University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines core study across visual arts, music and theatre with options to focus in one area. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Studio Art: foundation drawing and design, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and digital media.
• Art History and Visual Culture: survey courses, contemporary practices, research methods and contextual studies.
• Music: music theory and history, ensemble performance, applied lessons and basic composition (available to students who choose the music track).
• Theatre and Performance: acting, voice and movement, stagecraft, costume and set design, directing and production practicum.
• Digital and Emerging Media: web and interactive media, video production, sound design and multimedia installation.
• Professional Studies: arts management, grant writing, marketing for the arts, portfolio and audition preparation, and internship/practicum placements.
• Capstone Project: a senior exhibition, recital or production plus a research project that demonstrates individual development and professional readiness.

The programme emphasises hands-on learning through studio practice, performance opportunities, collaborative projects and community-engaged placements. Students typically combine general education requirements with major coursework and electives in a chosen emphasis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry requirements include:

• A completed application to the University of Southern Mississippi and submission of academic transcripts.
• Minimum high-school academic performance as set by the university; specific GPA expectations vary and are considered alongside other evidence of readiness.
• Creative portfolio or audition for applicants wishing to demonstrate strength in a particular discipline (visual art portfolio, recorded music audition, acting audition or similar). Requirements for portfolios and auditions are provided by the school and assessed qualitatively.
• Personal statement or artist’s statement outlining interests, experience and goals in the visual and performing arts.
• Letters of recommendation are recommended and may strengthen an application, particularly for competitive specialisms.
• International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements through accepted tests or other evidence of capability.

Some students enter the programme intending to pursue teacher certification; those students should consult the university's education department for additional professional sequence and licensure requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of this degree go on to a broad range of creative careers or further study. Common pathways include:

• Professional visual artist, exhibiting work and pursuing studio-based careers or freelance commissions.
• Performer in music, theatre or interdisciplinary performance companies, including ensemble and solo paths.
• Arts administration and management roles in galleries, theatres, festivals, arts councils and nonprofits.
• Design and production careers such as set/costume design, lighting and sound, graphic and digital media design.
• Education roles, where graduates continue into teacher preparation programmes or community arts education (note that formal K–12 certification typically requires additional credentialing).
• Further academic study at MFA, MMus or MA levels in specialised studio, performance or research fields.
• Related creative industries including museums, cultural heritage organisations, creative technology firms and media production.

The programme’s emphasis on portfolio development, performance experience and practicum placements helps students build employable skills and professional networks in the region and beyond.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an environment that supports interdisciplinary arts study, with faculty drawn from visual arts, music and theatre who combine teaching with professional practice. The university provides dedicated studios, rehearsal spaces and performance venues that give students regular opportunities to exhibit and perform.

Located in a region with an active cultural scene, the programme benefits from community partnerships, internship placements and regional festivals that help students gain real-world experience. Class sizes are typically small in specialised courses, allowing for individual mentorship and hands-on guidance on portfolio and performance development.

Students also have access to campus resources such as technical workshops, digital labs and career services tailored to creative graduates. For those seeking further qualification, the degree prepares candidates for graduate study in studio art, performance and arts-related disciplines.