School of the Arts

The School of the Arts is a vibrant community of practicing artists who are also dedicated teacher-scholars. Collectively, our faculty and administrators strive to give students the best possible arts education within a liberal arts curriculum, while also meeting the diverse educational and cultural needs of the campus and community. Learn more about our academic mission, check out artistic/educational opportunities available, and visit the College's Virtual Visitor Center.

Read our statement in support of Black communities and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Message from Dean Valerie B. Morris

Valerie B. Morris

As a winner of the South Carolina Governor's Award for the Arts – the state's highest award in the arts – our school has been recognized for its remarkable academic programming, dedicated artist-scholars and extensive community outreach. Read more

Video Highlights

School of the Arts: Overview: The School of the Arts at the College of Charleston is a vibrant community of practicing artists who are also dedicated teacher-scholars. The School offers studies in art and architectural history, music, studio art, theatre, dance, arts management and historic preservation/community planning.

Art History Class Highlight: If this were the 15th century, you might think you'd stumbled into an alterpiece workshop, but this is an art history course examining the materials and techniqes of Renaissance art. Hands-on experiences combined with engaging lectures are the perfect formula for learning.

Overview 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 through four aspects of the department.

Learn About Music Studies: Merging the intense focus of a conservatory with a broad education in the liberal arts, the music program at the College of Charleston is further enhanced by its location in a city renowned for its cultural heritage and devotion to the performing arts.

Studio Art Alumna Highlight: Lulie Martin Wallace is a young artist who is making 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).

Arts Management Alumna Highlight: Ginger Vallen plays an integral role behind the curtain at Carnegie Hall as the famed performing arts center’s 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.