Visual and Performing Arts Major

Aligning itself with the evolving trends of the 21st century arts world, Worcester State University offers several programs for its visual and performing arts students, including two majors, double students a Major in Interdisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts, one of the few interdisciplinary arts majors for education students, and four minors. in the country.

The Major in Interdisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts is one of the few interdisciplinary arts majors in the country. With this major, students go beyond the standard coursework in art, music, and theatre to understand the larger world of visual and performing arts. WSU’s VPA major allows students to gain an interdisciplinary view of the arts and an understanding of how to use one art form to inform the other, while also gaining an in-depth knowledge of the art forms that most excite them.

The interdisciplinary major is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in art, music, and theatre, and both a theoretical and practical understanding about how they interact in an interdisciplinary interdisciplinary environment.  Core courses promote critical thinking, and prepare students intellectually and creatively to complete their capstone/senior thesis projects and launch careers in the arts. Students craft the major to fit their areas of interest – art, music, theatre, etc. - through electives chosen in consultation withadvisors.- through electives chosen in consultation with advisors. Students apply their coursework to the production, performance, and critical study of creative work through through a multitude of exhibit and performance opportunities.

Requirements for a VPA Major

Minimum requirement for the major is completion of 45 credits, including a five course (15 credit) Foundation curriculum, a seven course (15 credit) Interdisciplinary Core, and 15 credits of electives chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Interdisciplinary Foundation and Core Courses(45 credits)
Foundation Courses15
Select 2 courses from 2 foundations and 1 course from the third
Foundation in Art
Global Art History
Design Fundamentals
Foundation in Music
Fundamentals of Music and Aural Skills
History of Music
Foundation in Theatre
Script Analysis
Acting I
Core Courses
VP-155First Year Practicum1
VP-200Critical Thinking in the Arts3
VP-255Second Year Practicum1
VP-355Third Year Practicum1
VP-364Interdisciplinary Arts Theory3
VP-365Interdisciplinary Arts Practice3
VP-4003
Disciplinary Electives15
Five courses to be taken across the department in AR, MU, TH, or VP. To be selected with advising based on student interest and student need.
Total Credits45