Leaders in every profession treasure creativity because creative thinkers find innovative solutions to complex problems.
The College of the Arts, established in 2016, builds careers in the arts with a serious arts education in Atlanta’s vibrant downtown setting. Its mission is to inspire and empower students and faculty to excel in arts creation, scholarship, pedagogy and entrepreneurship.
A place for all, our top degree programs in art, music, film & theatre connect students to Atlanta’s thriving arts scene and booming film industries. Through these cultural partnerships, we engage students with real-world and crossdisciplinary experience to support a successful, confident transition from college to career and beyond.
Our faculty of practicing professionals will develop their arts education and help students navigate the competitive and contemporary realities of arts professions.
The College of the Arts dominates downtown Atlanta with more than 300 events, including live performances and concerts, theatre productions, artist lectures, workshops, gallery exhibitions, symposia and more, mostly free and open to the public.
As the model for a 21st-century arts education and practice, the College of the Arts is making the arts visible, vital and innovative.
About the School Degrees
Ernest G. Welch School of ART & DESIGN
“The faculty at Georgia State University supported the development of my natural painting process while constructively challenging my techniques and conceptual framework, ultimately helping me build confidence in the coherence of my future body of work.”
The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design programs are NASAD-accredited through Georgia State University and feature a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in the arts while fostering critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment.
Degree programs range from art history and art education to traditional studio arts such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, lens-based photography with both traditional film and digital darkroom facilities, and practice-centric majors in both graphic design and interior design.
The Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series provides students access to a diverse mix of renowned artists and scholars, who encourage artistic discourse and lead studio critiques and workshops.
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts in Art
– Art History
– Studio
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
– Drawing and Painting, Printmaking
– Graphic Design
– Interior Design
– Photography
– Textiles*
Three Dimensional Studies:
· Ceramics
· Sculpture
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
– Arts Administration *
· Art History Administration
· Studio Administration
The Welch School Galleries support the curriculum with curated exhibitions, presentations and panel discussions, providing students with access to professional artists and scholars.
Students have 24-hour access to studio spaces that allow for creative exploration and research. Discipline-specific studios include a woodshop, metal shop, iron forge, 3D and laser cut printers, wheel throwing and kilns, screen printing and litho presses, a dark room, dye stations, looms, plotters and more.
Graduate
Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education
Master of Fine Arts in Studio
– Drawing and Painting
– Graphic Design
– Interior Design
– Photography
– Printmaking
– Textiles
– Ceramics
– Sculpture
* Administered by the College of the Arts
Signature Experiences & Connections
The downtown location encourages connections with local art networks, such as the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Contemporary, MOCA GA and a network of commercial galleries, alternative spaces and artist organizations. Students can engage with eight arts-specific student organizations, art conferences and art fairs, open studios and study abroad programs. 2nd year
M.F.A. candidates take part in a signature arts experience in New York.
Learn More
10
Suite 117 Arts & Humanities Atlanta, GA 30303
404-413-5221
artdesign.gsu.edu
Students can enroll in classes with the Georgia Film Academy, study abroad with faculty, participate in productions with Atlanta City Theatre and join the ACT Players. They can network through our speaker series, agent showcase and earn an opportunity to screen films at the GSU Student Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival. Through our industry partnerships, students can attend free film screenings and apply for internships at CNN, Crazy Legs Productions and Warner Bros. Discovery for academic credit.
About the School
School of FILM, MEDIA & THEATRE
“My time at Georgia State University has prepared me for life as a professional actor by providing me with hands-on experiences in film and theatre productions. As someone who came in with little to no experience in acting, I am leaving knowing my strengths in my craft and my potential for great success.”
– Imani Okwuosa (Interdisciplinary Studies and Acting 2025)
The School of Film, Media & Theatre is dedicated to educating the next generation of critically informed media makers, scholars, theatre practitioners and citizens.
As the largest film and media program in one of the biggest media capitals in America, the school is dedicated to giving students the knowledge and professional experiences that will empower them to navigate the demands of the fastchanging and competitive media industries.
The School of Film, Media & Theatre is committed to elevating both mainstream and alternative voices. Students work closely with a faculty of professional filmmakers, visual and performing artists, scholars and educators to devise an optimum program of study integrating creative activities and critical scholarship. Among the school’s highlights are the ACT Players, the oldest student-run theatre company in the Southeast, and the research group, liquid blackness, that explores issues of blackness and aesthetics.
Degrees
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts in Film & Media
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
– Acting
– Theatre Design & Production
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies – Arts Administration * · Theatre Administration
Graduate
Master of Fine Arts in Communication: Film, Video & Digital Imaging
– Moving Image Studies
Master of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking
– Filmmaking Concentration
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies – Moving Image Studies
Dual Degree
Film & Media: Bachelor of Arts in Film & Media and Master of Arts in Communication – Moving Image
– Production
* Administered by the College of the Arts
About the School
School of MUSIC
“The School of Music provided me with many fast-approaching performance opportunities that taught me how to learn music quickly and efficiently, which prepared me for the short deadlines of a professional music career.”
– Nathanael Smith (M.Mu. Jazz Studies 2024)
Located in downtown Atlanta’s historic FairliePoplar district, Georgia State University’s School of Music offers a dynamic environment for undergraduate and graduate study.
Our faculty includes GRAMMY® winners, acclaimed performers and leading scholars who mentor students through high-level performance research and collaboration. Students engage with top organizations like Ensemble ATL, Bent Frequency and MYSO and take part in festivals and conferences regionally and beyond. The school presents over 150 performances
annually in two premier venues: the 833-seat Rialto Center for the Arts and the 400-seat Florence Kopleff Recital Hall, known for its outstanding acoustics.
Alumni build successful careers as performers, composers, educators, conductors and arts leaders worldwide.
The School of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Degrees & Certificates
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music in Music
– Composition
– Jazz Studies
– Music Education
– Music Performance
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
– Arts Administration *
· Music Administration
Bachelor of Science in Music Industry
– Management
– Music Production & Audio Recording
Graduate Master of Music in Music
– Composition
– Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Low Residency or Wind Band)
– Guitar Performance
– Jazz Studies
– Music Education (Fully online)
Master of Music in Music cont.
– Orchestral Instrument Performance
– Piano Pedagogy
– Piano Performance
– Voice Performance
– Conducting (Low Residency)
Artist Certificate in Music
– Conducting (Choral, Orchestral or Wind Band)
– Jazz Studies
– Piano Pedagogy
– Organ Performance
– Vocal Performance
– Wind Band Conducting
Non-Degree Graduate Certifications
Music Teacher Licensure for Georgia Schools (preschool - 12th grade)
Dual Degree
Music: Bachelor of Music and Master of Music
* Administered by the College of the Arts
Students can participate in a wide range of ensembles, including chamber groups, large ensembles, GSU Opera Theatre and athletic bands like the Panther Band and Panther Basketball Band. They also take part in the Holiday Gala, master classes, study abroad programs and the Brumby Concerto/Aria Competition. Partnerships with organizations such as the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra provide real-world performance experience in a thriving arts scene.
75 Poplar Street NW, 5th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-413-5900
music.gsu.edu
RIALTO Center for the Arts
80 Forsyth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
rialto.gsu.edu
404-413-9849
The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University is the cultural centerpiece of downtown Atlanta. Annually, it presents the Rialto Series, featuring a distinctive lineup of world-class artists spanning music, dance and films. The Rialto hosts a variety of public and private events such as film screenings, conferences and dance recitals. Academically, it supports student learning through university performances and events and offers college-to-career experiences through internships and workstudy programs.
Award-Winning Programming
– Live at the Rialto: The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra, nominated for a 2022 Southeast EMMY Award in Arts/ Entertainment
– Crucial Conversations: Burial Grounds won three Telly Awards in 2021:
• Bronze award for Craft Editing
• Bronze award for General Social Impact
• Silver award for General Public Interest/Awareness
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Educational Outreach hosts programs that connect creative individuals of all ages with Georgia State through workshops and institutes, fostering their learning in the arts. These programs cater to public school students, teachers, collegiate students, community members and professional artists through innovative offerings and exceptional experiences. These initiatives provide “handson” opportunities alongside esteemed guest artists and critically acclaimed artist-faculty from Georgia State. Open to the community and university students, the Rialto offers unforgettable experiences, solidifying the Rialto’s role as a vital cultural and educational resource.
