University of Hartford

What you'll study

This programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that balances practical studio and performance work with critical and historical study of the arts. Students typically take foundation courses in drawing, design, acting or movement, music fundamentals, and media production, then progress to more specialised studio or performance options.

• Core studio and performance practice – courses that develop technical skills in visual arts (painting, sculpture, digital media), theatre (acting, voice, movement), music (ensemble, theory), dance, and film production.
• Collaborative projects and labs – ensemble performance, production workshops, gallery exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects that mirror professional creative practice.
• Theory and contextual studies – art history, theatre history, aesthetics, cultural studies and courses that explore the social and historical contexts of creative work.
• Professional practice – courses in portfolio development, arts entrepreneurship, project management, and internships or fieldwork with local arts organisations.
• Capstone experience – a senior exhibition, final performance, film or research project that demonstrates a student’s concentration and readiness for professional work or further study.

Students choose electives and a concentration pathway to tailor the degree toward visual arts, performing arts, media, or combined interdisciplinary practice. Practical learning is supported by studio time, rehearsal rooms, performance venues and access to the Hartt School resources for students taking performance-focused modules.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary-school completion credential appropriate to their country. Admissions review typically considers academic transcripts, a personal statement and letters of recommendation. For those concentrating in visual art or performance, the programme generally requires a portfolio or an audition/interview to assess practical preparation and potential.

• Secondary-school qualification or equivalent.
• A written personal statement outlining artistic interests, experience and goals.
• Letters of recommendation (often one or two) from teachers or arts professionals.
• Portfolio submission for visual arts applicants or an audition/interview for theatre, music or dance concentrations; guidelines are provided by the department.
• International applicants should provide documentation of academic credentials and evidence of English language proficiency where required.

The University of Hartford operates an inclusive admissions process and may offer placement assessments or preparatory options for applicants who show promise but need further skill development.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a broad range of creative and cultural careers or continue to advanced study. The interdisciplinary training develops practical skills, project management and critical thinking valued across sectors.

• Careers in the creative industries such as visual artist, actor, dancer, musician, filmmaker, or theatre technician.
• Arts administration, production management, casting, curatorial work and community arts coordination.
• Design roles in digital media, graphic design, set and costume design, and video production.
• Education and outreach positions in schools, community centres and cultural organisations, as well as postgraduate study in fine art, performing arts or arts management.

Internships, performance credits and exhibition experience arranged through the university help graduates build professional networks in the Greater Hartford region and beyond.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford combines liberal arts breadth with conservatory-style resources, particularly through the Hartt School, giving students access to specialised faculty, rehearsal and studio spaces, and performance venues. Small class sizes allow personalised instruction and mentorship from practitioners working in theatre, music, dance and visual arts.

• Access to professional-standard studios, theatres and media labs and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.
• Faculty drawn from active artists and performers who provide practical guidance and industry insight.
• Connections with Hartford’s cultural organisations, galleries and regional arts festivals for internships and community-engaged projects.
• An environment that supports both professional preparation and academic enquiry, enabling students to pursue careers or further study in a variety of creative fields.