University of Arizona

What you'll study

This programme provides a mix of foundational skills and discipline-specific study across visual art and the performing arts. In the early years you build core skills in areas such as drawing and design, colour theory, materials and methods, acting and movement, voice and musicianship, and the technical practices that support performance (stagecraft, lighting and sound). Parallel classes introduce historical and critical perspectives, including art history, theatre history and analysis of contemporary media.

As you progress you'll choose pathways or concentrations that allow deeper study in particular areas — for example studio art (painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics), digital media and new media arts, theatre performance, stage design and production, or music and ensemble performance. Project-based learning, collaborative productions and practicum placements are central: students typically undertake ensemble work, gallery exhibitions, staged productions, site-specific projects, and a culminating capstone or portfolio project that integrates technical, creative and critical learning.

• Foundations: drawing, 2D/3D design, basic performance techniques
• Core theory: art and theatre history, aesthetics, criticism
• Technical skills: stagecraft, lighting, sound, digital production, fabrication
• Specialist studios: painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, costume, set design
• Performance: acting, movement, voice, ensemble rehearsal
• Capstone/portfolio: final exhibition or directed production

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a recognised secondary school qualification and completion of the university's undergraduate admissions process. Applicants for arts and performance pathways should prepare a creative portfolio or media sample and, for certain performance-focused concentrations, an audition. You will usually be asked to submit a personal statement describing your artistic interests, and some programmes request letters of recommendation.

Successful applicants are evaluated on creative potential and readiness rather than a single numeric threshold; evidence of prior practice (courses, community work, pre‑college programmes, workshops) strengthens an application. International applicants must meet English language requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates from this interdisciplinary arts programme move into a wide range of creative careers. Common pathways include visual artist or studio practitioner, performer (theatre, music, dance), stage and production technician, set/costume/lighting designer, curator or gallery assistant, arts administrator, community arts worker, and arts education roles. The skills gained — creative problem solving, collaboration, project management and technical production — are also valued in related fields such as multimedia design, film and television production, cultural organisations and creative entrepreneurship.

Many students go on to postgraduate study (MFA, MA, conservatory training) or pursue professional certification for teaching. The programme’s emphasis on practical experience and community partnerships supports portfolio development, professional networking and internship opportunities that help transition to employment.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers extensive facilities and a vibrant arts ecosystem that benefit visual and performing arts students. You will have access to specialised studios, workshops and digital fabrication labs, dedicated performance venues and gallery spaces, and music rehearsal and recording facilities. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged across the College of Fine Arts, the School of Theatre, Film & Television and the Fred Fox School of Music, allowing students to combine interests and work on joint productions.

The university’s location provides regional cultural partnerships, community engagement opportunities and a lively arts scene. Faculty typically include practising artists, performers and designers who supervise project-based learning, and the curriculum emphasises real-world experience through productions, exhibitions, internships and study-abroad options to prepare graduates for creative careers and further study.