MiraCosta opens new state-of-the-art media arts and STEM buildings

At MiraCosta College, our mission is rooted in transforming lives and communities through education. That mission is powerfully reflected in the opening of two dynamic new facilities on our Oceanside Campus: the Media Arts Complex and the Chemistry and Biotechnology Building.

These facilities represent not only a bold investment in the future of education but also a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community. Thanks to the passage of Measure MM in 2016, a $455 million general obligation bond approved by voters in our District, we have been able to modernize our learning environments and expand access to cutting-edge programs that prepare our students for meaningful and rewarding careers.

The Media Arts Complex, a $21 million, 10,471-square-foot facility, is a new hub for creative exploration and digital innovation. It features a museum-quality art gallery, Media Arts Lab, and flexible spaces for students to collaborate and showcase their work, preparing them for success in one of today’s fastest-growing industries. The San Diego Workforce Partnership has identified digital media as one of the top career subsectors in San Diego County. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in arts and design occupations will grow by four percent through 2030. 

Additionally, the $42.5 million Chemistry and Biotechnology Building, which also opened during the spring semester, offers cutting-edge laboratories, modern classrooms, and collaborative areas that enhance our robust STEM programs, especially the Biomanufacturing Bachelor’s Degree program, a statewide model for workforce development.

These spaces are already earning national recognition. The Chemistry and Biotechnology Building was honored with the 2025 CMAA Project Achievement Award for Building Renovation and New Construction ($25–$50 million), and our construction partner, Kitchell, was recognized for excellence in project management. Tim Flood, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, received the Distinguished Owner Honoree Award for his decades of leadership in facilities planning. The building has also been selected for an upcoming American Institute of Architects (AIA) design award.

MiraCosta’s impact extends beyond campus. In 2021–22, the college contributed $648.4 million to the regional economy, including $490 million generated by alumni in the local workforce. For every dollar invested, Californians receive a $7 return, underscoring MiraCosta’s role in economic mobility and community advancement.

These milestones are far more than construction achievements, they are promises kept to our students and community. They are the result of thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and a shared belief that education has the power to change lives. They provide the next generation of leaders, scientists, artists, and innovators with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to thrive.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the voters of our District, the MiraCosta College Board of Trustees, our design and construction partners, faculty and staff, and all who played a role in making these visions a reality. With these facilities now open, MiraCosta College stands stronger, more innovative, and more accessible than ever.

Your continued support ensures that MiraCosta remains a place where education transforms lives and where every student can pursue a future that is both purposeful and prosperous.