Associate of Fine Arts in Music

Program Description

The Associate in Fine Arts in Music (AFA) degree is designed to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs for students who wish to complete a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Music, a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in Music. The curriculum provides General Education courses required of liberal arts students and music specialization courses required by four-year institutions.  The purpose of the AFA degree is to provide the first two years of preparation for those students interested in careers in applied music. 

The AFA degree is not part of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and is not uniformly transferable to all 16 state universities and colleges in the North Carolina University System.  The degree focuses on continued training in Music to enhance performance skills of students seeking competitive admission to bachelor’s degree programs.

Upon transfer, students will still be required to meet the General Education Core requirements of the receiving college or university as well as foreign language and/or health and physical education requirements of the receiving college or university. The AFA in Music is also appropriate for students who want additional training in music for their present career, without the need to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Articulate and critique different fine art theories.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, interpret, and formulate conclusions from data.
• Write and/or speak with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness.
• Demonstrate how historical, philosophical, cultural, global, and/or socioeconomic factors affect human interactions and behaviors.

Career Opportunities

• Professional performing artist (singer, instrumentalist, etc.)
• Music radio announcer
• Church musician, Musical ministry, Organist
• Musical director
• Musicologist, Music librarian
• Music theorist (music composer, songwriter, arranger)
• Conductor (band director, choir director, opera conductor)
• Audio editor
• Communications (broadcaster, station manager, radio announcer)
• Artistic director
• Talent scout/Agent

Transfer Opportunities

All courses within the AFA will transfer to UNC-system schools; however, universities without BFA degrees may transfer specialized music courses as electives.

To provide for a smooth transfer, students should consult with both an academic advisor and the potential transfer institution for academic course selection and guidance.

Contact Information

Program Coordinator of Fine Arts
252-638-7357

Associate Vice President for Instruction
252-638-3745

Admissions Office
252-638-7430​​​​​​​