Jewelry and Metal Arts Banner
Career & Academic Pathways >> Visual & Performing Arts
Contact Information
Jamie Dagdigian (Department Chair)
(831) 645-1317
jdagdigian@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Jewelry & Metal Arts
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

Jewelry makers and metal workers practice transformation. Silver, gold, gemstones, iron, and steel become works of art, tools, and much more. Students in MPC’s Jewelry and Metal Arts program learn a wide range of historical and modern skills, including stone setting, enameling, metal casting, soldering, chain making, and tin smithing. Projects involve artistic design and expression, technical and manual skill building, and problem solving. Students graduate with a well-rounded body of work demonstrating readiness for an array of commercial pursuits.

Job Outlook

Program graduates often enter careers requiring creative problem-solving, an eye for design and detailed hand skill mastery. Some go on to design and sell their own goods; others work in repair, conservation, or appraisal. Some graduates have used the practical skills and aesthetic sensibilities honed through their coursework as a foundation from which to start their own businesses in other fields.

Potential Careers

Craft Artist 

$24,770 - $77,270

Jeweler

$26,530 - $62,750

Welder/Cutter

 $29,230 - $71,360

Museum Tech/Conservator

$27,940 - $75,010

*Fashion Designer
(may require additional training)

$39,030 - $164,870

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Jewelry & Metal Arts - Associate in Arts (AA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AA)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENGL 1A
 3 Area A2 4

MPC Elective

 2

   MATH 10 rec.

   ENGL 101A rec.

ARTD 41A

 3

LIBR 50 

 1

ARTD 42A

 3

ARTD 40A

 3

MPC Elective 

 3

Area F

 3

   ENGL 2 rec. for transfer
    ETNC 4 or 5 rec.

MPC Elective

 3 

MPC Elective

 1  
   PERS 10 rec.  

 

  
       
Total Fall Units
 13
 Total Spring Units
 16

Year 2  

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

Jewelry Emphasis

 9

Jewelry Emphasis

 6

   Choose 3 from the following:

   Choose 2 from the following:

   ARTD 40B-D, 41B-D, 43A-C, 

   ARTD 40B-D, 41B-D, 43A-C, 

  

   44A-B, 45, 47A-B, 53, 55, or 57

   44A-B, 45, 47A-B, 53, 55, or 57

Area B & Lab

 4

Area D: 

 3
   CHEM 10 or PHYS 10 rec.
   POLS 1, 10, 16, or 18 rec.
Area E2 3  MPC Elective 3
   ARTS 10A, 12A, 40A, 41A, 60 or        SPCH 1, 2, or 3
   62A rec.
 MPC Elective 3
       
Total Fall Units
 16 Total Spring Units 15

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Olga Sitnik

I didn’t know anything about metalworking when I enrolled in MPC’s jewelry program. Taking jewelry classes was a life changing decision for me. I learned the basic jewelry skills and fell in love with jewelry making. I’ve continued learning and making jewelry; it’s my career. I’m a successful jewelry artist now.

Testimonials 

Motoko Furuhashi

As an Associate Professor in Metalsmithing & Jewelry the foundation of my pedagogical approach and technical knowledge are grounded from my time as an MPC student. …. The MPC metals program was essential to my life and career paths.