College of Arts and Media

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Administrative Officers 

Title/Department Officer
Dean Ronald Shields, Ph.D.
rshield@shsu.edu; (936) 294-2772
Associate Dean Mia Long Anderson, Ph.D.
mlonganderson@shsu.edu; (936) 294-2773
Associate Dean Penelope Hasekoester, Ph.D.
drm_pah@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1330
Department of Art Michael Henderson, M.F.A., Chair
mhenderson@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1314
Department of Dance Jennifer Pontius, M.F.A., Chair
dnc_jkp@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1300
Department of Mass Communication Wojciech Lorenc, Ph.D., Chair
wlorenc@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1341
Department of Theatre & Musical Theatre Thomas Prior, M.F.A., Chair
drm_tcp@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1329
School of Music Scott Plugge, D.M.A., Director
mus_sdp@shsu.edu; (936) 294-1360

Mission

The College of Arts and Media consists of five outstanding divisions that seek to inspire, educate, and graduate creative artists and media professionals: the Departments of Art, Dance, Mass Communication, Theatre & Musical Theatre, and the School of Music.

The College of Arts and Media offers state-of-the-art facilities, including the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center, in which to present unique and cutting-edge programming. Ranging from the traditional to the experimental, students explore new frontiers in all their creative endeavors. Opportunities for study include digital media and film, broadcast journalism and public relations; dance techniques, dance production and technology; computer animation, graphic design, painting, sculpture, art history, and art education; music education, music performance and conducting, musicology, and music therapy; theatre performance and design, musical theatre production; and more. Sam Houston State University students in the College of Arts and Media strive to be artists, media experts, and educators in the arts. After graduation they go on to pursue advanced degrees and a variety of careers in visual art practices, public relations, education, broadcast and media industries, and the performing arts.

Highlights

  • Faculty members in the College of Arts and Media are recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise through awards, publications, presentations, and performances. 
  • Students within the college enjoy a high degree of personalized support and developmental opportunities, including numerous scholarships, ensemble trips, artistic competitions, and international study.
  • Over 200 arts events are scheduled on campus throughout the year, including art gallery exhibits, musical theatre performances, dance performances, music concerts and recitals, and theatre productions.
  • Departments in the College of Arts and Media annually host state and regional conferences, symposiums, and festivals. 

Academic Programs

The College of Arts and Media is comprised of 5 academic units:

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

College of Arts and Media Undergraduate Degrees

Major Degree(s)
Department of Art
Animation B.F.A.
Art B.A.
Graphic Design B.F.A.
Photography B.F.A.
Studio Art 2D Track B.F.A.
Studio Art 3D Track B.F.A.
Department of Dance
Dance B.F.A.
Department of Mass Communication
Mass Communication with Concentration: Broadcast Production B.A.
Mass Communication with Concentration: Film B.A.
Mass Communication with Concentration: Multi-Platform Journalism B.A.
Mass Communication with Concentration: Public Relations and Advertising B.A.
Mass Communication: Film and Television Production B.F.A.
Agricultural Communication (with Agricultural Sciences) B.S.
Department of Theatre & Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre With Dance Emphasis B.F.A.
Musical Theatre With Theatre Emphasis B.F.A.
Theatre - Acting and Directing Emphasis B.F.A.
Theatre - Design and Technology Emphasis B.F.A.
Theatre - Theatre Studies Emphasis B.F.A.
Theatre with Teaching Certification B.F.A.
School of Music
Music B.A.
Music with Concentration: All Level Certification Choral B.M.
Music with Concentration: All Level Certification Choral-Piano B.M.
Music with Concentration: All Level Certification Instrumental B.M.
Music with Concentration: All Level Certification String B.M.
Music with Concentration: Composition B.M.
Music with Concentration: Instrumental Performance B.M.
Music with Concentration: Piano Performance B.M.
Music with Concentration: Vocal Performance B.M.
Music Therapy B.M.