Since our institution’s development into a state college and eventually university, the academic offerings have grown immensely. As a regional, comprehensive university in the Utah System of Higher Education it is our mission to offer a wide variety of academic credentials to support the needs of the area.
The departments in the College of the Arts offer four different levels and types of degrees: bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, a master’s degree, minors, and certifications.
The newest area of development done by faculty is in associate degrees available in dance or music. An associate degree in theatre is in the approval process and expected to be available Fall of 2027.
An associate degree is a stackable, two-year degree that blends rigorous study and active involvement in creativity. The clearly sequenced set of courses can be completed in two years and includes the General Education courses required for all degrees. The associate degree flows directly to bachelor’s degree options. It prepares students for upward mobility with students’ ability to complete it as they progress toward a four-year degree.
Students who graduate with an associate degree in dance, music, or theatre emerge with strong performance fundamentals, collaborative and project skills, and digital fluency that position them for successful transfer and diverse careers in the evolving creative economy.
The most common degree that our students seek is a bachelor’s degree. There are two types of bachelor’s degrees available at Utah Tech University. Professional preparation degrees include the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Bachelor of Music in Music Performance, and the Bachelor of Music Education.
Liberal arts degrees indicate a broad university education. These include the Bachelor of Arts or Science (BA/BS) in Theatre, Dance, Music, Film, and Art.
We have one master’s degree offering, a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art.
Students pursuing a degree in another subject matter but with an interest in the arts can complete a minor in art, dance, digital film, music, or theatre. The requirements range from 18 to 24 credits. Each area has a group of core requirements paired with a portion of the degree directed by student choice.
We also have thirteen certificates that students can earn while working on their degrees. Or they can be earned on their own without a degree. They range from 12-20 credits and can be earned in the following areas.
- Arts Management
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Photography & Digital Imaging
- Art for VR/XR
- Digital Film
- Theatre Classical Acting
- Theatre Costume Studies
- Theatre Lighting & Sound for Theater and Film
- Theatre Scenic Studies
- Choral Conducting
- Elementary Music
- Music Composition
- Music Technology
- Orchestral Conducting
- Piano Pedagogy
- Wind Band Conducting
Info on all the possibilities can be found under the “UT Programs” heading at this site: https://academics.utahtech.edu/.
By Dr. Glenn Webb, Associate Dean of the College of the Arts