The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) is a premier institution dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, CVPA offers students a transformative education in the visual and performing arts. Located in the vibrant South Coast region of Massachusetts, CVPA is a hub for aspiring artists, designers, musicians, and performers, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in their chosen fields. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, community engagement, and professional preparation, CVPA stands as a leader in arts education, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to the cultural and creative industries.

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Academic Programs and Departments Overview

CVPA offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in the arts. The college is organized into several departments, each specializing in distinct areas of artistic practice:

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1. Art + Design Department: This department offers programs in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Art Education. Students engage in studio-based learning, exploring traditional and contemporary techniques while developing their unique artistic voices. The department emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and conceptual development, preparing students for careers as professional artists, designers, educators, and more.
2. Music Department: The Music Department provides programs in Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Technology. Students receive personalized instruction from accomplished faculty, participate in ensembles, and gain experience in performance, composition, and music production. The department’s curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping graduates for careers in performance, teaching, and the music industry.
3. Theatre Department: The Theatre Department offers programs in Acting, Directing, Design, and Technical Theatre. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes coursework in acting techniques, stagecraft, dramaturgy, and theatre history. The department produces several productions each year, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and gain real-world experience.
4. Art History Department: This department offers a program in Art History, where students explore the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts of art. The curriculum covers a wide range of periods and regions, from ancient to contemporary art, and prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, academia, and cultural institutions.
5. Graduate Programs: CVPA also offers graduate programs, including a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Design and a Master of Art Education (MAE). These programs are designed for students seeking advanced training and research opportunities in their respective fields.

Facilities and Resources

CVPA is housed in state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with the resources they need to excel in their studies. Key facilities include:

• CVPA Main Building: This modern facility features spacious studios, galleries, and classrooms equipped with the latest technology. It serves as the central hub for artistic activity and collaboration.
• Woodshop and Fabrication Labs: These labs provide students with access to tools and equipment for woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.
• Music Rehearsal Rooms and Recording Studios: The Music Department boasts soundproof rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, and a performance hall, offering students a professional environment to hone their craft.
• Theatre Spaces: The Theatre Department has access to a black box theater and a mainstage theater, both equipped with lighting, sound, and stage machinery for productions.
• Galleries and Exhibition Spaces: CVPA features several galleries, including the University Art Gallery and student exhibition spaces, where students can showcase their work and engage with the public.

Faculty and Mentorship

CVPA’s faculty comprises accomplished artists, designers, musicians, and scholars who are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. With expertise in a wide range of disciplines, faculty members provide personalized mentorship, guiding students in their artistic and academic development. Many faculty members are actively engaged in their own creative practices, bringing real-world experience and industry connections to the classroom.

Experiential Learning and Professional Preparation

CVPA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering students numerous opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. Key initiatives include:

• Internships and Partnerships: CVPA has established partnerships with local and regional arts organizations, providing students with internship opportunities and professional networking.
• Study Abroad Programs: Students can participate in study abroad programs, gaining exposure to global art practices and cultures.
• Portfolio Development and Career Services: CVPA offers workshops and resources to help students build professional portfolios and prepare for careers in the arts.

Community Engagement and Outreach

CVPA is deeply committed to engaging with the community and promoting the arts as a vital part of society. The college hosts public performances, exhibitions, and lectures, inviting the community to experience the creative work of its students and faculty. Additionally, CVPA collaborates with local schools and organizations to provide arts education and outreach programs.

Student Life and Opportunities

CVPA fosters a vibrant and inclusive community where students can connect with peers, participate in clubs and organizations, and attend events. The college supports student-led initiatives, such as art collectives, music ensembles, and theater productions, creating a dynamic environment for creative expression.

Alumni Success

CVPA alumni have gone on to achieve success in a wide range of creative fields, including fine arts, graphic design, music performance, theater production, and arts education. The college’s strong alumni network provides ongoing support and opportunities for graduates as they navigate their careers.

Learn More About CVPA

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth is a leading institution for arts education, offering students a comprehensive and transformative learning experience. With its diverse academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and commitment to community engagement, CVPA prepares students to excel as creative professionals and cultural leaders. Whether pursuing a career in the visual arts, music, theater, or art history, CVPA students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact in the arts and beyond.

Academic Programs Offered at College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at Umass Dartmouth

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its departments. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the visual and performing arts, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Below is a detailed list of all academic programs offered at CVPA, categorized by department, with descriptions, details, and duration.

Art + Design Department

The Art + Design Department offers programs that emphasize creativity, technical skill, and conceptual development. Students engage in studio-based learning and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art + Design

• • Specializations:
    • Fine Arts: Focuses on painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
    • Graphic Design: Prepares students for careers in branding, advertising, and digital media.
    • Illustration: Combines traditional and digital techniques for storytelling and visual communication.
    • Photography: Explores both analog and digital photography, including studio and experimental practices.
  • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: Students complete a foundation year before choosing a specialization. The program culminates in a senior thesis project and exhibition.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art + Design

• • Specializations:
    • Art History: Focuses on the historical and cultural contexts of art.
    • Studio Art: Offers a broad-based education in visual arts.
  • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: This program is ideal for students seeking a liberal arts education with a focus on art and design.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Design

• • Duration: 2-3 years (60 credits).
  • Details: A terminal degree program for advanced study in visual design. Students work on independent research and creative projects, culminating in a thesis exhibition.

Art Education Programs

• • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art Education: Prepares students to teach visual arts in K-12 schools.
    • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Master of Art Education (MAE): Advanced study for certified art educators.
    • Duration: 1-2 years (30 credits).

Music Department

The Music Department offers programs that blend performance, theory, and technology, preparing students for careers in music performance, education, and production.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

• • Specializations:
    • Music Performance: Focuses on instrumental or vocal performance.
    • Music Education: Prepares students to teach music in K-12 schools.
    • Music Technology: Combines music theory with digital audio production and sound design.
  • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: Students participate in ensembles, recitals, and coursework in music history and theory.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Technology

• • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: Focuses on the technical aspects of music production, including recording, mixing, and sound design.

Minor in Music

• • Duration: 18 credits.
  • Details: Open to students in other disciplines who wish to study music alongside their major.

Theatre Department

The Theatre Department offers programs that combine performance, design, and technical theatre, providing students with a well-rounded education in the dramatic arts.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre

• • Specializations:
    • Acting: Focuses on acting techniques, voice, and movement.
    • Design/Technical Theatre: Covers set design, lighting, costume design, and stage management.
  • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: Students participate in departmental productions and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre.

Minor in Theatre

• • Duration: 18 credits.
  • Details: Provides an introduction to theatre for students in other disciplines.

Art History Department

The Art History Department offers programs that explore the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts of art.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History

• • Duration: 4 years (120 credits).
  • Details: Students study art from ancient to contemporary periods, with opportunities for research and internships.

Minor in Art History

• • Duration: 18 credits.
  • Details: Complements majors in other disciplines, such as history, literature, or studio art.

Graduate Programs

CVPA offers advanced degrees for students seeking specialized training and research opportunities.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Design

• • Duration: 2-3 years (60 credits).
  • Details: A terminal degree program focusing on advanced visual design practices. Students complete a thesis project and exhibition.

Master of Art Education (MAE)

• • Duration: 1-2 years (30 credits).
  • Details: Designed for certified art educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills.

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Programs

CVPA encourages interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across departments. Students can combine their studies with programs in other colleges at UMass Dartmouth, such as business, humanities, or sciences.

Dual Degree Programs

• • Examples: BFA in Art + Design with a BA in Art History, or BA in Music with a BS in Music Technology.
  • Duration: Typically 5 years (150+ credits).

Interdisciplinary Minors

• • Examples: Digital Media, Arts Management, or Cultural Studies.
  • Duration: 18 credits.

Certificate Programs

CVPA offers certificate programs for students and professionals seeking specialized skills.

Certificate in Graphic Design

• • Duration: 1 year (18 credits).
  • Details: Focuses on design principles, software, and portfolio development.

Certificate in Music Technology

• • Duration: 1 year (18 credits).
  • Details: Covers recording, mixing, and sound design.

Why Study Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth?

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth provides a rich array of academic programs tailored to meet the needs of aspiring artists, designers, musicians, and performers. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional preparation, CVPA equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. Whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a certificate, students at CVPA benefit from a supportive and creative environment that fosters artistic growth and innovation.

Contact Information for College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at UMass Dartmouth

Address:
College of Visual and Performing Arts
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
USA

Phone:
Main Office: +1 508-999-8000
Admissions Office: +1 508-999-8605

Email:
General Inquiries: cvpa@umassd.edu
Admissions: admissions@umassd.edu

Website:
www.umassd.edu/cvpa

Social Media:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/UMassDartmouthCVPA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/umassdcvpa
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UMassD_CVPA