The SMU Meadows School of the Arts, located on the main campus in Dallas, Texas, offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs in the creative disciplines. This vibrant school emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining rigorous artistic training with liberal arts education to foster innovative thinkers and practitioners.
- Department of Art: Courses cover studio art practices including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital media. Students explore contemporary art theory, art history from ancient to modern periods, and curatorial studies. Advanced seminars focus on portfolio development and exhibition design, preparing students for careers in galleries, museums, and independent artistry.
- Department of Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship: This program equips students with business acumen for the arts industry. Core courses include nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, marketing for creative enterprises, intellectual property law, and financial planning for artists. Electives delve into audience development, digital innovation in arts organizations, and global arts markets, blending creativity with practical leadership skills.
- Division of Dance: Training in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance forms is central. Courses include technique classes, choreography workshops, dance history, anatomy for dancers, and performance production. Students participate in ensembles and create original works, gaining experience in somatic practices and interdisciplinary collaborations with film and theatre.
- Department of Film and Media Arts: Programs in film production, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and media studies. Courses teach narrative and documentary filmmaking, digital editing, sound design, and media theory. Hands-on projects utilize state-of-the-art facilities, covering topics like virtual reality, animation, and global cinema, preparing graduates for Hollywood, independent film, and digital media careers.
- Meadows School of Theatre: Offers training in acting, musical theatre, design, and theatre management. Courses include scene study, voice and movement, stagecraft, dramatic literature, and directing. Students engage in mainstage productions and experimental works, exploring theatre history from classical to postmodern, with emphases on diversity, equity, and inclusive storytelling.
- Division of Music: Comprehensive music programs in performance, composition, musicology, and theory. Instrumental and vocal studies cover classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. Courses include ensemble participation, music technology, pedagogy, and ethnomusicology. Advanced degrees focus on research, conducting, and professional performance preparation.
Across all departments, Meadows integrates technology, community engagement, and international study opportunities. Students benefit from renowned faculty, guest artists, and facilities like the Bob Hope Theatre and Caruth Auditorium. The curriculum encourages cross-disciplinary projects, such as collaborative operas or multimedia installations, ensuring graduates are versatile creators ready to lead in the evolving arts landscape. With a commitment to excellence, Meadows nurtures artistic voices that address social issues and cultural dialogues, producing alumni who excel in professional arts, education, and beyond.
