College of the Arts
The College of the Arts is comprised of the departments of Art, Communication, Music, and Theatre. The dean's office is located in Yancey Center at One Arsenal Place room 202, RiverPark Campus.
Department of Art
The Department of Art offers comprehensive programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and provides a broad curriculum of all aspects of the visual arts including ceramics, digital media, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, art education, and art history.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art is designed for students discovering, exploring and developing their own creative talents while preparing them for graduate school or arts-related careers, while the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Art Education prepares graduates for graduate school or for teaching art in the public schools and the Bachelor of Art (BA) in Art History develops scholars for graduate study in art history or related professions.
The Department of Art Seeks to:
- Foster the active engagement of students in the intellectual and creative process through excellence in teaching.
- Exhibit a commitment to lead by example through excellence in faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity.
- Emphasize the development of leadership-oriented students who understand and are committed to high standards and integrity in their civic and professional lives.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with artistic, cultural, professional and educational organizations.
- Enhance the quality of the life through academic and creative culture enrichment on campus, within the community, and beyond.
- Continually develop contemporary, rigorous and innovative academic curriculum and programming.
- Encourage and develop student research and educational opportunities outside of the immediate academic environment.
- Provide every student with the opportunity for study abroad international learning experiences.
Undergraduate Programs
BA Art History
Our new Art History degree program provides students with an opportunity to study Western and Non-Western Art from pre-history to the present day. Students learn about works of art and develop an understanding about how they reflect the lives and cultures of the artists who made them. It draws on varied means of study found in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes:
BA Art History graduates will demonstrate competence in:
- Media/technology
- Written and oral communication
- Monuments and principal artists of major art periods
- Art history of non-Western cultures
- Theory, analysis, and criticism
- General knowledge of world history
- Tools and techniques of scholarship
- Functional knowledge of the creative process
- Foreign language to support research
BFA Art
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a well-rounded general fine arts degree with approximately 60% of the total program in studio courses, supportive courses in art and design, and studies in the history of the visual arts. Students may choose to focus in one of several media concentrations or investigate in a broad interdisciplinary manner. The focus is on the progressive nature of the learning experience combined with a rigorous review and exhibition cycle culminating in a professionally mounted final exhibition.
Student Learning Outcomes:
BFA graduates will demonstrate competence in:
- Media/technology
- Written Communication
- Historical concerns
- Diverse cultures
- Art theory
- Criticism/aesthetics
- Portfolio & Exhibition
- Critiques
BSEd Art Education
The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Art Education prepares highly qualified teachers of art for instruction in P-12 schools by providing challenging course work in pedagogy, curriculum content, and assessment. Students will gain knowledge and obtain skills necessary to promote learning through the creative process with critical thinking, visual literacy, aesthetic inquiry, technology, cultural understanding, and will make connections with other areas of discipline. A satisfactory completion of several hours of field experience through observation and student teaching are required by the College of Education for teaching certification.
Student Learning Outcomes:
BSED graduates will demonstrate competence in:
- Media/technology
- Historical concerns
- Diverse cultures
- Art theory
- Criticism/aesthetics
- Art education foundations
- P-12 curriculum development
- Teaching administration
- Preparedness for teaching certification
Graduate Program
MAT Art Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education is offered to students seeking both initial teacher certification and a Master's degree. It is designed for those holding a BFA or a baccalaureate degree in another subject area other than art and are committed to fulfilling the education and prerequisite art coursework requirements in order to progress to the graduate-level courses. Students are required to submit undergraduate transcripts and a portfolio for review and complete an interview with the department chair or program director.
MED Art Education
The Master of Education (MEd) in Art Education provides graduate-level education for students seeking further training in the field of art education. Students are required to submit undergraduate transcripts and a portfolio for review and complete an interview with the department chair or program director. Graduate students wishing to enroll in 6000-level art studio courses must have successfully completed undergraduate course work in that area.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will demonstrate competence in:
- Studio concentration
- Art history and analysis
- Technical processes
- Critical analysis
- Aesthetic inquiry
- Research in art
- Art education concepts
- P-12 curriculum development in art
- Art Education Theory
Department of Communication
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication tracks offer a broad background in theory and skills applicable to a variety of communication contexts. Based on the premise that communication is a foundational aspect of society, the program aims to equip students to acquire knowledge about effective interaction in a variety of settings.
The communication degree offers academic tracks in communication studies, mass media studies and public relations. It may be used as a basis for continued study in graduate school or professional schools such as theology or law, or it can prepare graduates for careers in mass media, online communication, public relations, training, media management, sales marketing, or other professions relying on strong communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Communication graduates will have:
- Communication skills (e.g., writing, speaking and listening).
- Production skills (e.g., computer graphics, Internet sites, public relations).
- Research skills (e.g., library, surveys).
- Critical analysis skills (e.g., apply principles and theory to situations).
- Adaptability in responding to persons (e.g., age, gender, cultural differences) and situations.
- Knowledge of communication history, theory and career opportunity.
Schwob School of Music
Mission Statement
A school of music within a public university, the Schwob School is a community of artists committed to the highest standards of artistry and integrity within a selective and nurturing learning environment. The Schwob School of Music's dedicated faculty of teaching artists embrace creative approaches to best practices in education, and provide a professionally focused experience preparing individuals to become leaders in the music field. Centrally located within a vibrant downtown arts campus in an outstanding music facility, the Schwob School of Music maintains a strong degree of community engagement, and benefits from a remarkable relationship with the Columbus community.
Undergraduate Programs
The baccalaureate program in music provides students a broad range of programs in music and music education with experiences that relate to the needs of the community, state, and region.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is a liberal arts degree program with a broad curriculum that includes the standard music history and theory courses but encourages diversification through many electives both within and outside of music. This program provides preparation for further study toward careers other than professional performance or public school teaching.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) in performance is offered for piano, organ, voice, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, or percussion and is designed for the student who values creativity in different environments, wants to spend time with the genius of great composers, and desires to shape his or her own future within that context while realizing new possibilities in vocal or instrumental performance.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) in music education has a choral track and an instrumental track. This degree has traditionally been for the preparation of elementary and secondary school teachers. In today's world there are many other directions that graduates may also choose from including university teaching, performance, composition, music business, technology, and others. The completion of this degree is accomplished through the joint efforts of the College of Education and Health Professions and the academic divisions of the university. Because the programs are tightly structured, students must begin a planned program of their choice as soon as possible after they enroll at Columbus State University. Music education students will spend one semester in full-time teaching activities under the supervision of a classroom teacher in the public schools.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Applied music major proficiency, including sight-reading
- Knowledge of literature appropriate to the applied music major
- Rehearsal and conducting skills
- Proficiency in a secondary applied area
- Understanding of music theory and aural/visual/verbal analysis
- Ability to apply knowledge of form and composition in all areas of music study
- Knowledge of various styles, cultures, and media, and ability to place music in historical/cultural/ stylistic contexts
- Ability to compose in original and historical styles
- Ability to improvise
- Knowledge of current technology related to all areas of music study
- Understanding of the interrelatedness of all areas of music study and the music professions
- Ability to form and defend value judgments about music
- Knowledge of capabilities (range, transposing characteristics, and normal use) of the voice and the major band and orchestral instruments and their normal function in homogeneous and heterogeneous ensembles
- Ability to sing at sight tonal and atonal melodies
- Knowledge of the basic principles of singing
- Ability to apply knowledge of pedagogical skills in vocal and/or instrumental idioms
- Ability to articulate, in oral and written form, the role and importance of music in society
- Ability to detect errors in music performance
- Knowledge of school music curricula (music education only)
- Knowledge of instrumental and vocal teaching methods and literature (music education only)
- Knowledge of curriculum/lesson planning (music education only)
- Knowledge of developmental theory, evaluation of learning, and program organization and administration (music education only)
Requirements for Admission to the Major
In order to be accepted as a music major, each student must demonstrate aptitude in his/her major instrument or voice through a placement audition and interview with a member of the music faculty. All newly admitted music majors also must take placement examinations in music theory and piano. Music majors who take time off before completing degree requirements will be required to re-audition if they have missed a full academic year (fall and spring, or spring and fall).
Transfer students: Please note that placement in music courses is based on audition and testing results and not necessarily on previous college credit.
General Requirements
All music majors are required to attend all master classes in their major instrument and must perform at least once each semester in a recital or master class. All students enrolled in applied music must be concurrently enrolled in the major music ensemble activity that corresponds to their major instrument (Strings-Orchestra, Winds/Percussion – Wind Ensemble, Voice-Choral Ensemble).
Students in the Bachelor of Arts program must complete at least 66 semester hours in disciplines outside of music. These hours may be earned as general education requirements, foreign language, general electives, and courses in a minor.
Graduate Programs
MM Music Education
The Master of Music in Music Education is designed to provide teachers of music with in-depth training and experience in one of three areas of concentration: general music, conducting, or pedagogy. The course of study in each of these areas aims to improve student expertise in handling instructional challenges and musical demands. Course content includes curriculum planning, lesson design, student motivation, use of technology and research, application of learning theory, techniques of recruitment, styles of administration, application of music theory and history, instructional and conducting techniques appropriate to various educational levels, score reading and analysis, and music literature. The degree leads to certification in Georgia and is accredited by both NASM and NCATE.
Admission Requirements
Regular admission - Students must satisfy the following four requirements:
- For the one-year program: either (1) hold a bachelor's degree in music education from an accredited college or university or (2) hold a bachelor's degree in some other music area from an accredited college or university (such as BM, BA, etc.) along with a Georgia teaching certificate or its equivalent from another state. For the two-year program: hold a bachelor's degree in some music area other than music education without a Georgia teaching certificate or its equivalent from another state.
- Present a minimum score of 800 on the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination or hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate.
- Present transcript(s) of all the student's undergraduate work that reveal at least a 2.75 grade point average on all work attempted for which a letter grade was awarded.
- Perform, either on videocassette or before an authorized Schwob School of Music faculty member, an audition revealing basic skills in the student's chosen area of concentration: general music, conducting, or pedagogy.
Provisional admission - Students must initially satisfy the following three requirements, then qualify for regular admission by the end of the first semester of attendance:
- For the one-year program, satisfy the requirement above for regular admission. For the two-year program, satisfy the requirement above for regular admission.
- Present a minimum score of 700 on the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination or hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate.
- Present transcript(s) of all the student's undergraduate work that reveal either (1) at least a 2.5 grade point average on all work attempted for which a letter grade was awarded, or (2) at least a 2.5 grade point average on the most recent 45 semester hours of work attempted for which a letter grade was awarded.
Students admitted on a provisional basis may retain this status for one semester only, during which they must qualify for regular admission by completing the appropriate requirement(s) as follows: (1) perform and pass the required audition, if not previously passed and/or (2) if admitted with provisional level GRE, enroll as full-time students taking required course work and completing the semester with a grade of B or better.
Non-degree admission - Students who undertake graduate work at the university without meeting all the requirements for regular or provisional admission are placed in non-degree status. Such students who subsequently satisfy all the regular admission requirements may apply a maximum of nine semester hours of this course work toward degree requirements.
Proficiency Requirements
Students pursuing the Master of Music Education degree must satisfy five proficiency requirements, four in music and one in education. The four music proficiency exams must be passed before initial coursework begins. The education proficiency must be passed before a teaching certificate can be issued. Students may receive assistance in preparation for examination or re-examination or any of these proficiencies by enrolling in appropriate courses at the undergraduate level without credit toward the master's degree.
Music proficiency requirements - (1) pass a keyboard examination demonstrating facility at the keyboard, (2) pass an aural skills examination demonstrating proficiency in sight singing and rhythm, (3) pass a Music History exam, and (4) pass a Music Theory exam.
Education proficiency requirement - exempt or pass the PRAXIS II examination.
Independent Study
No more than six semester hours of independent study or special topics may be applied toward meeting requirements for the Master of Music in Music Education degree.
Credit by Transfer
A maximum of nine semester hours of applicable graduate work from an accredited graduate music program may be accepted toward the Master of Music in Music Education degree, provided the credit was earned not more than seven years prior to the date of completion of this degree. Any number of semester hours of applicable undergraduate work transferred from an accredited undergraduate music program may be accepted toward the first year of the two-year program for this degree. The Schwob School of Music will accept or reject proposed transfer credits based on the applicability of the credit to this degree program.
Curriculum
Students seeking the Master of Music in Music Education degree must satisfactorily complete a prescribed course of study of at least 35 semester hours numbered 5000 or above: 18 semester hours of professional core courses, 14 semester hours of area of concentration courses, and three semester hours of electives. Students who desire a teaching certificate and who have not taken SPED 2256 or its equivalent must take EDCI 6228 as their three semester hours of electives.
Students with an undergraduate music major in an area other than music education must enroll in the two-year program and complete the following 31 semester hours of course work prior to enrolling in courses at the 5000 level or above:
- EDCI 6225 Foundations of Education
- EDCI 6226 Instructional Applications
- EDCI 6227 Human Development
- EDCI 6228 Special Education
- EDUF 4205 Integrating Technology
- MUSE 3202 Intermediate Conducting
- MUSE 4205 Elementary School Music Methods
- MUSE 4485 Student Teaching
- Select one of the following courses:
- MUSE 4206 Secondary School Choral Methods
- MUSE 4207 Secondary School Instrumental Methods
Department of Theatre
The mission of the Department of Theatre at Columbus State University is to educate students in the collaborative art of theatre by preparing them for professional employment, careers in theatre education, and graduate study. The course of study teaches the craft and artistry of acting, directing, design, technical, and educational theatre. The professional and energetic faculty encourages students to experiment, explore, and discover in a supportive yet challenging environment. CSU productions serve as a laboratory where students practice classroom theories, test analytical skills, and undertake cooperative endeavors while promoting the creative act of theatre. Theatrical seasons are selected to provide the student with the opportunity to experience plays from a range of periods and genres presented in a variety of production styles for both adult and young audiences. The CSU Department of Theatre seeks to enhance the quality of life for the university and metropolitan communities by sharing our students' growth and development through our eclectic theatrical productions.
The Department of Theatre offers comprehensive undergraduate programs, which are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The department offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performance and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Design and Technology which provide a concentrated theatrical background in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre for students planning careers in the professional theatre and in higher education. The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Theatre Education provides certification to teach drama in primary and secondary grades. The Bachelor of Art (BA) in Theatre provides a broad theatrical background for students planning careers in professional, higher educational, or community theatre. A minimum grade of "C" is required for all theatre courses in each of the degree programs.
CSU graduates may pursue employment in the entertainment and related fields in a number of areas including acting, directing, arts management, education, technical theatre, and design. Teacher certification qualifies students to teach in public and private schools in Georgia and other states.
Admission
In order to be accepted as a Theatre major, each student must audition and/or interview with the Theatre faculty. Theatre majors that take time off before completing degree requirements will be required to re-audition if they have missed a full academic year (fall and spring, or spring and fall).
Transfer students: Please note that placement in Theatre courses is based on audition/interview and not necessarily on previous college credit.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Theatre graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- General knowledge of all areas of the theatrical process
- Knowledge of the theatre history and appreciation for dramatic literature of western civilization
- Knowledge of and proficiency in theatre design and technology
- Knowledge of and proficiency in acting and directing
- BSEd graduates also will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the methods of teaching theatre
