SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA
STUDENT GUIDEBOOK
COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA
At SHSU’s College of Arts and Media, you will learn by doing. Whether your focus is visual art, music, dance, theatre, or mass communication, you will find a community that challenges and supports you. Our programs blend creativity with real-world experience, giving you the tools to create, perform, produce, and lead across industries. You will work alongside expert faculty and peers who are as driven and passionate as you are. From classrooms to studios to stages, CAM prepares you to think boldly, collaborate deeply, and pursue a meaningful career in the arts and media.
Have questions about the College of Arts and Media? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
Office of the Dean camdean@shsu.edu | 936.294.2340
James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Physical Address 815 17th Street, Suite 190 Huntsville, TX 77340
Mailing Address Box 2393 Huntsville, TX 77341
CAM Marketing & Communications Team marketing@shsu.edu | 936.294.2709
Dan Rather Communications (DRCB) 1804 Avenue J, Suite 123 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
STAFF DIRECTORY >
Each academic year, the College of Arts and Media produces a full season of performances, exhibitions, screenings, concerts, and special events. Many are open to the public, and ticketed performances can be found through the CAM Box Office. Stay connected and experience the work created by our students and faculty.
VIEW EVENTS >
Visit shsutickets.com for CAM performances & ticket information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Students admitted to a degree program in the College of Arts and Media may be eligible for scholarships created specifically for CAM majors. These awards recognize artistic talent, academic achievement, and potential for creative impact.
SCHOLARSHIPS >
DEPARTMENT OF ART
At SHSU’s Department of Art, you will gain more than technical skills, you’ll build a creative foundation that empowers your future. Whether you’re drawn to graphic design, animation, photography, studio art, or art education, our programs help you explore bold ideas, learn from practicing artists, and connect your creativity to real-world opportunities. You’ll graduate with a portfolio and a purpose that sets you apart.
CONTACT US
Have questions about the Department of Art? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
Department Office
shsuart@shsu.edu | 936.294.4311
Physical Address
Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building (ARTS) 1741 Bobby K Marks Drive, Suite 302 Huntsville, TX 77340
Mailing Address Box 2089 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY >
EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
Each semester, Art Exhibitions in the University Art Gallery (ARTS) and our Satellite Gallery in downtown Huntsville feature work by students, faculty, and guest artists. These events offer opportunities to see new ideas come to life and experience the creative energy of SHSU.
For a full list of Department of Art Events, visit the College of Arts and Media website.
VIEW EVENTS >
PORTFOLIO & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
To join any Art program, you'll need to complete a portfolio review. This is your opportunity to share your creative work and demonstrate your potential. Admission to both SHSU and the Department of Art is required before you can declare an Art program as your major. Submission details and instructions for both undergraduate and graduate applications are available below.
VIEW PORTFOLIO & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS>
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As an Art student at SHSU, you’ll find opportunities to get involved, grow your skills, and connect with peers beyond the classroom.
Organizations
SIGGRAPH
Student Art Association
Student Design Collective
Showcase your work
New York City Trip
This list is subject to change each academic year. View the website for more information.
LEARN MORE >
DEPARTMENT OF DANCE
At SHSU’s Department of Dance, you’ll grow as an artist and prepare for a career in dance. Our programs combine technique, choreography, and academic study with opportunities to rehearse, perform, and create alongside expert faculty and guest artists. Turn your passion into purpose, and your training into impact.
CONTACT US
Have questions about the Department of Dance? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
Department Office
shsudance@shsu.edu | 936.294.3342
Physical Address
James & Nancy Gaertner
Performing Arts Center (GPAC) 815 17th Street, Suite 150 Huntsville, TX 77340
Mailing Address Box 2269 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY >
PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
Each semester, dance concerts provide meaningful opportunities for students to perform, create original choreography, and engage in the technical aspects of production, strengthening their artistry onstage and behind the scenes.
For a full list of Department of Dance events, visit the College of Arts and Media website.
VIEW EVENTS >
AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Admission into the Department of Dance requires both acceptance to SHSU and a successful audition. Audition details and instructions for both undergraduate and graduate programs are available below.
VIEW AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS >
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a Dance student at SHSU, you’ll find opportunities to perform, collaborate, and grow as an artist.
Organizations
Chi Tau Epsilon
Masters of Dance Perform on Stage
Work with Guest Artists
Participate in Conferences & Intensives
This list is subject to change each academic year. View the website for more information.
LEARN MORE >
DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION
At SHSU's Department of Mass Communication, we believe media has the power to inform, inspire, and drive change. You’ll build the skills to tell meaningful stories, on screen, online, and on air. Whether you’re producing a film, anchoring a newscast, launching a campaign, or breaking a story, you’ll learn by doing, guided by experienced faculty and surrounded by state-of-the-art tools.
Have questions about the Department of Mass Communication? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
Department Office
mcom@shsu.edu | 936.294.1341
Physical Address
Dan Rather Communications (DRCB) 1804 Avenue J, Suite 212 Huntsville, TX 77341
Mailing Address Box 2207 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY >
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Each semester, Mass Communication events allow students to present projects and build real-world skills in production, directing, writing, and the technical processes behind media creation.
For a full list of Department of Mass Communication events, visit the College of Arts and Media website.
VIEW EVENTS >
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES CONNECT
As a Mass Communication student at SHSU, students gain hands-on experience in media production, journalism, and digital storytelling. Through student-run media outlets and student organizations, you’ll build your portfolio and connections beyond the classroom.
Organizations
National Sports Media Association
PRSSA
Society of Professional Journalists
Film Coven
Student Run Media
90.5 KSHSU The Kat & El Gato
Priority One public relations agency
The Houstonian Newspaper
Channel 7
This list is subject to change each academic year. View the website for more information.
LEARN MORE > GET INVOLVED >
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
At SHSU’s School of Music, you’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive community where creativity, discipline, and collaboration come together. Whether you’re preparing for a career on stage, in the classroom, or in the studio, our faculty and programs will challenge and inspire you. With expert instruction, personalized mentorship, and access to outstanding performance opportunities, you’ll build the skills to transform your passion into a purposedriven career in music.
Have questions about the School of Music? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
School Office music@shsu.edu | 936.294.1360
Physical Address
School of Music Building (MUS) 1751 Avenue I, Suite 225 Huntsville, TX 77340
Mailing Address Box 2208 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY > CONTACT US
PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
Each semester, music events provide students with immersive opportunities to perform, collaborate in ensembles, and share their musical growth with campus and community audiences.
For a full list of School of Music events, visit the College of Arts and Media website.
VIEW EVENTS >
AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Admission into the School of Music requires both acceptance to SHSU and a successful audition. Audition details and instructions are available below.
VIEW AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS >
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a Music student at SHSU, you'll engage in a vibrant community of performers, composers, and educators.
Organizations
Collegiate Percussion Association
Mu Tau Omega
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
— Zeta Mu Chapter
Students of the National Association
of Teachers of Singing
Sam Choral Educators
Sigma Alpha Iota
Tau Beta Sigma
Tuba-Euphonium Association
Perform on Stage
Join the Bearkat Marching Band
This list is subject to change each academic year. View the website for more information.
LEARN MORE >
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & MUSICAL THEATRE
At SHSU’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to bring powerful stories to life onstage, in the classroom, or behind the scenes. Through hands-on training in acting, voice, movement, design, and theatre education, you’ll work closely with faculty and guest artists who bring real-world experience into every class and rehearsal. This is where your journey begins, and where you’ll learn to lead with creativity, purpose, and professionalism.
Have questions about the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre? Reach out or stop by our main office for assistance.
Department Office theatre@shsu.edu | 936.294.1329
Physical Address
University Theatre Center (UTC)
1740 Bobby K Marks Drive, Suite 110 Huntsville, TX 77340
Mailing Address
Box 2297 Huntsville, TX 77341
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY > CONTACT US
PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
Each semester, theatre productions allow students to showcase their performance abilities and build experience in directing, design, and technical production.
For a full list of Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre events, visit the College of Arts and Media website.
VIEW EVENTS >
AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Admission into the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre requires both acceptance to SHSU and a successful audition. Audition details and instructions are available below.
VIEW AUDITION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS >
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a Theatre and Musical Theatre student at SHSU, you'll take center stage in a dynamic learning environment.
LEARN MORE > Organizations
Artists of Color
Musical Theatre Alliance
Acting & Directing Guild
Perform on Stage
Debut as a Director
Learn Theatrical Design & Technology
Kennedy Center American
College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
This list is subject to change each academic year. View the website for more information.