Why Study Art?

If you have a passion for art and design, a Fine Arts degree program at RCC is the perfect fit for you. With a curriculum that includes courses in studio art, art history, digital art, drawing and painting, sculpture and ceramics, printmaking, and 2D Design, you’ll develop a well-rounded understanding of the visual arts. At our state-of-the-art art facilities, you’ll have access to the tools and resources you need to create and refine your artwork. Our faculty brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the classroom, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship as you work to develop your skills and portfolio.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to showcase your work through art exhibitions and shows, and to explore Fine Arts career opportunities. We offer portfolio development support and art scholarships and financial aid options to help make your education more affordable. A degree in Fine Arts can lead to a variety of careers in the arts, such as graphic design, illustration, photography, and fine arts. Many of our graduates have transferred to prestigious art schools to specialize in one or more of these fields. Others have found employment in advertising agencies, publishing houses, and design and photography studios. Some students elect to finish a four-year degree in art education. The possibilities are endless!


School of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences


Real World Ready

Listening to workforce needs

Graduates of Rockland Community College are provided with a clear path to meaningful careers that meet the needs of businesses and industry in the communities we serve. Our students are trained in specific skills that are needed by employers, and guided through a career path that leads directly to workforce opportunities. With affordable tuition, students who begin their college careers at RCC are ready to meet the demands of the real world.

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Student Success

At Rockland Community College, you are provided with a Student Success Team that will help you with your academic journey, career exploration, transfer planning, support service referrals, and more! Your Team includes your Dean, Program Director, Faculty Advisor, Student Success Advisor, Connection Center Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor, Peer Mentors, and if you’re involved in any of these special programs, your Athletics, Honors, TRiO, and Veterans Advisors. During your first semester, you will take an ‘Introduction to the School’ course that will outline the various College offices and departments that can help you on your path.

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Career Outlook

Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Many artists work in fine- or commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work. and fine artists improve their skills through practice and repetition. A bachelor’s degree is common for these artists. The median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $49,120 in May 2020. Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,900 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Job Roles

Fine Artist, Museum Curator, and Archivist


Careers

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

$65,020 NYS Average
National Average $65,020 annually

Curators

$72,560 NYS Average
National Average $61,650 annually

Archivists

$66,530 NYS Average
National Average $61,210 annually

Employment and wage data by occupation are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which collects information from approximately 51,000 businesses. labor.ny.gov


Get Started Today

Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. RCC has become the “first choice” for parents and students. Thanks to our affordable tuition, students can save $100,000 on a college education by starting at RCC and transferring to outstanding four-year colleges.