Majors, Minors and Certificates

The Master of Fine Arts in Acting at WVU is an intensive three-year course of study.

The Masters of Fine Arts in Studio Art program offers focused study in the areas of ceramics, graphic design, intermedia/photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The three-year M.F.A. program challenges students to reach their highest potential as critically engaged artists. Our selective and limited enrollment ensures regular individual contact with a dedicated, diverse faculty who are committed to a sustained professional exchange with each student. Our faculty stress intense studio practice, multidisciplinary experimentation, and an awareness of the ongoing cultural discourse.

The Master of Arts degree in Art Education accommodates the seasoned art teacher as well as the inexperienced pre-professional student who is seeking advanced knowledge and/or training in the field of Art Education. Students interested in West Virginia PK-12 Visual Art certification may seek an MA plus certification.

The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano provides students wishing to specialize in piano accompaniment an opportunity to study and achieve an advanced degree in this highly demanding and lucrative professional field.

The primary objective of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the recognition of the highest achievement in music performance and teaching, preparing artist-pedagogues for careers in higher education and in the professional world.

The degree of Master of Music may be taken in performance, music education, composition, music theory or music history. At WVU we have created a unique environment where our students can work with a faculty consisting of internationally known performers, pedagogues and scholars.

The primary objective of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the recognition of the highest achievement in music performance and teaching, preparing artist-pedagogues for careers in higher education and in the professional world.

The WVU School of Music has a unique environment where our students can work with a faculty consisting of internationally known performers, pedagogues and scholars.

The primary objective of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the recognition of the highest achievement in music performance and teaching, preparing artist-pedagogues for careers in higher education and in the professional world.

Study in the area of costume design takes the student through an introduction to the elements of design, drawing and costume history. The course of study then moves toward an intensive application of designing the character in the world of the play through course work, practical design and construction.

The MA in Game Design at WVU is a 30-credit program for emerging game designers seeking to further their credentials for career advancement. All courses are online except for the annual Game Design Residency (ART 502), an on-campus game design conference that takes place each summer. During this four-day session each student has an opportunity to hear from leading game designers, meet their WVU faculty, network with potential employers and share their game design project with peers.

Art and Design graduate students work closely in a personal studio environment, while benefiting from a highly accessible faculty. A vibrant visiting artist and lecture series provides additional influence and dialogue. Research support and graduate colloquia facilitate cultural and scholarly exploration at national and international venues.

The program is designed to prepare students for independent jazz teaching, public school teaching, college or university studio or group teaching, ensemble coaching and the teaching of jazz improvisation and pedagogy at the college of university level.

The MFA Lighting program emphasizes a hands-on learning environment. Students get an immersive lighting experience from production electricians, to designers, to moving light technicians and lighting console programmers.

The Master of Arts program in Music Industry provides students with the up-to-date, relevant knowledge and skills needed to productively operate, lead and successfully manage the dynamic changes in the music industry.

The MM in Music Education is designed to cultivate continued development of professional competence beyond the baccalaureate degree. High levels of musicianship and pedagogical expertise are integrated into a comprehensive program of study.

The MA in Music Theory is intended for performers and music educators who desire advanced training in the analysis of Western art music and preparation for teaching basic musicianship in either a high school or college setting.

Students completing the master’s program in Musicology develop a broad understanding of the primary methods used in musicological and ethnomusicological research.

The Performance curricula are especially designed for students wishing to prepare themselves as performers or as teachers of a particular instrument or voice.

The primary objective of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the recognition of the highest achievement in music performance and teaching, preparing artist-pedagogues for careers in higher education and in the professional world.

Piano Pedagogy is designed to provide advanced training to help prepare students to teach piano successfully in an independent studio, community music program or college. The program offers a variety of courses and comprehensive experience in individual and group piano instruction.

The intention of the program is to provide talented students with an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth in an environment that approaches theatre as both an art form and a learning experience.

The Masters of Art in Studio Art promotes advanced study in ceramics, graphic design, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, or time-based art. M.A. studio art students are required to produce a written thesis and, at the graduate committee's discretion, may be required to hold a thesis exhibition. The 36-hour, non-terminal studio degree can be completed in two years.

Technical production encompasses the design, construction and implementation of scenery using a wide array of technologies, materials and techniques. Students gain hands-on experience in planning and managing the process from design to strike.