The College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive arts institutions in the United States, renowned for its exceptional programs in visual and performing arts, design, and art education. Located in the vibrant cultural hub of Southern California, the College of the Arts at CSULB offers students unparalleled opportunities to explore their creativity, hone their craft, and prepare for successful careers in the arts. With state-of-the-art facilities, a distinguished faculty of working artists and scholars, and a commitment to innovation and diversity, the College of the Arts is a leader in arts education and a cornerstone of the CSULB community.

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Overview of the College of the Arts

The College of the Arts at CSULB is one of the largest and most respected arts colleges in the nation, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its four departments: the School of Art, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, the Department of Dance, and the Department of Theatre Arts. The college is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, critical thinking, and cultural engagement, preparing students to become leaders in their respective fields. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the College of the Arts provides students with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.

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Academic Programs

The College of the Arts offers a diverse array of degree programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring artists, performers, designers, and educators. Each department provides rigorous training, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to cutting-edge resources.

1. School of Art
   The School of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive art schools in the country, offering programs in Studio Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, and more. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances technical skill development with conceptual exploration, preparing them for careers in fine arts, design, and related fields. The school also hosts the University Art Museum, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, providing students with direct exposure to professional art practices.
2. Bob Cole Conservatory of Music
   Named in honor of alumnus and philanthropist Bob Cole, the Conservatory of Music is recognized for its excellence in music education and performance. Programs include Music Performance, Music Education, Composition, Jazz Studies, and Music Therapy. The conservatory boasts world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous performance ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, jazz bands, and chamber groups. Students have the opportunity to perform in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, a premier venue for music and theater.
3. Department of Dance
   The Department of Dance offers a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes technical proficiency, creative expression, and scholarly research. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, with concentrations in Performance, Choreography, and Dance Science. The department is known for its innovative productions and collaborations with renowned guest artists, providing students with real-world experience in the dance industry.
4. Department of Theatre Arts
   The Department of Theatre Arts provides comprehensive training in all aspects of theater, including Acting, Directing, Design, Technical Production, and Dramatic Writing. Students have access to professional-grade facilities, including the University Theatre and the Studio Theatre, and participate in a full season of productions each year. The department also offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Theatre Management, preparing students for leadership roles in the performing arts.

Facilities and Resources

The College of the Arts is home to some of the most advanced arts facilities in the country, providing students with the tools and spaces they need to excel. Key facilities include:

• Carpenter Performing Arts Center: A 1,074-seat venue that hosts performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists.
• University Art Museum: A contemporary art museum that serves as a cultural resource for the campus and community.
• Dance Center: A dedicated space for dance training, rehearsals, and performances, equipped with sprung floors and mirrored studios.
• Music Facilities: Including practice rooms, recording studios, and the Daniel Recital Hall, a 200-seat performance space.
• Theatre Complex: Featuring multiple performance spaces, design labs, and workshops for set construction and costume design.

Faculty and Alumni

The College of the Arts boasts a distinguished faculty of working artists, scholars, and educators who are leaders in their fields. Faculty members bring a wealth of professional experience and academic expertise to the classroom, providing students with mentorship and guidance. The college also has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in top positions in the arts, entertainment, and education sectors. Notable alumni include Steven Spielberg (filmmaker), John Baldessari (visual artist), and Debbie Allen (dancer and choreographer).

Community Engagement and Outreach

The College of the Arts is deeply committed to serving the community and promoting access to the arts. Through partnerships with local schools, cultural organizations, and community groups, the college offers a variety of outreach programs, including workshops, performances, and exhibitions. The Arts for Life initiative provides scholarships and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.

Student Life and Opportunities

Students in the College of the Arts benefit from a vibrant and supportive community that encourages creativity and collaboration. The college hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, theater productions, and dance performances, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work and gain professional experience. Student organizations, such as the Art Students League, Music Society, and Theatre Guild, offer additional avenues for networking and creative expression.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission to the College of the Arts is competitive, with applicants required to submit portfolios, auditions, or other evidence of artistic ability, depending on the program. The college offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, to help students fund their education. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus, attend information sessions, and connect with faculty and current students to learn more about the programs and resources available.

World-Class Arts Education at CSULB

The College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a premier destination for students seeking a world-class arts education. With its comprehensive programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to excellence, the college prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the arts and society. Whether you are an aspiring artist, performer, designer, or educator, the College of the Arts at CSULB offers the resources, support, and inspiration you need to achieve your goals and realize your creative potential.

Academic Programs Offered at the College of the Arts at CSULB

The College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers a wide range of academic programs across its four departments: the School of Art, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, the Department of Dance, and the Department of Theatre Arts. Below is a comprehensive list of all programs, clearly categorized and outlined with descriptions, details, and durations.

School of Art

The School of Art provides a diverse array of programs in visual arts, design, and art history, emphasizing both technical skill development and conceptual exploration.

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art
   • Concentrations: Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Illustration, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Spatial Arts.
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A professional degree program designed for students pursuing careers as practicing artists. The curriculum includes intensive studio work, critiques, and art history courses.
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art
   • Concentrations: Art Education, Art History, and Studio Art.
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A liberal arts degree offering a broad foundation in art, with flexibility to explore multiple disciplines. Ideal for students interested in teaching, art history, or interdisciplinary studies.
3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Focuses on visual communication, typography, branding, and digital design. Prepares students for careers in design agencies, advertising, and multimedia industries.
4. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Combines traditional drawing and painting techniques with digital tools to prepare students for careers in editorial, entertainment, and commercial illustration.

Graduate Programs

1. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art
   • Concentrations: Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
   • Duration: 2–3 years (full-time).
   • Description: A terminal degree program for advanced studio practice, culminating in a thesis exhibition. Emphasizes individual artistic development and professional preparation.
2. Master of Arts (MA) in Art History
   • Duration: 2 years (full-time).
   • Description: Focuses on the critical study of art history, with opportunities for research, writing, and curatorial projects. Prepares students for careers in academia, museums, and galleries.

Bob Cole Conservatory of Music

The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music offers programs in performance, composition, education, and music therapy, with a strong emphasis on both classical and contemporary music.

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance
   • Concentrations: Instrumental, Vocal, and Jazz Studies.
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Provides intensive training in performance, with opportunities to participate in ensembles, masterclasses, and recitals.
2. Bachelor of Music (BM) in Composition
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Focuses on the creation of original music, with training in orchestration, electronic music, and contemporary techniques.
3. Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Prepares students for teaching careers in K–12 schools, with coursework in pedagogy, conducting, and curriculum development.
4. Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Therapy
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Combines music and psychology to train students in therapeutic techniques for clinical and community settings.
5. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A liberal arts degree offering a broad foundation in music, with flexibility to explore other academic interests.

Graduate Programs

1. Master of Music (MM) in Performance
   • Concentrations: Instrumental, Vocal, and Conducting.
   • Duration: 2 years (full-time).
   • Description: Advanced training in performance, with opportunities for solo and ensemble work.
2. Master of Music (MM) in Composition
   • Duration: 2 years (full-time).
   • Description: Focuses on advanced composition techniques and the creation of a professional portfolio.
3. Master of Arts (MA) in Music
   • Duration: 2 years (full-time).
   • Description: A research-based degree with concentrations in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Education.

Department of Dance

The Department of Dance offers programs that emphasize technical proficiency, creative expression, and scholarly research.

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance
   • Concentrations: Performance, Choreography, and Dance Science.
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A professional degree program with intensive training in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance techniques.
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A liberal arts degree offering a broad foundation in dance, with opportunities to explore other academic disciplines.

Graduate Programs

1. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance
   • Duration: 2–3 years (full-time).
   • Description: A terminal degree program focusing on advanced choreography, performance, and research.

Department of Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts provides comprehensive training in all aspects of theater, from performance to production.

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Intensive training in acting techniques, voice, movement, and scene study.
2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design/Technical Production
   • Concentrations: Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design.
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: Prepares students for careers in theatrical design and production.
3. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts
   • Duration: 4 years (full-time).
   • Description: A liberal arts degree offering a broad foundation in theater, with opportunities to explore acting, directing, and design.

Graduate Programs

1. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre Management
   • Duration: 2–3 years (full-time).
   • Description: Prepares students for leadership roles in arts administration and theater management.
2. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design/Technical Production
   • Duration: 2–3 years (full-time).
   • Description: Advanced training in theatrical design and production, culminating in a professional portfolio.

Why Study the Arts at CSULB?

The College of the Arts at CSULB offers a rich variety of academic programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring artists, performers, designers, and educators. With programs ranging from undergraduate to graduate levels, students have the opportunity to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary for successful careers in the arts. Each program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on learning experiences, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Contact Information for College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Address

• Main Office:
  College of the Arts
  California State University, Long Beach
  1250 Bellflower Boulevard
  Long Beach, CA 90840
  United States

Phone

• Main Office Phone: (562) 985-4361

Email

• General Inquiries: coa-info@csulb.edu
• Admissions Questions: coa-admissions@csulb.edu

Website

• Official Website: https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-the-arts

Social Media Accounts

• Facebook: CSULB College of the Arts
• Instagram: @csulbcoa
• Twitter: @CSULB_COA
• YouTube: CSULB College of the Arts