Program Overview

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Art & Music (BA)

At a Glance

• Offered as: Major
• Format: On Campus
• College/School: College of Arts & Sciences
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

The Art & Music major prepares students for creative career paths by exploring expressions and honing techniques in arts administration, dance, music, or visual arts.

Why Art & Music?

• Learn to communicate unique understandings and interpretations of concepts and ideas to a larger audience.
• Put your work on display through collaborations with distinguished professional artists.
• Acquire skills employers are looking for across all industries, like the ability to listen, communicate, and think critically and analytically about diverse perspectives.
• Participate in rewarding internships, civic engagement opportunities, and study abroad to enhance your creative work.

Art & Music Major Program Options

Curriculum & Coursework Requirements

Art & Music students study art history, music history, and dance, developing skills in critical thinking and analysis through classroom discussions, scholarly essays and research papers, and formal presentations. A senior portfolio, performance, or other project will complete your art and music degree.

Foundations & Transformations: Our Fresh Take on "Gen Ed" Requirements

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth.

• How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
• How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
• How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

Areas of Specialization

All art and music majors will select an area of specialization to focus on.

• Arts Administration: Combine your love of fine arts with an eye toward the business side of the field.
• Dance, Music, or Visual Art: Hone your craft in devoted studio time while also exploring the history of the field in discussion-based classes.

Digital Humanities Specialization

In addition to selecting a specialization, you'll also have the option to pursue a specialization in digital humanities.

• Digital humanities is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field that seeks to apply humanistic reasoning and research to important questions related to technology.

Double Major in Communication Studies

While many double major options are possible, communication studies is a natural pairing for art and music majors.

• With specializations in multimedia and broadcast journalism, film studies, graphic design, and more, adding a double major in communications can bring a whole new dimension to your work.

Pre-Professional Pathways

Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.

• Art and music majors can participate in the following pathways:
  • Pre-Dental
  • Pre-Law*
  • Pre-Medical
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Veterinary

Take Your Art & Music Degree Further

Accelerated Master's 4+1 Program in Another Field

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money.

• Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).

Experience MORE! with an Internship

Worried about landing a paid internship? Widener's Experience MORE! program helps bridge the gap for Arts & Sciences students in unpaid or underpaid internships.

• Recent internship sites include the Philadelphia Union, Museum of Arts & Sciences (Smithsonian affiliate), Delaware County Office of Sustainability, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, United Health Services of Delaware, and more!

Pair Your Art & Music Major with a Minor or Certificate

• Creative Writing Minor: Develop your passion across creative and professional writing forms to gain the critical thinking skills necessary to create powerful pieces.
• Music Minor: Study your passion through studio instruction, music and art history classes, and performance opportunities.
• Arts Management Minor: Combine your love of art and music with an eye toward the business side of the field.
• Business Analytics Minor: Gain the confidence to start your own studio by learning business technology basics in accounting and management information systems courses.
• Arts Minor: Explore your creative side through art and music history courses and studio art classes that expand your worldview.
• Dance Minor: Deepen your performance and choreographic skills in modern dance classes, plus build your knowledge of art and music history.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Art & Music Majors

Potential Careers

• Performance
• Not-for-profit management
• Museumology
• Education
• Healthcare

In-Demand Skills

• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Complex problem solving
• Persistence
• Observation
• Listening

Recent Employers

• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Abilities4Work
• Easter Seals Philly
• Elsevier Inc
• Lyneer Search Group

Any & All Careers

Art and music majors bring their humanities skills to a wide variety of industries. Our graduates have worked in advertising, consulting for multimedia outlets, law, and the medical field in physical and occupational therapy.

Avg. Salary

$100,890

2021 median salary for art directors

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Study Art & Music at Widener?

Grow Your Arts Network

Beyond the classroom, you're encouraged to join music and dance performance groups on campus.

Learn Beyond the Classroom

Widener is home to a thriving network of artists with guest speakers and new events each semester.

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions

• How to Apply as a First-Year Student: Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application.
• When to Apply: We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines.
• What to Expect After Applying: Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly.

Financial Aid

• Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach.
• Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Paths to Savings

Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

• Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment.

Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

• Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

• In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings.