Fine and Performing Arts
Fine Arts
Discover Your Creative Path at Athens State University
Were you the “art kid” growing up—the one who saw the world differently? So do we. At Athens State, our Art Department thrives on creativity, innovation, and pushing boundaries. We believe art students are visionary thinkers who shape the world through beauty, resourcefulness, and bold ideas. Here, you’ll find a supportive, engaged community that shares your passion for the arts.
Pursue an Art major- the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Seek a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a minor in education- P-12 Teaching Certification.
A major in Art provides a broad foundation.In the B.F.A. students choose a concentration in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Painting and Drawing. A concentration allows you to specialize in a specific area of interest. Unlike a minor, which is a separate field of study, a concentration refines expertise within your major—enhancing both your education and career prospects.
Our courses are offered in various formats—traditional, blended, and online—giving you flexibility in how and when you learn. With seamless transfers from community colleges and a state-of-the-art facility at the Alabama Center for the Arts, you’ll be prepared for a future as an artist, educator, entrepreneur, or industry professional.
Join us and turn your creative vision into reality. Explore our website and connect with our faculty to learn more!
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Art Education
Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Art
Certificate
Interactive Design
Digital Badges
Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Design and Digital Illustration
Adobe InDesign for Print and Digital Media Production
Adobe Photoshop for Visual Design and Photography
Performing Arts
Through a combination of rigorous academic study and hands-on production experience, the Performing Arts programs prepare students to develop their artistic talents while building the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed for success in the performing arts.
Designed for students with varying levels of theatre experience, the Performing Arts programs provide a seamless pathway for transfer students to complete their degree at Athens State. Students gain a strong foundation in performance and production while developing skills through the critical analysis of dramatic literature, theatre theory, and contemporary trends in the arts. Coursework in acting, stage combat, scenic design, lighting, props, songwriting, and music creates a well-rounded educational experience that prepares graduates for a wide range of creative opportunities.
Graduates are prepared for careers in acting, directing, teaching, community arts programming, playwriting, producing, design, set construction, production management, performing, artist management, arts administration, education, community engagement, and more. The programs combine scholarly research and writing with practical artistic experience through mainstage productions allowing students to build a professional portfolio that supports careers in the industry or continued study in the Master of Fine Arts program.
Beyond the classroom and stage, the performing arts programs foster an inclusive, collaborative community where creativity thrives and a shared passion for the performing arts brings students together.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
Music Industry Studies
Virtual Tour
Envision Yourself at the Alabama Center for the Arts! Take the virtual tour today.
In the News
The 8th Juried Faculty & Alumni Art Exhibition will open on Thursday, August 13, in the Alabama Center for the Arts’ Main Gallery. The exhibition features 47 works by 25 […]
Athens State is pleased to announce that the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) has approved a new Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education (MSN-NE) degree program that is […]
Athens State University held its summer commencement ceremony on Saturday, July 25, celebrating the academic achievements of nearly 200 graduates. The ceremony recognized 144 students receiving bachelor’s degrees and 49 […]
On July 7, ten Athens State University faculty came together for the sixth and final session of the 2026 CORE Faculty Fellows program, capping off an intensive fellowship dedicated to […]
The Alabama Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that the 2026 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is now open in the Center’s Walking Gallery. The exhibit is […]
The Athenian Players invite you to the Summer 2026 performance of Alice By Heart. Set following the London Blitz of World War II, the story follows teen Alice Spencer and […]
Athens State is pleased to host As They Are, featuring the artwork of Athens State Associate Professor, Dr. Mary Beth Johns. The exhibit features large-scale, expressionist portraits of family, friends, […]
The Athens State University Accounting Club, an IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) Student Chapter, was recently recognized as a winner of the IMA Award of Excellence. In order to win […]
The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) held a naming ceremony on May 19 to commemorate the newly designated Arthur Orr Performing Arts Center, honoring longtime state legislator Senator Arthur […]
The Alabama Center for the Arts is pleased to announce its newest exhibit, Ink Unbound,curated by Tara Segars, Art Instructor at Calhoun Community College. The exhibit will open in the Center’s Main Gallery […]
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