As long as there have been human beings, there has been art. Art brings beauty to our surroundings through creative expression of emotion. Music is a universal language that forms gates of communication across cultures. Theater opens our hearts to the experiences of people in situations outside of our routine life. The Arts awaken our imaginations and encourage intellectual and emotional reflection. Most would argue that the arts are essential – that they are part of the very core of humanity.
Art, Music, and Theatre are versatile minors which, in conjunction with your major, can prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers. (Students can major in theatre or minor in the program.) The knowledge and skills you’ll develop through a minor in the arts will complement your major and make you a viable and competitive candidate for jobs.
Alvernia graduates who minor in the arts find jobs as performers, counselors, researchers, teachers, business managers and journalists. Some work as graphic designers, for newspapers or magazines, for theaters or non-profit organizations. Some have started their own businesses, while others choose to work in the public sector.
To learn more, contact:
Nathan Thomas, Ph.D.
Professor of Theatre
610-796-8343, nathan.thomas@alvernia.edu
Art
Alvernia offers a minor in art that provides students with the foundation needed to perceive and uniquely express their knowledge about the world. The study of art prepares students for independent critical thinking and provides inspiration for personal creativity. Basic skills acquired relate to all areas of curriculum and professional endeavors, and a minor in art may be well suited to students majoring in communication, education, general studies, history, marketing, occupational therapy, or psychology. Courses in digital art have been added to the program.
The following categories are required for the art minor. Students must have one from each foundational skill set, plus 6 credits of art electives. Prerequisites may be required for 200 level course or higher.
21 credits
- Drawing: ART 101, ART 115, ART 124, ART 201
- Color Theory: ART 103, ART 208, ART 308, ART 340
- 3-Dimensional Design: ART 106, ART 251
- Digital Design: ART 130, ART 222, ART 230, ART 235, ART 281, ART 319
- Art History: ART 215, ART 217
- Art Electives: 6 credits
Music
Music offerings seek to serve students by presenting the basics of music and the relationship of music to other areas of human endeavor. Skills courses seek to develop the student as a performer to foster self-expression and enjoyment of the art of music. Performance groups include chorus and ensembles.
18 credits
- MUS 135
- MUS 235
- MUS 051 (repeated)
- MUS 010 or 020 (repeated)
- Six credits in other music courses
Theatre
Alvernia provides many opportunities for students to participate in theatre and dance. Students can major in theatre or minor in the program. Students from any major can participate in the university’s production program, which presents major works (Shakespeare, Chekhov, Sophocles, and world premieres of new plays). Beyond producing major plays, the theatre program has supported numerous student-initiated projects.
18 credits
- THR 150
- THR 155
- THR 255 or 350
- THR 355 or 404
- Six credits from COM 250, 351; LIT 213, 303
