School of the Arts

Welcome to the School of the Arts, the artistic heartbeat of Charleston. Our students are taught by world-class artists/scholars in an environment that stresses experiential learning, creative collaborations, rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

During the past challenging academic year, our unwavering passion for the arts and arts education grew even stronger. The future is bright, and the school year ahead will inspire...and this video captures just that.

Graduates of our seven academic departments and programs have been accepted to many of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs and conservatories, and many of them of are professional artists and scholars working at the very highest level, while others are working in leadership roles at some of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Also, some graduates have successful careers in industries such as business, education, engineering and government, where they apply the critical thinking and creative skills gained from our School’s training. 

View a condensed overview of the School of the Arts.

For detailed info about the school, learn more in Dean Edward Hart's message, check out artistic/educational opportunities available, and visit the College's Virtual Visitor Center.

View our 2021-2022 event season and latest news, such as the renovation of the Simons Center for the Arts.

Video Highlights
Video HighlightSchool of the Arts: Overview: Our school is a vibrant community of practicing artists who are also dedicated teacher-scholars in art and architectural history, music, studio art, theatre, dance, arts management and historic preservation/community planning.
Video HighlightArt History Class Highlight: This art history course examines the materials and techniques of Renaissance art. Hands-on experiences combined with engaging lectures are the perfect formula for learning.
Video HighlightOverview of Theatre & Dance Studies: No matter your theatrical or dance interests, you'll find your niche at the College. The Department of Theatre and Dance provides multiple production opportunities as early as your first year.
Video HighlightLearn About Music Studies: Merging the intense focus of a conservatory with a broad education in the liberal arts, the music program is further enhanced by its location in a city renowned for its cultural heritage and devotion to the performing arts.
Video HighlightStudio Art Alumna Highlight: Lulie Martin Wallace is a young artist who has made national waves with her commercial pieces (being sold in Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie and being recognized by Southern Living, Better Homes and Garden and HGTV Magazine).
Video HighlightArts Management Alumna Highlight: Ginger Vallen plays an integral role at Carnegie Hall as the Director of Special Events. She helps coordinate more than 50 events a year including three major fundraisers which raise $2 million to $5 million each.
Video HighlightHistoric Preservation & Community Planning Major: This unique program of historic preservation, architectural and urban design, planning, and architectural and urban history prepares students for jobs and graduate studies in cultural resource management, architecture, urban design and real estate - to name a few.

School of the Arts News

SOTA: The Artistic Heartbeat of Charleston
Posted on 7 September 2021 | 10:19 pm
During the past challenging academic year, our unwavering passion for the arts and arts education grew even stronger. The future is bright, and the school year ahead will inspire. Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, the College of…
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2020-2021 School of the Arts Awards
Posted on 5 May 2021 | 6:04 am
The School of the Arts honors the achievements of a select group of students who have demonstrated excellence in their respective disciplines. Congratulations to these students! ART and ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY School of the Arts Scholars Cassandra N. Knoppel Paige Noelle…
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Katie Hirsch Takes Helm of Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at College of Charleston
Posted on 14 April 2021 | 11:10 am
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts is excited to announce the appointment of a new Director. Katie Hirsch, the current Interim Director, Curator and Director of Strategic Partnerships took the helm…
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School of the Arts Events

CofC Music: Voice Faculty with Guest Artists
February 3rd from 7:30 pm
The Department of Music will present the concert, “Masterworks of Voice and Drama,” featuring Strauss' "Four Last Songs" as well as the rarely performed Vaughan-Williams love duet (opera) tit [...]
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International Piano Series: William Villaverde & Fabiana Claure
February 8th from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Husband and wife Latin American pianists William Villaverde and Fabiana Claure present the third concert of the International Piano Series' 31st season.The artists will present a musical program entit [...]
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Membership Mornings - Dyani White Hawk: "Hear Her"
February 11th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join the Halsey Institute's curators and your fellow members for a casual morning of coffee and conversation sponsored by Counter Culture Coffee in Charleston.  This event is open to all lev [...]
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CofC Opera: "Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)"
February 25th from 7:30 pm
Mozart's opera Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute): This classic and timeless fairytale of darkness, light and finding your way in the world explores the search for truth and reason, love and enlighten [...]
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