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

School 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.

Art 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.

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 as early as your first year.

Learn 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.

Studio 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).

Arts 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.

Historic 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.