Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This degree provides a balance of studio practice, performance experience and academic study. Core components typically include foundation courses in drawing, design and digital media; technique and repertoire courses in voice, instrumental performance, acting, movement or dance; and survey courses in art history and theatre/music history. Students choose concentrations or elective tracks that may include painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, film/video, musical ensemble, stagecraft and technical theatre, choreography or composition.

• Studio and performance practice: regular studio classes, rehearsals, ensemble work, and staged productions or juried exhibitions.
• Theory and context: art history, dramaturgy, music theory/ear training, choreographic studies and cultural studies that situate creative work in broader contexts.
• Technical skills: lighting and sound, set and costume design, digital imaging, video editing and portfolio development.
• Capstone experience: final-year recital, production credit, senior exhibition or portfolio review demonstrating a professional-level body of work.
• General education: Jesuit liberal-arts curriculum components that develop critical thinking, communication and ethical reflection.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Admission normally takes into account academic records, preparation in arts subjects and a demonstrated commitment to creative work.

• Academic record: satisfactory secondary-school transcript showing readiness for undergraduate study.
• Portfolio or audition: most studio and performance concentrations require a portfolio of visual work or an audition/recording for performance tracks. Guidelines and required materials are provided by the department.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining artistic interests and goals; letters of recommendation can strengthen an application.
• Additional considerations: some students may be invited to an interview, live audition or on-campus review as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of creative and allied careers. The programme prepares students for professional practice as visual artists, performers, composers, directors, choreographers and designers, as well as roles in arts education, arts administration, curation and community arts programming.

• Fine artist, illustrator, designer or multimedia artist
• Actor, musician, dancer, director or ensemble member in professional companies
• Stage manager, lighting/sound technician, set or costume designer
• Curator, gallery manager, museum educator or arts administrator
• Secondary-school or community arts teacher (further certification may be required)
• Freelance creative professional, entrepreneur or producer working in cultural organisations, media and events

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University offers a Jesuit liberal-arts environment that emphasises close faculty mentoring and an interdisciplinary approach to creative practice. Students benefit from on-campus studios, rehearsal spaces and performance venues as well as opportunities to work with visiting artists and faculty with active professional profiles.

• Location: proximity to a vibrant regional arts ecosystem with theatres, galleries, orchestras and festivals provides internship and collaboration opportunities.
• Hands-on learning: production-based courses and regular public presentations give real-world experience in exhibition and performance practice.
• Supportive community: small classes, critique seminars and faculty supervision that help students develop a distinct artistic voice and professional portfolio.
• Pathways: strong links with local cultural institutions support experiential learning, internships and post-graduate networking.