Arts

The Fine & Performing Arts at Merced College offer associates degrees and certificate programs emphasizing the development of intellectual and artistic abilities. Students have many transfer and skills-based courses to choose from within the visual and performing arts fields and receive extensive opportunities for gaining practical experience within their area of study.

The area faculty and staff are dedicated to assisting students achieve their educational goals, including transfer to a 4-year university, obtaining an associate’s degree or certificate, and life-long learning.  Visit the respective departments for a more detailed listing of available courses and programs.

Our Programs

  • Art

    Visual Arts studies include an intensive series of studio, art history, and general education courses that prepare students for transfer, professional work, or life-long learning.

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  • Digital Arts

    Study cutting-edge artistic developments in our increasingly visual world.

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  • Theatre

    The theatre department offers a well-rounded program of courses that fulfill most lower-division requirements of four-year colleges and universities.

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  • Photography

    This course will expose you to a variety of techniques as well as stimulate your curiosity and imagination.

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  • Music

    Classes are offered in the areas of performance, music history, theory, instrumental and vocal technique, musical theatre, as well as general education music courses.

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Social Media

Follows us on social media and join our vibrant fine and performing arts community! We post event updates, photos and videos from our various arts programs, and educational content. See you there!

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Art Gallery exhibitions

Our art gallery features the work of local and regional artists, as well as student and faculty shows.

See Exhibitions

Live Performances

Our live performances provide opportunities for students to develop performance-related skills in both music and theatre.  We also host visiting performances and guest presentations in our theater as part of our annual calendar of events.

Find Performances

Faculty

Get to know the expert faculty supporting the Fine & Performing Arts area of study.

View Faculty

School of Arts and Social Science Staff

The foundation of a successful career begins here.

Next Steps

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people viewing the campus art gallery