Arts Studies FAQs
What is arts studies?
Arts studies is a liberal arts degree program that allows students to study a particular art form in the context of other art forms and within the context of other issues in society.
The students concentrate in one of four areas: film studies, music, theater or visual arts. They also take courses that link their concentration to other arts or other areas outside the arts. The degree program includes a capstone course and an advised elective.
What kind of careers do arts studies majors choose after graduation?
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in art galleries, art museums, music recording studios, film and video production companies, arts management companies, arts administration, and theater production companies. Some students go on to graduate school in film studies, music, theater or visual arts.
What additional requirements are part of arts studies?
We often recommend an internship for many arts studies students. It is not required, however.
Why can’t I take a design course? It says the design course would count toward my requirements, so why can’t I take it?
Some College of Design courses are open to arts studies students, while others are limited to College of Design students. A particular course remains on the list even though no arts studies students can take it, because we have many students who transfer from design to arts studies. Some of those students have already taken that particular design course, so the degree audit shows where they can count it.
What is an advised elective?
Any elective that your advisor agrees would be beneficial to your studies and your future plans.
What is the capstone course?
The capstone course brings together all arts studies majors, regardless of concentration, into a single interdisciplinary final course centered on a single topic. The topic changes each semester. Students in the course are expected to have completed most of their course work and are expected to contribute substantial knowledge to the course based on their concentration.
Can I major in art?
Arts studies is not a studio art degree. NC State offers neither a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, nor a Bachelor of Music degree. The closest thing to a studio art degree is a degree in art and design in the College of Design. However, there are production or performance course offerings for each foundation, and they are an essential part of the major.
Are there many arts studies majors?
Yes. You are not alone. The Program has over 100 students majoring in arts studies. There are more arts studies majors than there are students in whole departments elsewhere on campus. It is important to network with your fellow students: when you take an ARS course, find out who else is an arts studies major; attend an Artery meeting; or go to an Arts NOW Series event.
How do I find out who my faculty advisor is?
From MyPack Portal, click on degree audit. Near the top of the degree audit you can find a listing for your advisor. You will have an arts studies advisor after you are formally accepted into the major.
Where can I find out more about general education and Humanities and Social Sciences requirements for arts studies majors?
Take a look at these websites:
How do I become an arts studies major?
All current NC State students wanting to change majors or add a second major must have at least 12 hours of NC State credit completed and a minimum 2.0 GPA before they can do so.
Current NC State students can transfer into arts studies or add it as a second major by applying through the online “Change of Degree Application” (CODA). There are four annual application deadlines.
If your total GPA is 3.0 or better, you will automatically be accepted. If your GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0, then you should take some courses in the arts that would count toward an arts studies degree. The grades you make in those courses will help determine whether you can be accepted into the arts studies major.
- Current students who want to transfer to or add another second major, please consult the intracampus transfer policy for your chosen Major.
- New students need to apply to NC State admissions.
If I choose arts studies as a second major, what additional curriculum requirements are there?
- If both majors are in Humanities and Social Sciences, then you’ll complete the “departmental requirements” for arts studies. View the curriculum.
- If your two majors will be in different colleges, you will need to complete the additional requirements for the other college and the other department. The best way to find out is to go to your MyPack Portal page, choose “Degree Audit” and use the “What If” option.
- For your two majors the following restrictions apply:
- No more than nine hours of overlap coursework may be counted in the two Majors’ departmental requirements. (There is no restriction on the amount of overlap that is allowed in GER, college-level, or free elective coursework.)
Can I also minor in music or art and design?
Yes. If you have a music concentration in arts studies, you can also minor in music. If you have a visual arts concentration, you can also minor in art and design. Note, however, that there is a severe limit to the amount of course overlap allowed. If interested, seek guidance from your arts studies advisor.
What makes a good fit as a minor or second major for arts studies?
Any College of Humanities and Social Sciences major or minor such as anthropology, history, or political science (or others) is a good fit, especially since the college-level course requirements are usually the same. Other possibilities include accounting, business administration, nonprofit studies, music, art and design, film studies, and theater. Students regularly earn a minor in one of the sciences, and a few students double major in engineering or the sciences, but this is less common.
Are there student organizations that I can join?
Yes, the arts studies program includes the student organization “ARTery”.
Where can I find information about scholarships and financial aid?
Do you have an affiliated graduate program?
No, NC State does not have a graduate program in arts studies.
What are good graduate programs in art studies or closely related fields?
Since each concentration is different and each student has different goals, it is best to ask your advisor about good matches for graduate schools.
Who can I talk to if I have other questions about Art Studies?
Contact Rodney Waschka for more information.