requirements.
• Students will develop technical skills in fabrication, stone setting, and small-scale metal casting and mold making, as well as creative skills in the field of jewelry, for both fine art expression and commercial application.

Estimated Length of Completion

• Degree: Associate of Fine Arts (LASFAAA)
• Quarters: 6
• Units: 90

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

The program provides a sample schedule and quarterly to-do list to help students stay on track and complete the degree in a timely manner.

Quarter 1

• To-Do List:
  • Schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss goals and create an education plan.
  • Document all work made in class every quarter.
  • Apply for Student Art Sale in early November.
  • Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and career services.
• Courses:
  • ART101 or ART111: Design or Drawing
  • ENGL&101: English Composition I
  • ART280: Metal Object Design

Quarter 2

• To-Do List:
  • Create an education plan with an advisor.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
  • Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
• Courses:
  • ART101 or ART111: Design or Drawing
  • ART251: Survey of Art: Paleolithic to 5th Century C.E.
  • ART281: Jewelry Design I

Quarter 3

• To-Do List:
  • Update education plan and confirm program of study with an advisor.
  • Apply for summer financial aid.
  • Apply for Juried Student Show and Spring Art Sale in late April/early May.
• Courses:
  • ANTH130 or WMN205 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies: World Cultures or Women, Gender, & Globalization
  • ART282: Jewelry Design II
  • ART102: Design

Quarter 4

• To-Do List:
  • Document all work made in class every quarter.
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
• Courses:
  • ART210: Digital and Graphic Art
  • Pick one from the following list: ART106, ART114, or ART121
  • Pick one of the following computation classes: MATH&107, PHIL&120, ACCT110, or BUS124

Quarter 5

• To-Do List:
  • Update education plan with an advisor.
  • Contact art departments at potential universities.
  • Write personal statement for university applications.
• Courses:
  • ART283: Introduction to Alloying and Jewelry Casting
  • ART290: Art Business
  • ENVS&100 or BIOL&100 or Natural World: Survey of Environmental Science or Survey of Biology

Quarter 6

• To-Do List:
  • Apply for the AFA degree and Certificate in Jewelry Design.
  • Contact Art department coordinator to start portfolio process.
  • Visit the Student Learning Center for help with artist statement and resume.
• Courses:
  • ART284: Bench Techniques and Practices
  • ART112: Drawing
  • ART252: Survey of Art: 6th-16th Century

Tuition and Funding

• The program provides information on tuition and funding options, including financial aid and scholarships.
• Students can apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or WASFA.
• Art-specific scholarships are available to students.

Career Opportunities

• The program can lead to various career opportunities, including:
  • Jeweler
  • Graphic/Industrial Designer
  • Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur
  • Practicing Studio Artist and Performer
  • Teacher
  • Art Therapist
  • Artist Assistant
  • Art Handler
  • Curator
  • Gallery/Museum Assistant
  • Commercial/Fine Art Photographer
  • Arts Administrator

Future Education Opportunities

• The program provides a foundation for further education opportunities, including:
  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art or Art History or a related field at a four-year college or university.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.

Additional Information

• The program provides additional information on the transfer process, transfer agreements, and bachelor's degrees, including transferring to top universities around the state and nation.