"The best is yet to come."
—Frank Sinatra
The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers graduate programs in the following
areas: the Master of Arts in Arts Administration, Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration,
the Master of Music in Conducting, the Master of Music in Performance, the Master
of Music in Music Education and the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art. Prospective
students should contact Graduate Studies for application information. Applicants should also contact the appropriate graduate
program advisor for specific program information.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts is one of only 37 university arts programs
in the nation accredited in all the arts domains and the only comprehensive collegiate
arts program nationally accredited in all the arts in the State of South Carolina,
public or private. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that meet
rigorous professional standards. Our programs are accredited nationally by the National
Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools
of Music (NASM), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National
Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation (CAEP), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Master of Arts in Arts Administration (M.A.A.A.)
This 100% online program, ideal for working professionals with experience in non-profit
arts organizations, prepares students to become arts leaders, learning how to inspire
their organizations and their stakeholders, sustain financial support, manage resources,
and create innovative strategies that sustain organizations.
Students desiring initial certification in music or art at the graduate level may
apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree program administered by the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and
Human Sciences.
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) – traditional pathway:
This program is a 2 - 2.5 years program designed for individuals without an undergraduate teaching degree who are seeking
initial certification to be a classroom teacher. Upon graduation, these students will
meet South Carolina course requirements for certification as a teacher in either art
or music.
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) – accelerated pathway: This one-year program is a faster-paced option for Winthrop students who began education coursework as an undergraduate and are within one year of graduating with their bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, these students will meet South Carolina course requirements for certification as a teacher in either art, dance or theatre.
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Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in studio art: This program is designed to develop and nurture the artist’s voice through which they can navigate ideas of the contemporary world. The program focuses on research in traditional, interdisciplinary or emerging practices in visual and conceptual art.
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Master of Music (M.M.) in conducting: This program trains students in advanced conducting techniques and repertoire study and includes podium time and performance opportunities with Winthrop ensembles. Programs are offered in two concentrations: instrumental or choral.
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Master of Music (M.M.) in performance: Students in this program benefit from advanced studies with and mentoring from Winthrop’s artist-teachers in voice, piano, organ, guitar and all band and orchestral instruments. Students also study research techniques, history and literature.
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Master of Music (M.M.) in music education: This program develops effective music educators that can nurture the talents of young musicians, through courses on curriculum, music technology, teaching methodology and more.
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Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration: This low-residency certificate program is designed for individuals with fundamental, entry-level experience in non-profit arts organizations who seek to begin careers or enhance their effectiveness as arts administration professionals. This certificate is ideal for individuals who want advanced credentials and professional connections without the larger time commitment and academic requirements of a master's degree. The online delivery allows students to develop their professional skills without compromising their family and career obligations.
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Graduate Certificate in Arts Education: The Graduate Certificate in Art Education program is a stand alone credential. The program will include contemporary pedagogy, curriculum development, skill building as Artist/Researcher/Teacher, qualitative and post-qualitative research methodology, program assessment, intentional teaching and leadership skills, and a deep understanding of visual literacy. This program does not lead to South Carolina K-12 Teacher licensure.
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Are you ready to join the ArtsWinthrop family of creatives? We can't wait to meet you!
Tracy Patterson
Associate Dean; Director of Graduate Studies for CVPA; Professor of Music; Coordinator of Commercial Music; Director of Jazz Ensembles
Office: 133 McLaurin
Phone: 803/323-4850
E-mail: pattersont@winthrop.edu