Central Washington University

What you'll study

This bachelor’s programme provides a broad foundation across visual and performing arts while allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest. First-year work typically emphasises fundamentals—drawing, design, music theory, basic acting and movement—alongside liberal arts courses. As you progress you choose advanced studio or performance tracks and take classes in areas such as:

• Studio practice: painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital media and design fundamentals.
• Performance: acting techniques, voice and speech, scene study, rehearsal processes, dance technique and ensemble work.
• Music: applied lessons, ensemble participation, music theory, aural skills and performance workshops.
• Theory and history: art history, theatre history, music history and critical studies that contextualise creative practice.
• Professional practice: arts management, grant writing, curatorial practice, production and technical theatre, promotion and portfolio development.
• Capstone and practicum: senior capstone project, juried exhibition or public performance and internship or community-engaged project.

Instruction combines studio and rehearsal time with seminars and critique formats. Students benefit from regular opportunities to present work in juried shows, public concerts and staged productions, and can pursue interdisciplinary collaborations across departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a satisfactory academic record and evidence of creative potential. Specific programme elements may require:

• Portfolio: applicants who intend to focus on visual arts will normally submit a portfolio of recent work demonstrating technical skill, creative development and conceptual interest.
• Audition: applicants aiming for music, theatre or dance emphasis will usually be asked to audition, which may include prepared material, sight-reading or movement samples.
• English language: international applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements through accepted tests or qualifications.
• Transfer students: transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; course-by-course assessment will determine advanced standing and degree progress.

Candidates are encouraged to contact admissions or the Visual and Performing Arts department for specific portfolio or audition guidelines and to arrange campus visits or pre-application consultations.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of career paths in the creative and cultural sectors. Common directions include:

• Professional artist, performer or musician working freelance or with ensembles and companies.
• Arts administration, gallery or museum work, curatorial assistance and community arts coordination.
• Design and media roles in graphic design, digital production, photography and multimedia content creation.
• Technical theatre, stage management, lighting, sound and production careers.
• Education roles, including classroom teaching or arts outreach (many graduates pursue additional teacher certification where required).
• Further study at the graduate level (MFA, MA, MM) for those seeking specialised professional training or academic careers.

The programme emphasises professional readiness through portfolio development, audition preparation, internships and community partnerships that help build industry contacts and practical experience.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a supportive, professional environment for creative study with small classes, studio-focused instruction and frequent opportunities to perform and exhibit. The university provides dedicated rehearsal and studio spaces, performance venues and access to multidisciplinary faculty who are practising artists, directors and musicians. CWU’s regional connections create internship and collaboration possibilities with local arts organisations, festivals and schools, while campus events give students regular public-facing experience. The programme’s interdisciplinary structure is well suited to students who want both breadth across the arts and the chance to specialise and build a coherent professional portfolio.