As schools across the country try to cut art programs to save money, others are growing their programs for the students all over the world who thrive in these programs. Most schools cutting these programs are middle and high schools. There are several Universities across the country who continues to grow their programs instead. Middle Tennessee State University is one of the schools who continue to add to their art programs. MTSU is located in Murfreesboro, Tenn. and has a very strong art program for a state school. These programs are under the Liberal Arts College. There are degrees available in art, music, dance, theater, and more.
The summer semester does not have large programs offered. They spend the summer months planning and preparing for the upcoming fall and spring semester events and classes. Each department has their own requirements and offerings. Some departments offer most classes each and every semester. Other departments rotate certain upper level classes so students have to take them in a certain order as well as stagger the upper level classes so students are not stuck taking several difficult upper level classes in the same semester.
Some popular art classes include: sculpting, painting, art in history, art in education, etching, design, cultural art, world art, and illustration. There are several levels to each offering that students can work through. The music department offers several offerings to students pursuing different music related fields. Students get advised on the path they should follow for their personal goals. Students who play instruments will follow a different path as a singer would. Some student may want to one day compose music while others would rather just perform for their careers.
Lastly, we have the theater department which currently also holds the dance department. The dance department will soon be on its own. It will still collaborate with the theater department but the program has grown so much over the past several years that they have decided to continue to grow it but making it is own separate department. These departments, as well as the music department, put on several shows and showcases throughout the semesters. There are operas, musicals, comedies, dance concerts, student showcases and more.
Throughout the fall and spring semester there are always students who shine and grow further into their field and eventually their career. Students find themselves in their college years and many will decide on a future career path in the process.
