College of Fine Arts & Mass Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit catalog.shsu.edu.

Administrative Officers 

DeanRonald Shields, Ph.D.
wgray@shsu.edu; (936) 294-2771
Associate DeanBrian Miller, D.M.A.
brianmiller@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1117
Associate DeanWayne Barrett, D.M.A.
wayne.barrett@shsu.edu; (936) 294-2773
Department of ArtMichael Henderson, M.F.A., Chair
mhenderson@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1318
Department of DanceJennifer Pontius, M.F.A., Chair
DNC_JKP@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1300
Department of Mass CommunicationJean Bodon, Ph.D., Chair
jxb034@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1419
School of MusicScott Plugge, D.M.A., Director
mus_sdp@shsu.edu; (936) 294-2250
Department of Theatre & Musical TheatrePenelope Hasekoester, M.F.A., Chair
drm_pah@shsu.edu; ; (936) 294-1330

Mission

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication is housed in the award-winning James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center , which opened in the Fall of 2010. The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication combines the Departments of Art, Mass Communication, Theatre & Dance, and the School of Music - five outstanding departments - into one dynamic college that seeks to inspire, educate, and graduate creative artists and media professionals.

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication is enthusiastic about embracing the future and incorporating state-of-the-art facilities with unique and cutting edge programming. Ranging from the traditional to the experimental, students can explore new frontiers in all their creative endeavors. From digital media to film to animation, broadcast journalism to public relations to graphic design, from choreography to composition to conducting, or from stage management to scene design to acting, students can find themselves at Sam Houston.

Academic Programs

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication is comprised of 5 academic units:

  • Department of Art
  • Department of Dance
  • Department of Mass Communication
  • School of Music
  • Department of Theatre & Musical Theatre

College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication Undergraduate Degrees

MajorDegree(s)
Graphic DesignB.F.A.
Computer AnimationB.F.A.
PhotographyB.F.A.
Studio Art (2D)B.F.A.
Studio Art (3D)B.F.A.
ArtB.A.
DanceB.F.A.
Mass Communication (Multi-Platform Journalism)B.A.
Mass Communication (Film)B.A.
Mass Communication (Public Relations and Advertising)B.A.
Mass Communication (Broadcast Production)B.A.
Agricultural Communication (with Agricultural Sciences)B.A.
MusicB.A.
Music with Specialization: All Level Certification InstrumentalB.M.
Music with Specialization: All Level Certification StringB.M.
Music with Specialization: All Level Certification ChoralB.M.
Music with Specialization: Instrumental PerformanceB.M.
Music with Specialization: Vocal PerformanceB.M.
Music with Specialization: Piano PerformanceB.M.
Music with Specialization: CompositionB.M.
Music TherapyB.M.
Musical TheatreB.F.A.
Theatre (Emphasis in Acting and Directing)B.F.A.
Theatre (Emphasis in Design and Technology)B.F.A.
Theatre (Emphasis in Teaching Certification)B.F.A.
Theatre (Emphasis in Theatre, Dance, and Music)B.F.A.

Highlights

  • Faculty members in the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication have been recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise through awards, publications, presentations, and performances. 
  • The Musical Theatre program has been rated as a top 10 Musical Theatre program in the nation by Broadway Theatre Project. 
  • Departments in the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication annually host state and regional conferences, symposiums, and festivals. 
  • Over 200 fine arts events are scheduled on campus throughout the year, including art gallery exhibits, interdisciplinary musical theatre performances, dance performances, music concerts and recitals, and theatre productions.