Contemporary Art and Theater
The Department of Contemporary Art and Theater at Shepherd University has adopted a contemporary approach to teaching and is constantly evolving to accurately reflect contemporary practices. The curriculum includes courses that focus on professional development and career opportunities as well as provide travel opportunities for students to experience art in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, The Department of Contemporary Art and Theater is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and home of the 2015 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, Sonya Evanisko. We offer three degree programs and five minors:
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art education is offered for students interested in the teaching profession with either a K-12 or 5-12 certification.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is the professional degree recognized for students who desire to become professional artists. The BFA curriculum provides students with a diversified experience in art, as well as an in-depth experience in one concentration area. Concentrations include Graphic Design, Non-toxic Printmaking, Painting/Drawing, Photography/Computer Imagery, and Sculpture.
Bachelor of Arts in Theater
The Contemporary Theater Studies (CTS) B.A. program at Shepherd provides an innovative plan of study connected to Shepherd’s professional theater company, The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF). The program engages students as theater generalists and then encourages students to devise or create an emphasis that reflects their own passions. CTS artists maintain a connection to the core curriculum that includes course work in English, Art, Music, History, Shakespeare and many other disciplines. Please visit http://www.shepherd.edu/theater for more information about the CTS program.
Five Minor Programs
Minors are offered in Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Photography/Computer Imagery, and Theater.
Featured Students
Congratulations to Acadia Kandora, Jillian McMaster, Andrea Siles Loayza, and Jenna Sterner who are featured in the 2017 Shepherd University’s Sparks Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works. Sparks Journal is an editorially reviewed multidisciplined publication that aims to showcase outstanding student works for a worldwide audience. Learn more about the artists and their featured work.
Download a Program Information Packet (PDF)
Download the Department’s Yearly Objectives (PDF)