Kutztown University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor's programme blends studio practice, performance, theory and professional skills. Students take a mix of foundational liberal‑arts courses and specialised modules across visual and performing arts areas. Typical study areas include:

• Studio Art and Design: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, digital media, graphic design and portfolio development.
• Visual Studies and Art History: surveys of art history, contemporary art, critical theory and research methods.
• Music: music theory, aural skills, ensemble performance, applied lessons, composition and music technology.
• Theatre and Performance: acting, voice and movement, stagecraft, lighting and sound design, directing and production practicum.
• Professional Practice: career preparation, exhibition and performance production, internship placements, arts administration and entrepreneurship for artists.

The programme emphasises hands‑on learning in studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, culminating in senior projects or capstone exhibitions and recitals. Students often combine courses across departments to create a personalised pathway—examples include a focus in studio art with supporting theatre production courses, or a performance concentration augmented by digital media and design classes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions materials include a completed application, high school transcript and a personal statement. Specific majors or concentrations within the programme commonly require additional materials:

• Portfolio: applicants to studio and visual concentrations usually submit a portfolio of recent work demonstrating technical skill and creative development.
• Audition or recorded sample: applicants for music and theatre performance pathways are generally asked to audition in person or submit a recorded performance and repertoire list.
• Recommendations: one or more letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to artistic potential are encouraged.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a portfolio/audition when applicable. The programme values demonstrated commitment to creative practice as well as successful completion of general education requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of creative and arts‑related careers. Typical pathways include:

• Visual artist, illustrator or digital media artist
• Graphic designer, web designer or multimedia designer
• Professional musician, performer, composer or music technologist
• Theatre practitioner roles such as actor, stage manager, set/costume/lighting designer and production technician
• Gallery or museum technician, curator or exhibition coordinator
• Arts administrator, cultural organisation staff and community arts programming
• Teaching at early‑childhood, K‑12 or community levels (note: state teacher certification typically requires completion of an approved certification pathway beyond the major)
• Further study in MFA, MMus, MA or other graduate programmes in art, design, theatre, music or arts administration

Internships, on‑campus gallery/exhibition experience and performance credits help graduates build professional portfolios and networks that support entry into these roles.

Why study at Kutztown University

Kutztown University offers a focused College of Visual and Performing Arts with small class sizes and frequent direct faculty mentoring, allowing students substantial studio time and individual attention. The campus features practical facilities such as studios, darkrooms, digital labs, ceramics and print facilities, rehearsal halls and performance spaces, plus opportunities to exhibit and perform publicly.

The university emphasises experiential learning and professional preparation, with internship links to regional cultural organisations and opportunities to present work in campus galleries and community venues. Located within easy reach of Philadelphia and other mid‑Atlantic arts markets, Kutztown gives students access to broader cultural resources while retaining an affordable public‑university environment and a supportive, community‑oriented campus culture.