The MCA degree at The King’s College is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary undergraduate program that focuses on the history, theory, and analysis of cultural production, the arts, and the media in their many manifestations. Students take required and elective coursework in their fields of interest while learning the fundamentals of craft.

2. Why is the degree so broad?

At King’s, we’ve chosen not to offer the standard thirty to forty majors that typical liberal arts colleges tend to offer. Instead, we’ve created majors that are broad and interdisciplinary, so that students can be grounded in and exposed to a wide variety of ideas, while shaping their studies toward the trajectory that best suits their interests. The MCA program is broad, and students have a great deal of autonomy in course selection, but the degree is rooted in a well-founded core that allows students to branch out and select MCA electives that allow them to pursue the careers and industries to which they feel called.

3. Can I focus/study in a particular field of interest or discipline?

Yes. We are currently offering electives in the following fields: Film and Media Studies, Dramatic and Theater Arts, Literature, Journalism and Writing, the Visual Arts and Design, and History and Cultural Studies. Over the next few years we will begin to create tracks based on the fields listed above. Additionally, MCA majors can minor in Business, Economics, Foundations of Education, Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Pre-law or Theology.

4. How soon can I begin to take my major courses?

During their first year at King’s, students mostly take Common Core classes. However, each semester has space for an elective slot. We encourage MCA students to take an elective that allows them to explore their creative gifts and interests. Beginning with the sophomore year, MCA majors begin taking required major courses.

5. Why are there so many Common Core classes and why do MCA majors have to take them?

At King’s, we believe that all students, regardless of major, need a basic corpus of knowledge to be good citizens and effectively fill their vocation. For that reason, all students at King’s take the Common Core. These courses—in disciplines such as philosophy, economics, politics, history, mathematics, and Bible—lay a solid foundation for individual development as well as leadership in the family, church, and civic community. King’s seeks to educate the whole person.

6. What kind of job can I get with an MCA degree after graduation?

What kind of job do you want? The interdisciplinary nature of the MCA degree allows students with an entrepreneurial spirit to shape their coursework toward the industries in which they are most interested. Here are some examples of the kinds of jobs that are possible: Manager of Arts and Media Organizations, Producer, Director, Art Gallery Owner/Manager, Museum Manager, Exhibition Designer, Curator, Educator, Conservator, Journalist, Columnist, Broadcast Journalist, News Analyst, Novelist, Copy Editor, Book Publisher, Teacher, Photographer, Creative Director for Film and Television, Cultural Critic, Playwright, Screenwriter, Theatre Manager, Visual Arts Teacher, Public Relations Agent, Entertainment Agent, Marketing and Development Manager, Publicist and Web Designer. How’s that for starters?

7. Why is a business class part of the program?

All MCA students take Principles of Management and Organization. We recognize that MCA students will most often be employed as part of a larger business, or may begin their own enterprises—and we want to you to be ready to succeed, contribute, and lead well where you land.

8. Is this a skills-based or theory-centered program?

The MCA program is designed to be primarily a theory-centered program with some basic training in craft and skills. For example, if you are interested in film, you can take courses on the history and theory of filmmaking and a course in digital filmmaking, thereby acquiring some basic filmmaking skills. Please note, however, that we choose not to offer advanced skills acquisition of the sort one would find at a conservatory or an arts school. Our focus, rather, is on imparting an understanding of the history, theory, and critical analysis of media and the cultural arts—with a foundation in the craft of a particular discipline. This is what sets us apart. Students who are interested in acquiring advanced skills are welcome to take courses at other regionally accredited schools and transfer credits back in, with program head approval.

9. What if I want to take an advanced skills-based course at another college? Will TKC accept the credits?

Generally, yes. We realize that we can’t offer every skill/technique course for a specific field or industry. We’re also very much aware that technology and skills are changing at a faster and faster rate. If you find a skills course at another college that you would like to take, you can fill out a request form to attain permission to do so. If the school you are interested in is regionally accredited and you earn a grade of “C” or higher, your course will generally be accepted at King’s and will count toward your gradation hours.

10. What kind of internship opportunities are available for MCA students?

While the college does not guarantee specific internships for students, we do all that we can to assist them in connecting with the organizations in which they are most interested. Our students have interned at all of the major media corporations, the New York Philharmonic, Saturday Night Live, MTV, Public Broadcasting System, the major publishing houses, design firms, and so on. As the MCA program grows, more opportunities continue to arise. All eligible students at King’s may apply up to six academic credits earned in an internship toward the degree.

11. If I’m interested in Journalism, should I major in PPE or MCA?

That depends. Are you more interested in political and economic issues, or arts and culture? If the former, you should major in PPE and minor in journalism. If you are more interested in cultural criticism, you should major in MCA and take courses from the writing/journalism track. Regardless of your major, you are welcome to take classes in the other majors as open electives.