School of Performing and Visual Arts
School of Performing and Visual Arts
Welcome to the School of Performing and Visual Arts, which houses the nationally accredited programs: Art and Design, Dance, and Theatre. As a collection of artists, we are happy to establish ourselves as a substantial and collective presence on campus and in the region.
If you are interested in choosing the School of Performing and Visual Arts, you should know about our on-campus recruitment events. The first time you step foot on our campus, you will feel at home!
We also hope you can come see a show! We have regular exhibitions in the Museum of Art, as well as theatrical productions and dance concerts. This is a great way to see the work of our faculty and students.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Southern Miss!
-Meg Brooker
Growing steadily over its sixty-plus year history, the Art and Design program is proud
of the many professional accomplishments of its alumni. Art courses have been offered
at the institution since its inception in 1910. Today’s department is comprised of
an extensive range of visual arts programs. While the majority of today’s students
are enrolled in professional degree plans such as Graphic Design, Drawing and Painting,
and Sculpture; all areas of study are vibrant with increasing enrollments.
The Dance program was the first program in Mississippi to offer the professional B.F.A. degree in dance and is the only program in the five-state region that offers a dance education K-12 emphasis.
The mission of the Dance Program at USM is to empower students to define their artistic voices and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue them professionally.
Through individualized mentorship and attentive faculty-student interactions, we aim for our students to become capable and experienced performers, choreographers, licensed dance educators, artists, and advocates for the field. Career readiness is at the forefront of our student-centered approach, incorporating research in teaching and dance, cultural and community engagement, experiential learning, internship opportunities, and guest artist residencies to supplement regular, rigorous training in movement practice and theoretical work.
As a program within the School of Performing and Visual Arts, we value collaboration, fostering belonging, and promoting active engagement in both the dance field and greater artistic community.
The Theatre program at Southern Miss provides students with sound theory and intensive
practical training, as well as opportunities for extensive performance experiences
and exposure to visiting professional artists.