School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts

Dean: Brian Vernon, M.F.A.
VPAC 104A, Westside campus
vernonb@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8851

Administrative Assistant: Susan Kelley
VPAC 104, Westside Campus
kelleys@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3222

Departments:

Art
Chair: Kenneth Scaglia, M.F.A. 
scagliak@wcsu.edu
VPAC 150B, Westside campus
(203) 837-3975

Communication & Media Arts
Chair: Katie Lever, Ph.D.
leverk@wcsu.edu
Higgins 201K, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8872

Music
Chair: Laurel Larsen, D. M. A.
larsenl@wcsu.edu
VPAC 218B, Westside campus
(203) 837-8353

Associate Chair: Jamie Begian
begianj@wcsu.edu
VPAC 310, Westside campus
(203) 837-8637

Theatre Arts
Chair: Justin Cowan, D.M.A.
cowanj@wcsu.edu
VPAC 239A, Westside campus
(203) 837-8476

Associate Chair: Joni Lerner, M.F.A.
lernerj@wcsu.edu
VPAC 239B, Westside campus
(203) 837-3984

Creative and Professional Writing
Chair: Oscar De Los Santos, Ph.D.
delossantoso@wcsu.edu
Higgins 219E, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9044

Mission Statement

The mission of The School of Visual, Performing and Communication Arts at Western Connecticut State University is to advance knowledge, to promote intellectual inquiry, and to cultivate creativity among faculty and students through teaching, research, scholarship, artistry, and public performance.

The school provides its students with a superior arts education, fosters excellence in creative research and discovery, nurtures ethical and moral decision-making and leadership, and contributes to the cultural enrichment of the state and region.

Moreover, the arts in the general education of all students at WCSU provide special modes of thinking unavailable in other disciplines. By transcending previous historical, mathematical and verbal constructs and conventions, the arts involve unique ways of knowing, understanding, expressing and creating, each of which contributes to human achievement and a deeper shared experience.

Objectives

1. to offer the highest quality educational, pre-professional, and professional programming within a liberal arts environment;
2. to utilize fully the regional advantage in the arts and arts-related professionas, including access to outstanding faculty, guest artists, and resources of New York City;
3. to recruit the highest quality students in the arts disciplines;
4. to attract major funding for scholarships and endowed faculty Chairs;
5. to enhance the cultural life and image of the university;
6. to provide significant experiences in the arts for all students in the academic programs scross the university.

DEGREE AND RELATED PROGRAMS

The School of Visual, Performing and Communication Arts offers the following undergraduate degrees and programs:

Undergraduate Degree Programs

B.A. Art
Options:
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Studio Art

B.F.A. Art
Concentrations:
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Studio Art

B.A. Communication
Option:
Communication Studies

B.A Digital & Interactive Media Arts (DIMA)
Options:
Art
Computer Science
Media Production

B.A. Media Arts
Options:
Media Production
Media Studies

B.A. Music

B.A. Popular Music

B.M. Music
Options:
Audio & Music Production
Jazz Studies
Performance: Vocal & Instrumental

B.S. Music Education (PK-12)

B.F.A. Musical Theatre

B.A. Popular Music

B.A. Professional Writing
Options:
Business & Technical Writing
Creative Writing
Journalism & Public Relations

B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Options:
Acting
Design/Technology
Stage Management

In addition to the undergraduate degree programs listed, the M.F.A. in Visual Arts, and Creative and Professional Writing are offered. Please see the current WCSU Graduate Catalog for detailed information.

Admissions

Certain areas of study within the School of Visual and Performing Arts require the completion and passing of an audition or portfolio review for acceptance into the program.

Please refer to the department area in this catalog for specific admission procedures and requirements or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (203) 837-9000.

Admissions requirements can also be found online.