Certificate of Achievement
Career/Technical (Major Code: 02547)

The Commercial Music Certificate program at Southwestern College is designed to provide students with a foundational education in music production, performance, and business. This certificate serves as an entry-level credential that can be obtained more quickly than a traditional degree, making it accessible for those seeking to enter the music industry swiftly. The curriculum includes core courses in music theory, audio engineering, live sound reinforcement, and the business of music, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to industry needs.

Importantly, the certificate program is structured to stack into the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Commercial Music. This means that the credits earned while completing the certificate can be applied toward the A.A. degree, allowing students to seamlessly continue their education without losing any progress. This stacking credential approach provides flexibility for students to start with the certificate and then decide to pursue further education to enhance their qualifications and career prospects. The program's alignment with industry standards and regional market needs ensures that graduates are well-prepared for various roles in the music industry, including production, performance, and management.

Program Student Learning Outcomes 

• Students will be able to communicate abstract concepts to clients in order to meet their subjective creative needs.
• Students will be able to create musical works of art.
• Students will explore a repository of audio information and use their findings to make informed decisions.

Gainful Employment

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.”

Students who complete this program will have acquired the necessary analytical tools to successfully secure gainful employment in the field of study.

For more information regarding the data provided for this program and what it means to you as a student, please feel free to visit our SWC Gainful Employment website at: www.swccd.edu/gainfulemployment.