Are you passionate about visual art, music, or acting? Interested in pursuing a career off the beaten path? South Carolina State University's Department of Visual and Performing Arts is home to undergraduate majors in fields like art education, the music industry, drama, and more.
At SC State, we believe art is more than a means of expression. To us, it's a medium to spread humanity, a space to create change, and a force that ignites inspiration in the lives of those around us. That's why our highly-qualified instructors empower you to dream big and to make those dreams a reality.
Fueled by our mission to create a new generation of artists, our programs provide you with an excellent academic and social education. Discover what sets us apart and how earning your degree at SC State can propel you into a successful career in the arts and entertainment industry.
Earn Your Arts Degree at South Carolina State University
Your success is our priority—that's why we work to foster a creative environment where you can unleash, nurture, and grow your talents. We offer six undergraduate majors for you to choose from. Each one is carefully designed to emphasize creativity, develop performance proficiency, and enhance scholarly potential. To empower you to achieve your goals, we also provide countless opportunities throughout the year to experience hands-on learning.
Our programs prepare you for whatever step you decide to take next—whether it be a graduate program or a professional career in the arts. With the help of our qualified instructors, you will learn to identify your areas of strength and weakness and develop the expressive skills necessary to master your craft. Upon graduation, you will not only understand the importance of taking creative risks in service of changing the world, but you'll have the confidence to take them yourself.
Undergraduate Programs
Studio Art
With our Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art degree, you’ll develop techniques in a field chosen by you — ceramics and sculpture, digital media, painting and drawing, or printmaking and photography — while learning from expert professional artists.Learn more
Music Industry
While you’ll pursue various courses that prepare you for a career in music industry
environments, you’ll also be able to put your learning to work through the opportunity
to build a production portfolio and take on internships for music industry experience.
Learn more
Drama
Have a flare for the dramatic? Keep your friends laughing? SC State’s bachelor’s degree
in Drama could be for you.
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Education Programs
Art Education
Are you ready to expand your artistic intelligence and become well versed in the world
of art and education? South Carolina State University’s Art Education Program can
help you take that first step.
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Music Education
If you are ready to take up the baton, SC State is the right place for you. Our Music
Program offers the Bachelor of Science in Music Education to prepare students for
classrooms in South Carolina and beyond.
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Hone Your Talents
Aside from our academic programs, we offer a multitude of opportunities to join extracurricular programs that align with your artistic interests, like The Henderson-Davis Players. Since the official drama guild was formed in 1967, we have won over 100 national and international awards in various festivals and tournaments. In 50 years and counting, we have produced over 225 plays and provided students with a place to build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Marching 101
The Marching 101 Band provides the soundtrack to the HBCU experience at South Carolina State University. Whether it’s at Bulldog football games, parades or other campus events, The Marching 101 always brings the vibe.Learn more
Concert Choir
The South Carolina State University Concert Choir is the premier vocal ensemble of the university. Housed in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, it serves as a choral laboratory for music majors as well as majors of other disciplines of the University.Learn more
The Henderson Davis Players
The Henderson Davis Players have a long history of excellence in the dramatic arts at SC State. The HD Players are the official Theatre Group of the Drama Program. We teach young artists how to LIVE their dreams. Connect with Professor Ursula Robinson to learn more about how you can be a part of the Henderson Davis Players.Contact Us
Looking for financial assistance? The music program provides select scholarship opportunities for students in the university band and/or choir. Learn more about financial aid at SCSU. Have questions or concerns about the Department of Visual and Performing Arts? We invite you to contact us for more information!