PARK HILLS, Mo. – Mineral Area College (MAC) is expanding its academic offerings at its main campus in Park Hills, starting this fall. In fulfillment of its mission to serve the community by providing excellent, affordable opportunities for learning, personal growth, and career development, the college will introduce four new agriculture-related Associate of Applied Science degrees and an Associate of Fine Arts in Music.
“Mineral Area College is committed to empowering students and enriching our community through accessible, quality education,” said Dr. Keith Zoromski, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at MAC. “These new programs represent a significant step in the growth and revitalization of our academic offerings, and we are confident they will greatly benefit our students and the region by providing relevant, high-quality training and fostering personal and professional development.”
Agriculture Program
The new MAC Ag program is designed to equip students with the skills and real-world experience necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic agricultural industry. The program will offer four Associate of Applied Science degrees:
- Animal Science
- Farm Management
- Agribusiness
- Ag Systems Technology
To provide students with hands-on learning, the college is actively searching for land within the taxing district to establish a working farm. In the interim, classroom instruction will be combined with practical experience at local farms. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with farmers, observe daily operations, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.
The MAC Ag program will be led by Ryan Bohan, who brings a wealth of experience in agricultural education and extensive industry experience. “I’m excited to lead the MAC Ag program, focusing on providing our students with the essential skills and knowledge to not only succeed but to lead in the evolving world of agriculture,” said Bohan. “The establishment of a working farm and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into their learning will be transformative, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact our graduates will have on the agricultural landscape.”
More information about the MAC Ag program can be found at MineralArea.edu/Ag.
Associate of Fine Arts in Music
The new Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music is tailored for students intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music. This program delivers two years of comprehensive training, encompassing core music courses, transfer-ready general education courses, and electives commonly found in university music programs. MAC’s AFA in Music provides a strong foundation for a seamless transition to a four-year institution.
The AFA in Music program is open to both instrumental and vocal musicians, and includes courses such as:
- Appreciation of Music
- Music Theory
- Aural Skills
- Piano Skills
- Applied Lessons in Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Jazz, and Composition
Students will also have opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, including:
- MAC Singers
- Chamber Singers
- Concert Band
- Jazz Combo
- Jazz Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Community Singers
- Pep Band
- Pit Orchestra
The music department is led by Dr. Kevin White and Dr. Sherry Francis, both accomplished musicians. Dr. White emphasizes the significance of this new degree: “The AFA degree option represents a major advancement for MAC Music, providing students with a robust foundation in music theory, performance, and instruction, effectively preparing them for transfer into a bachelor’s program,” said White. “This is an exciting development for our students and the department, enabling students to take the necessary courses for their continued studies while benefiting from MAC’s affordability, small class sizes, and for local students, convenient location.”
The department offers audition-based scholarship opportunities for music and non-music majors. Music scholarship applications are due by Monday, May 19. To apply for the scholarship or for more information about MAC Music, please visit MineralArea.edu/Music.
Registration Information
Registration is currently open for the Summer and Fall semesters. The Summer semester is an 8-week term with a variety of general education courses available; classes begin on June 4. The Fall semester, which includes the new MAC Ag and AFA in Music programs, will begin on August 18.
Current students should contact their Navigator to enroll. New students can apply online at MineralArea.edu.