Learn more about our Arts programs

The Arts

Careers

Graphic Designer

Woman smiling with tablet, laptop, and color swatches

As a graphic designer, you’ll develop concepts and use your personal expression to visually communicate ideas that can inform, persuade or entertain audiences. From early concepting to the finishing touches, you’ll be creating the latest in modern design.

Where You'll Work
  • Professional Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Designer
  • Graphic Design Teacher
  • Interior Designer
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts4 semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $29,610

  • Median

    $49,700

  • Experienced

    $85,760

Job Outlook

+3%

Growth

in NC by 2028

Qualifications

At COA you will build a solid foundation in visual arts with courses that allow you to share your unique point of view through in-studio and outside assignments. Through small classes, our faculty (all working artists) are able to provide you individual attention as you expand and refine your artistic skills, and prepare you to finish at a four-year institution.

Actor

Pair of stage actors wearing colonial american garments

As an actor, you’ll portray characters in any number of performing arts mediums such as theatre, film and television. It’s your job to bring these characters from the script to life.

Where You'll Work
  • Film
  • Television
  • Theatre
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Associate in Fine Arts in Theatre4 Semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    Salaries Vary

  • Median

    Salaries Vary

  • Experienced

    Salaries Vary

Job Outlook

+11%

Growth

in NC by 2026

Qualifications

COA’s theatre program develops your acting skills by performing in and helping produce plays and musicals in our 1,000-seat auditorium. This hands-on experience on the stage prepares you for success in a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university and a career in the theatre.

Craft Jeweler

Woman holding up jewelry of linked metal hoops

Through creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail, you’ll design original  jewelry using a variety of materials, whether you’re starting your own business or simply exploring a new hobby.

Where You'll Work
  • Bench Jewelers
  • Jewelry Designers
  • Online Business Owner
  • Independent Seller
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Professional Crafts: Jewelry — Diploma4 Semesters
  • Professional Crafts: Basic Jewelry — Certificate2 Semesters
  • Professional Crafts: Advanced Jewelry — Certificate2 Semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $22,240

  • Median

    $43,940

  • Experienced

    $65,140

Job Outlook

+19%

Growth

in NC by 2019

Qualifications

College of The Albemarle’s (COA) Professional Crafts: Jewelry program will teach you the design, jewelry construction and metalsmithing skills needed to develop your own unique style, create one-of-a-kind and production pieces, and build a business from your artistic talent.

Fine Artist

Female artist sketching on large paper pad on upright easel

As an artist, you’ll share your unique point of view through visual expression. From rough sketches to the final brushstrokes, you could be creating the world’s next masterpiece.

Where You'll Work
  • Professional Artist
  • Art Teacher
  • Art Director
  • Art Conservator
  • Gallery Manager
  • Museum Curator
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts4 Semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $21,590

  • Median

    $43,310

  • Experienced

    $102,540

Job Outlook

+1%

Growth

in NC by 2028

Qualifications

At COA you will build a solid foundation in visual arts with courses that allow you to hone your creativity and technical skills. All visual arts faculty are working artists actively involved in creating and exhibiting their own work. Through small classes, they are able to provide you individual attention as you expand and refine your artistic skills and prepare you to finish at a four-year institution.

Producer

Pair of film crew members working camera and film equipment

As a producer, you’ll oversee and lead nearly every aspect of a film, television or theatre production, including scripting, direction, and even marketing.

Where You'll Work
  • Film
  • Television
  • Theatre
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Associate in Fine Arts in Theatre4 Semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $34,450

  • Median

    $71,680

  • Experienced

    $163,540

Job Outlook

+11%

Growth

in NC by 2026

Qualifications

With COA’s theatre program, you’ll learn about theatre production and stagecraft, and help produce plays and musicals in our 1,000-seat auditorium. This hands-on experience behind the curtain prepares you for success in a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university and a career in entertainment.

COA The Arts Programs

Associate Degrees

Associate Degrees

  • Associate in Fine Arts in Theatre
  • Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts
  • Associate in Fine Arts in Theatre
  • Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts
Diplomas

Diplomas

  • Professional Crafts: Jewelry — Diploma
Certificates

Certificates

  • Professional Crafts: Basic Jewelry — Certificate
  • Professional Crafts: Advanced Jewelry — Certificate

What possibility seems most exciting to you? Let us know.We'd love to send you some information and help you take the first steps.

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