Welcome to Mercer! If you are consider- ing an arts major, you’re in luck – Mercer University values excellence in the arts in a way that only a small, tight-knit univer- sity can. Of course, arts majors aren’t for everyone; choosing this path guarantees a college experience full of unique chal- lenges. That said, arts majors at Mercer can expect careful and individualized guidance from faculty, a built-in network of colleagues, an opportunity to com- pletely immerse themselves in their art form and a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Music
Mercer’s growing theatre department within the College of Liberal Arts is cel- ebrating the unveiling of the renovated instruction and performance facility, the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. The theatre major consists of at least 30 credit hours and includes courses in acting, di- recting, stagecraft, theatre history, scene and costume design, playwriting and many other areas of study within the art form. Students must also complete a cre- ative major project to represent the culmi- nation of their studies during their senior year. Theatre students enjoy numerous performance opportunities in addition to experiences in stage management, directing and all other critical aspects of theatre production.
Art History
Mercer’s art history major requires at least 33 credit hours, including stu- dio-based courses and extensive course- work in history. Art history majors may elect to study in a variety of subjects, such as women in art, the Italian Renaissance and far Eastern art in addition to two classes in a select list of artistic mediums. A final research paper must be completed as a graduation requirement during the student’s senior year.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree allows students to focus on music with the freedom to pursue a liberal arts experience. Students must complete 29 credit hours of courses such as music theory, music history, musicianship skills and conducting. Twenty-three credit hours of additional study in the chosen musi- cal area (large ensembles, applied music courses, keyboard skills and music elec- tives) with a required minor or second major in another field are also required. Students pursuing a bachelor of arts in music also must complete a senior project or a 45 to 60 minute senior recital.
Bachelor of Music
The newest degree offered at Townsend, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field, is designed to encour- age students to build expertise in areas other than music. Students must complete 58-62 credit hours of musical study and 18 credit hours of elective studies in the student’s chosen area as well as both a ju- nior and senior recital.
Studio Art
The studio art concentration offered by Mercer’s art department consists of at least 30 credit hours in the area of study and is easily customizable to meet a stu- dent’s strengths and interests. In addition to the requirements listed above, students must complete a life drawing course. Students select courses from a multitude of mediums such as ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and digital imaging
Music
Mercer’s Townsend School of Music has a proud tradition of comprehensive and innovative musical training. The school currently offers four degree paths for undergraduate students, all of which include extensive performance opportu- nities. Regardless of major, all students are welcome to audition for Townsend’s many large ensembles.
Art
As the home of Mercer’s art department, Hardman Hall features fully equipped stu- dio classrooms and seminar halls, a new Mac laboratory and an active art gallery. Students may choose to study art at Mer- cer in order to enter a wide range of fields such as studio art, archaeology, medical illustration, interior design, museum di- rection and many others following grad- uate study. All art majors take classes in the history of art, drawing fundamentals, fundamentals of design and color, modern art history and problems in art criticism in the midst of specialized studies.
Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field
The newest degree offered at Townsend, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field, is designed to encour- age students to build expertise in areas other than music. Students must complete 58-62 credit hours of musical study and 18 credit hours of elective studies in the student’s chosen area as well as both a ju- nior and senior recital.
Please note: All music majors must at- tend at least 150 concerts in order to be eligible for graduation.
Theatre
Mercer’s growing theatre department within the College of Liberal Arts is cel- ebrating the unveiling of the renovated instruction and performance facility, the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. The theatre major consists of at least 30 credit hours and includes courses in acting, di- recting, stagecraft, theatre history, scene and costume design, playwriting and many other areas of study within the art form. Students must also complete a cre- ative major project to represent the culmi- nation of their studies during their senior year. Theatre students enjoy numerous performance opportunities in addition to experiences in stage management, direct- ing and all other critical aspects of theatre production.
Graphic Design
The graphic design major is the art department’s newest offering, consisting of 57 credit hours of interdisciplinary study. In addition, students must complete courses in several specialized areas in art and photography, such as typography, illustration, digital imaging and layout design. Students complete courses out- side of the art department in advertising, microeconomics, marketing and manage- ment in order to prepare themselves for a business-oriented artistic career. In order to graduate, students must present an ex- hibition of their work for faculty evaluation.
Bachelor of Music Education
Students following this degree path complete 71 credit hours of musical study and 24 credit hours of education courses, making music education the most cred- it-heavy major offered at Townsend at 134 credit hours including general educa- tion requirements. Following the comple- tion of required courses, music education students must spend a semester student teaching before receiving the degree. Stu- dents may choose to complete either a se- nior project or a senior recital.
Music: music.mercer.edu
Theatre: tattnall.mercer.edu/theatre Art: simmerman.wix.com/mercerart
Disclaimer: This article is meant to assist students in choosing a major and should not be used as a checklist for graduation requirements. All information originated in Mercer University’s 2014-2015 Macon Campus Catalog. For more information, please consult the departmental websites listed below or ask for a list of require- ments through the respective departments on campus.
