Fine Arts
CertificateThis pathway is designed for students that wish to obtain a Certificate in Fine Arts (CFA). The CFA pathway is intended as a half way point to the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) and/or provide an art certification to complement previous degrees. Completion of the CFA will successfully prepare you for further education in the studio arts such as an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Arts. Explore other art pathways for additional information.
North Seattle College's Art Program provides a solid foundation in visual art that emphasizes craft, concept, and critical analysis. North's art faculty are all accomplished, exhibiting studio artists with a passion for teaching and connecting the classroom to the local and national arts scenes. Students can choose from a variety of affordable classes including ceramics, drawing, painting, digital art, photography, 2-D and 3-D design, printmaking, book arts, mural art, jewelry, metal design, sculpture, and art history as well as art business. In addition to our course offerings, North offers a robust visual culture that includes a contemporary art gallery, a student exhibition space, visiting artist lecture series, and a student-led art group. While in the program, students have many opportunities to gain professional experience as working artists including showcasing and selling art, installing, exhibiting, and documenting work, and submitting to literary and arts publications. North emphasizes health and safety best practices in the studio.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Full time : 3 | 45 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore careers and majors: workshops, counseling, and Career Exploration Center.
- Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North, if applicable.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- F-1 international students must enroll full-time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- Check out campus life: Art Group, Art Gallery, Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.
Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List
45 UnitsA sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.
Click to see details
- Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish here.
- Talk with your advisor about combining the CFA with other degrees such as the Associate of Fine Arts or the Associate of Arts.
- 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.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Check out campus life: Art Group, Art Gallery, Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Apply for Licton Springs Review by January 31 and League for Innovation in March.
- Attend campus lectures/forums from the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences division.
- Apply for the CFA degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Apply for Juried Student Show and Spring Art Sale in late April/early May.
- Congratulations, you're half way to the Associate of Fine Arts degree! Talk with your advisor about earning this degree. (link to AFA page)
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2024-25.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.
Career Opportunities
A Certificate in Fine Arts (CFA) pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Practicing Studio Artists and Performers
- Graphic/Industrial Designers
- Small Business Owners/Entrepreneurs
- Public Artist/Muralist
- Teachers
- Art Therapists
- Artist Assistants
- Art Handlers
- Curators
- Gallery/Museum Assistants
- Arts Administrators
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search at www.bls.gov/oes.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete the Certificate in Fine Arts (CFA), additional education opportunities in the visual arts include:
• Associate of Fine Arts degree
• Associate of Arts degree
Our graduates have successfully gone on to get degrees of higher learning at many institutions, including University of Washington, California College of the Arts, Pacific Northwest College of Art, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design, San Diego State University, Western Washington University and have received scholarships and opportunities at many other programs such as Penland School of Craft and Pratt Fine Art Center.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an admissions representative to find out about specific admissions requirements including submitting a portfolio and major pre-requisites for the institution of your choice.
Additional Information
Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.