MCC Merges Communication, Art and Design Programs for Students

“When you go to community college, you’re getting an amazing education,” said Dr. Jennifer Bauer, Middlesex Community College’s Communication, Art & Design Department Chair. “More and more students are seeing the value of community college. Not just the cost benefit that’s always been there, we have incredible professors and opportunities.”

As Chair, Bauer is at the forefront of bringing opportunities to students studying Communications at Middlesex. As of the Fall 2021 semester, she now heads MCC’s Art and Design programs as well. The college chose to merge the programs after the previous Chair of Art and Design Margaret Rack retired in Spring 2021.

The new Communication, Art and Design major provides much of the same foundational material and content students interested in the different fields need in order to transfer to a four-year college or university. With the merge, students can explore industries and skills across three different areas, while the college can go through the programs and make improvements where they are needed.

“The foundational stages of Communication, Art and Design are rooted in the same theories and principles,” Bauer said. “For Graphic Design and then Studio Art, we’re going to be able to look at the curriculum, talk to folks in the industry, and find ways to align our programs to better serve our students as they transfer or go into the field.”

Both the Communication and Graphic Design programs previously had separate internship components as part of the major. These opportunities will continue in a combined course that offers practical field work outside of the classroom with coursework that helps students build resumes, portfolios and cover letters.

“Students learn more about how to problem solve on the job and interact with other people,” Bauer said. “They’re really learning some valuable work skills at the same time that they’re doing relevant internships.”

Before merging the programs, Bauer sat down with MCC Art and Design faculty to hear their input. Praising the faculty for their “incredible talent,” her hope is to support them in new ways, build up the programs, and strengthen connections with local, regional and national art schools. The long-term goal is to make Middlesex “the place to come” for art students looking to start their academic journeys.

It is the “energetic and excited” faculty members of the Art and Design program that Bauer believes enhance the program and overall success of MCC students. They all bring with them different backgrounds and experiences from which students can learn.

All three programs adjusted to and were creative throughout the pandemic, including starting a Communication Club, hosting a virtual Art Exhibit, and having graphic design students complete online internships. Going forward, Bauer hopes to soon return to in-person events, experiences and opportunities as soon as it is safe to do so.

“When you’re trying to find your way as a young artist, it’s nice to have a supportive environment,” Bauer said. “At Middlesex, they’re not just getting a better price, but more individual and small group attention than a larger school. MCC Communication students do really well regardless of what field they go into, and I think the same can be said of Art and Design.”

MCC’s Arts and Humanities pathway helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_artshum.aspx for more information to discover a path at Middlesex.

Students can get back on track and reach their goals with a variety of options in MCC’s Fall 2021 semester. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!