FAQs
What will the certificate prepare students for?
The certificate program offers students focused time to build technical and hand-skills and develop an aesthetic voice. The certificate program is suited for students who are interested in one or a combination of the following goals: developing a fulfilling personal practice; creating a body of production work and applying for shows; creating a body of one-of-a-kind work suitable for exhibitions. The program prepares students for a variety of jewelry-making paths, including showing work in exhibitions, selling work, and applying to graduate schools. The certificate program is an excellent way for students to build their portfolio and gain experience in the contemporary jewelry field.
Do you need any artistic background or prerequisites to enroll in the program?
No, anyone may enroll.
What is the structure of the program?
Students will have an initial meeting to identify student’s goals and choose the track best suited for their path. Ongoing course advising, mentorship, and documentation of grades and milestones will occur along the course of their education. Mid-level and final reviews will comprise a mixed group of instructors and visiting artists, to whom the student will present their work and receive feedback and work with to map next steps. The student’s certificate program experience will culminate in a group exhibition and final review of the cohesive body of work completed in the program.
What are the core requirements necessary to complete the program?
Students will need to complete all the classes associated with the chosen track. All students will create a culminating body of work that will be reviewed and shown in a culminating certificate exhibition. Additional requirements for the Professional/Production Track and the Studio Art Track include: creating a personal website, having work professionally photographed, entering work in at least four juried exhibitions or craft shows, and joining a professional organization.
How will students be evaluated?
Students in the certificate program will be graded on a letter grade system in which completion of projects, a robust sketchbook, attendance and class participation, craftsmanship, willingness to stretch oneself technically, and artistically, and aesthetics will be evaluated, all with the goal of assisting the student in creating their highest quality work. Student work will be critiqued through a mid-level and final review.
Is there a final project or exhibition?
Yes, at the end of the program, students create a culminating body of work and display that work in an exhibition.
How long does the program take?
The BJC certificate program is designed to be flexible and to work with people who have a variety of schedules. Students who are interested in taking classes full time can complete the program in a minimum of three years. There is no time limit for the program.
What are the fees associated with the program?
There will be a $100 registration fee to cover tracking and course advising, as well as fees associated with the mid-level review ($100), final review ($100) and culminating exhibition ($100). Payment of the registration fee is necessary to initiate the program; additional fees are paid prior to each component of the program. Class fees range from $205-475 and are in addition to the certificate program fees. Class and studio rental fees are separate costs.
Can I apply MICA Jewelry Center course credits to BJC certification?
Yes, the credit from up to 5 MICA Jewelry Center classes can be applied. You will need to supply your transcript from MICA. The certificate is based on 12-week courses.
How do 8-week and 4-week course map onto the program?
With a few exceptions, all required courses are 12-week classes, but 8-week and 4-week classes may be bundled to use toward elective requirements
