BA in Visual & Performing Arts

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BA in Visual & Performing Arts
BA in Visual & Performing Arts

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual & Performing Arts Studies is an interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the USC School of Dramatic Arts, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, USC School of Architecture, USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC Roski School of Art and Design, USC Thornton School of Music, and USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Students in this major complete a core of required courses that provides them with a broad understanding of the various disciplines. The work in the major is completed by choosing courses from a wide array of course offerings from all the participating schools.

Curriculum

Candidates for the degree must complete the USC Core and General Education Program — including the foreign language requirement and in addition to the courses in the major — providing them with a broad understanding of various disciplines. A total of 128 units is required for completion of the degree. For complete curriculum requirements, please visit the USC Catalogue.

 

Please note: This degree is only available to current USC students. Prospective students, if you are interested in this degree, please apply to the BA in Dramatic Arts and work with your academic advisor to transition to this degree. 

BA vs. BFA?

Not sure which program is right for you? Compare details below!

(BA) Bachelor of Arts

  • A broad-based approach to dramatic arts training that allows the student to experience a core curriculum, but gives them the flexibility to choose their own journey, and allows for the selection of an emphasis to further focus their studies.
  • Allows for the possibility of a double major or a minor as well as study-abroad opportunities.
  • Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for design emphasis students).

(BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Conservatory-style programs built with a formal progression of classes and limited to a specific cohort of students.
  • More focused curricular studies within the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
  • Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for production and design students); cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes.

Undergraduate Application Process

The Office of Admissions & Student Services of the USC School of Dramatic Arts looks forward to assisting you. If we can be of service to you in any step of this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 213-740-1286 or sdainfo@usc.edu.

Professional Development

We break the mold on career preparation by being the first drama school with a dedicated professional development center devoted to supporting our students and recent graduates. Students graduate prepared with the tools necessary for sustainable and thriving careers. A wide range of distinguished talents and industry leaders of the stage, film and television to lead professional development sessions, lectures and master classes.

In the Heart of Los Angeles

As a major center of American theatre and, of course, a world center for film and television production, the city is home to an unmatched community of artists upon which the School draws for its faculty and guest artists. By working with professionals, our students receive practical insights into their art and the crucial experience of performing in “real world” conditions. They also make professional contacts that are critical for starting a career.

Related Programs

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Contact Us

To reach the Office of Admissions & Student Services, you may call us at 213-740-1286 or email us at sdainfo@usc.edu.

Explore the School of Dramatic Arts

The USC School of Dramatic Arts provides unmatched opportunities to study drama and related disciplines.