Majors and Minors

Academics

Bringing art and innovation together

Study with world-class artist-scholars to discover, create and accomplish together.

We know that good ideas come from everywhere. That's why we encourage collaboration between our arts programs and our community partners. The blurred lines between the campus and our culturally rich city mean that you'll have even more opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Intern at a gallery, be part of professional productions, perform with the city's orchestras or discover a piece of history in your own back yard.

Or, experience the arts internationally through our study abroad program. Travel to Mexico, Japan, Italy and other culturally rich destinations. In addition to the programs listed below, an interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts program is another option.

Departments and Programs

In the School of the Arts, you have the opportunity to study what you love while building the skills you need to thrive. Many of our students double major or add a minor, and some combine their arts studies with courses in technology and other subjects.

Art & Architectural History

Earn a B.A. at one of the largest independent art history departments in the Southeast. Our location in the heart of a historic, cultural city offers access to galleries, museums, architectural landmarks and more. What a great place to gain and practice your knowledge in art and architectural history.
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Arts Management

Explore the leadership, business and administrative side of the arts at one of the few undergraduate arts management programs in the Southeast. You can choose to concentrate your studies in the music industry. And you can choose to earn a graduate certificate in Arts and Cultural Management.
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Historic Preservation & Community Planning

Charleston is the perfect backdrop for you to explore this unique program that preserves important histories and cultures. You'll study iconic architecture, urban landscapes and communities right in our back yard, which leads to planning and designing more resilient communities in the future.
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Music

Experience the intense focus of a conservatory while working with professional music ensembles in the area and in our own productions, such as opera, orchestra, jazz combos, choirs and more. As a music major, you can choose to concentrate in performance, theory/composition or music history; benefit from small class sizes; practice & performance spaces; one-on-one instruction; and collaborative music-making. Graduate degree program and Artist Residency opportunities are available.
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Studio Art

Strengthen your artistic skills in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture. Enjoy active classes where academic and creative growth is fostered through practice. Turn the corner from campus to visit numerous galleries and arts organizations, where you can apply for internships and participate in exhibitions and events.
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Theatre & Dance

Theatre: Encounter a healthy balance between coursework and production experience. From areas of acting, design, directing or playwriting, you’ll explore ideas, theories and techniques that enable you to achieve excellence in this highly competitive arena. Major in general studies or a specific focus: performance, design and technology (costume, scenery or lighting), theatre for youth, or theatre studies. Participate in our professional productions starting your first year. Graduate degree program in Teaching Theatre is available.
Dance: Study dance technique in ballet, modern and jazz – with a grounding in the breadth of dance as a field. In addition to technique, take courses in kinesiology, non-Western dance, choreography, body conditioning, contact improv and more. You can select between general dance studies or audition for a concentration in performance/choreography. You have opportunities to perform in our professional production season and at regional conferences.
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Music student sings while holding sheet music on church steps

Voice student Meleana Cabales became interested in Filipino music traditions while taking an ethnomusicology class. Her discovery resulted in a School of the Arts DEI grant that funded research and a concert connected to her cultural heritage.

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View of large classroom with seated students listening to lecture by an alumna

Alumna Gives Students Career Insight

Emma Rose Isely ’12, the senior director of film and TV synchronization at Universal Music Group, visited campus to speak with arts management students about her work in Hollywood's creative industry.

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