Performing Arts
Step into the spotlight or hone your behind-the-scenes expertise with a range of programs in Butte College’s Performing Arts department. Whether your passion is performing or production, we offer the tools and training you need to succeed in the fast-paced world of entertainment and media.
Programs
Goal
Career or TransferLength
1-2 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
- Online
Associate Degree for Transfer in Film, TV and Electronic Media
The Associate in Science in Film, Television, and Electronic Media for Transfer degree creates a clear transfer pathway for students planning to complete a bachelorās degree in this field at a California State University. Students completing the AS-T are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major, and will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer.
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Radio, TV and Film: Video Production
The Radio-TV-Film program provides hands-on training in media production using a four-camera video studio, digital video editing systems, and an audio production facility. Media and electronic communication are among the fastest growing industries, offering career opportunities in video and audio production, broadcasting, interactive media, and digital content creation. Certificates of Achievement in Radio-TV-Film strengthen job portfolios, support career advancement, and enhance employment opportunities in this dynamic field. With additional GE graduates can attain an Associate Degree in Radio, TV and Film: Video Production.
Flexibility
Plan on completing most of your coursework at Main Campus, since it reliably covers the bulk of what this program requires. Chico Center and Online only reliably offer a small piece of the program, so they can supplement but won't get you through on their own. Dual enrollment courses may help too, but availability varies by high school, so check with a counselor to map out your specific plan.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
1-2 yearsFlexibility
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Recording Arts
The Recording Arts program provides students with fundamental through advanced knowledge of audio recording techniques and applications. Students gain hands-on experience with professional recording studio equipment while learning audio theory, performance, and industry-standard recording software. Coursework includes tracking, overdubbing, mixing, and mastering through participation in recording sessions. With additional GE graduates can attain an Associate Degree in Recording Arts.
Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music
The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music is a practical curriculum designed to equip students with musical and collaborative skills, skills that are essential for success in the modern music industry. Students learn how to compose, arrange, record, and produce. Additionally, students learn how to navigate the music industry. This connected set of courses ensures students are not only artistically developed but also well-prepared with practical skills for the competitive commercial music landscape.
Flexibility
Both Recording Arts programs are centered at Main Campus, where you'll complete the bulk of your required coursework. Online can cover a few required courses in either program, while the Chico Center and Glenn Center only reliably offer a limited number of courses and won't carry your major coursework on their own. Meet with a counselor to map out your specific course sequence and confirm what's running each term.
Goal
TransferLength
2 yearsFlexibility
Associate Degree for Transfer in Theatre Arts
The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T in Theatre Arts) is designed for students planning to complete a bachelorās degree in Theatre Arts or a similar major at a California State University. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major, and will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer.
Flexibility
Theatre Arts runs most reliably at Main Campus, though some required courses aren't consistently offered there, so expect to fill occasional gaps through Online options. The Chico Center and Glenn Center support general education needs but don't offer the required theatre courses, and Online alone won't provide enough coursework to complete the degree. Meet with a counselor to plan your schedule.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
1-2 yearsFlexibility
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Fashion Merchandising
Courses in Fashion Merchandising introduce students to the inner workings of the fashion industry through a variety of hands-on experiences. The program emphasizes the business aspects of buying, distributing, and selling merchandise from manufacturing to the consumer, while also providing students with marketable skills in a short period of time. Because fashion is constantly evolving, career opportunities in this fast-paced and competitive field are diverse and rewarding. A 1-year Certificate of Achievement in Fashion Merchandising is available, and graduates can take additional GE to attain an Associate Degree.
Flexibility
Both Fashion programs in this cluster require combining locations, since no single site covers all required courses reliably. Main Campus and Online together provide the strongest coverage of major coursework, while Chico Center and Glenn Center mainly support general education rather than the core required classes. Meet with a counselor to build a course-by-course plan that pieces together what you need across locations.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
0.5-2.5 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree for Transfer in Music
The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree (AA-T in Music) prepares students for seamless transfer into a baccalaureate program in Music at a California State University. This degree is recommended for students pursuing careers in music or music-related fields and reflects a commitment to the serious study of music in both practice and theory. The Butte College Music Department provides a strong foundation through instruction that emphasizes performance, academic study, and lifelong learning. Students completing Associate Degrees for Transfer are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a particular campus or major.
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Music
The Certificate of Achievement in Music provides students with a broad foundation in music, preparing them to pursue a variety of musical paths including performance, composition, and music education. Students develop performance skills through applied lessons and ensemble participation, supported by coursework in music theory and aural skills (not eligible for financial aid). With additional GE graduates can attain an Associate Degree in Music, which provides students with the technical and artistic foundations needed to pursue careers in music and music-related fields. This forward-looking program emphasizes performance, theory and composition, culture, technology, and business to prepare students for success in the modern music industry. In addition to courses in reading and writing music, students gain performance skills through individual instruction on an instrument or voice as well as ensemble participation.
Certificate of Achievement in Music Theory and Composition
(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) The Certificate of Achievement in Music Theory and Composition prepares students to compose music in a variety of genres and provides a strong foundation for transfer into a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with a focus on composition. Students will develop intermediate skills in music theory, musicianship, and jazz idioms, along with foundational skills in arrangement, composition, and music for multimedia. Throughout the program, students will build a professional portfolio and enhance their resumes, supporting both academic and career goals.
Flexibility
Across these programs in the Music cluster, Main Campus is where required music coursework reliably runs, while the Chico Center and Glenn Center only support general education needs. Online coverage is limited, filling in a course or two rather than replacing in-person study, though the Music Theory and Composition certificate leans on it a bit more to fill gaps alongside Main Campus. Meet with a counselor to build a term-by-term plan, especially if you're combining locations or considering dual enrollment.
Goal
CareerLength
1 semesterFlexibility
- Main Campus
Certificate of Completion in Clothing Construction
(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) The Certificate in Clothing Construction prepares students for entry-level employment in apparel production companies, designer workrooms, and custom sewing studios. Students develop technical skills to bring creative concepts to life while building a portfolio that can support career advancement or further study.
Certificate of Completion in Fashion Design
(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) The Fashion program introduces students to the inner workings of the fashion industry through hands-on experiences. This specialized program equips students with marketable skills in a short time frame, preparing them for a variety of employment opportunities while providing practical learning experiences.
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(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) Completion of this certificate introduces students to the study, writing, and production of media content. Students may choose the path most relevant to their career goals, including the study of television or film and the production of audio or video.
Certificate of Completion in Single Camera Video Production
(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) Students develop career-ready media skills using a four-camera video production studio, digital video editing systems, and an audio production facility. With as little as one year of training, students can gain a strong foundation for transfer into various media majors at other colleges and universities. Career opportunities span television, film, video games, digital production, and electronic communications, and expanding technology continues to create high demand for skilled workers.
Flexibility
Most programs in this cluster require sticking mainly to one location for core coursework, but which location varies by program, and several require combining campuses or sections to complete all required classes. Fashion Design stands out as an outlier with no consistent coverage anywhere, so you'll need to check directly with that program before scheduling. Since patterns differ across these certificates, meet with a counselor early to map out the right sequence for your specific program.
Department Contacts
Office: ARTS 224
Department phone: (530) 895-2994
Contact phone: (530) 879-6148
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