Arts at Plymouth State University
Arts & Science at Plymouth State University The College of Arts and Sciences upholds the rich values of the Liberal Arts tradition by providing breadth and depth of education crossing the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, mathematics, and sciences. The college endeavors to cultivate critical and creative inquiry, sensitivity and understanding of cultural, social, and historical pluralism and context, independence of thought and reasoning, service and social agency, and to foster an abiding appreciation for aesthetic and epistemological diversity.



The College of Arts and Sciences is comprised of the Departments of Art; Atmospheric Science and Chemistry; Biological Sciences; Communication and Media Studies; Computer Science; English; Environmental Science and Policy; History and Philosophy; Languages and Linguistics; Mathematics; Music, Theatre, and Dance; Psychology; and Social Science. The College offers 37 degree programs, 44 minors, and 2 professional certificate programs. Within this spectrum of offerings, our students pursue 14 Bachelor of Arts degrees with multiple options, 16 Bachelor of Science degrees in the arts and sciences with multiple options, and 7 professional degrees designed for discipline specific teacher certification. Across all of these programs, the members of the College seek to prepare our students for citizenship in a global community: to be able to apply their knowledge and skills to the local, national, and global challenges we face and to be able to make informed choices, approach problems critically and creatively, and to have the courage, depth of care, and vision that impels agency and service. Dynamic outreach, scholarship, and service programs provided through the College include: the Art Department Karl Drerup Gallery and Exhibitions Program, the Boyd Science Center state-of-the-art research facilities and programs, the Eagle Pond Author Series, the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, Internship opportunities , the Judd Gregg Meteorological Institute, the Mark Sylvestre Planetarium programs, the Math Activity Center, the annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum, National History Day, the N.H. Writing Project, Performance Ensembles sponsored by the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, the Visiting Artist Program, and engaged research with outstanding faculty. Academic departments Art Communication and Media Studies English History and Philosophy Languages and Linguistics Music, Theatre, and Dance Psychology Social Science
Art Department
The PSU Art Department is dedicated to providing an eclectic program which encourages the study of histories, theories, criticisms and the making of Visual Art and Design. We are committed to building a comprehensive and substantive foundation of skills and knowledge within and across the disciplines, to cultivating each student’s individual creative spirit and voice, and to nurturing respect for humanistic and multi-aesthetic values and creative processes. We value the richness of diversity: cultural, academic, and individual and are continually seeking ways to broaden our connections across the university, to promote service to our regional community, and to enrich the lives of our students who are at the heart of our teaching and learning.
As an art major you’ll experience: Degree programs in studio art, art education,art history, and graphic design Minors in art, art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, printmaking and sculpture A talented, knowledgeable and accessible faculty High-quality studio, lab and gallery facilities A balanced curriculum that values techniques and ideas Small class sizes, lively discussions and constructive critiques Opportunities for student exhibitions and installations National and international field trips and study away experiences Undergraduate Degrees, Options & Minors The PSU Art Department offers a variety of degree options to meet your needs. A portfolio is a requirement for admission to the Art programs. Bachelor’s Degrees The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History emphasizes skills in critical thinking, advanced writing, and research, and encourages majors to explore interdisciplinary connections with other fields across the curriculum. Distinguished by flexibility of student choice in selecting courses best attuned to meeting academic needs and professional goals, the program also provides opportunities for gallery and museum related experiences and international study. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art provides broad experience in the visual arts and a foundation for further studies. Students receive a grounding in studio art and art history courses, with options in the following areas: BA Degree in Art/ Ceramics Option BA Degree in Art/ Drawing Option BA Degree in Art/ Graphic Design Option BA Degree in Art/ Painting Option BA Degree in Art/ Printmaking Option BA Degree in Art/ Sculpture Option The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art is a professional degree providing an intensive foundation in visual arts and art history and concentrated study in either Graphic Design or Visual Art (2D Studio or 3D Studio). Portfolio reviews are required annually. The program culminates in the annual B.F.A. Exhibition of a final project. BFA Degree in Art/ Graphic Design Option BFA Degree in Art/ 2D Studio Art Option BFA Degree in Art/ 3D Studio Art Option The Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education qualifies you to teach art at the K-12 level in the state of New Hampshire as well as most other states. The combined BFA/MAT is a 5 year plan of study combining the BFA degree with the MAT in Teaching for K-12 certification in Art Education graduate degree. Students have the opportunity to plan ahead and select up to 12 credits of required Art Education courses and 6 credits of graduate courses (if they have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average) during their undergraduate BFA degree program. The remaining MAT courses and the student teaching internship are completed within the fifth year following acceptance into the College of Graduate Studies. Thus, students achieve these two dynamic degrees within a 5 year program of study. Minors Art Art History Ceramics Drawing Graphic Design Painting Photography Printmaking Sculpture MAT in Art Education Are you interested making a career change into the art education field? Already have your bachelor’s degree and looking to become a certified art teacher? With Plymouth State’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Art Education program you’ll explore teaching methods for studio arts and visual arts education. During your program you’ll create a professional portfolio of work, participate in a student teaching experience, and advance your understanding of art evaluation, relevant safety procedures, and curriculum development. Our creative faculty help students like you to develop competencies in critical thinking, collaboration, diversity, leadership, and applied use of technology. You’ll participate in a combination of year-round courses, annual summer institutes, and guest artist workshops to enhance your opportunities for community building and experience differentiated instruction models. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the MAT in Art Education program also meets the New Hampshire state-mandated competencies, as well as accreditation from the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The curriculum is designed around a professional core of education and content courses and the capstone experience provides the opportunity to demonstrate the translation of theory into practice in a supervised educational setting. There are two options to choose from: Certification—designed for adult students who already have a bachelor’s degree in the arts and wish to become certified as an art educator Fifth-Year—designed for Plymouth State University BFA students MEd in Integrated Arts The MEd in Integrated Arts is designed for students who want to enhance their professional development by incorporating the arts into educational, cultural, human services, and recreational settings. Integrated Arts graduates are typically classroom teachers, visual and performing artists, and arts or resource or media specialists employed in schools, museums, libraries, hospitals, and other educational and cultural institutions. In addition to gaining general MEd competencies, students will develop a specialization in the integration of the arts through a series of workshop and practicum experiences with professionals in the field, including opportunities for international study.
Communication & Media Studies
No matter what career path you take after college graduation, effective and thoughtful communication will be critical to your success. The Department of Communication and Media Studies will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in a wide array of fields, including advertising, digital communication, technical writing, and more. You may also choose to further your studies in graduate school, specializing in areas such as public relations, digital media, or filmmaking. Our faculty, which comprises scholars and professionals in the field, is committed to your academic success and will help you develop skills that are invaluable to today’s marketplace, including effective public speaking, presentation, written communication, and technical skills. Undergraduate Degrees, Options, and Minors The Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media Studies provides students with opportunities and experiences to work on communication competence as well as to understand communication and media technology, theory, and research. Options The Media Studies option lets you explore media history, theory, and criticism in relation to films, television, radio programs, print media, social media, and emerging technologies. This is an excellent choice for students who plan on careers in film, television, advertising, public relations, print and broadcast journalism, mass communication, professional writing, digital communication, and related areas. This option also prepares students for graduate work in communication or related disciplines. The Professional Communication option lets you explore various approaches to persuasive communication. You will learn to identify and apply theories and techniques for effective communication in a variety of professional settings. This option could be for you if you plan a career in the fields of corporate communication, public communication, political communication, professional/technical writing, promotion, sales, sports marketing/advertising, integrated marketing communication, public relations, advertising, or related areas. This option also prepares students for graduate work in communication or related disciplines. The Department of Communication and Media Studies offers minors in: Digital Media Design and Development offers students the opportunity to create and critique digital media offerings. Media Studies offers students in-depth exploration of the history, theory, criticism, and effects of media offerings. Professional Communication offers students the opportunity to explore theories and techniques that enable effective communication to occur in a variety of professional settings.
English Department
The PSU Department of English is on the cutting edge. In today’s increasingly complex and global culture, the English department is uniquely positioned to help you translate your creative talents into a successful career and a fulfilling future. At the core of what we do is an emphasis on the intersection between the creative and the critical. When you graduate with a degree in English from Plymouth State, you will be ready to excel in today’s careers that demand ingenuity, rigorous analysis, and the ability to think outside of the box. Undergraduate Degrees, Options & Minors The Bachelor of Arts in English provides students with a chance to engage in focused study of literature, language and writing. This degree requires a total of 120 semester hours, of which 39-45 (depending on the option) must be in English, over and above the general education requirements. English majors may choose one of the four options offered, the standard English major or one of the other three programs listed below. Because of rotation of certain courses in this curriculum, students should plan with their advisors the sequence of courses for the four-year program. Degree requirements Literature and Film Option Teacher certification (5-12) Option Writing Option Additional info about Student Teaching Minors Expository Writing Film Studies Creative Writing Literature MEd in English Education The Master of Education (MEd) in English Education is designed to prepare students to teach English or language arts, to be a writing specialist in their chosen field, to work with writing in all subject areas, or to be a writing teacher at any level. PSU offers the Master of Education in English Education (non-certification) and two concentrations: 5-12 Certification Teaching of Writing
Department of History and Philosophy
The Department of History & Philosophy is dedicated to offering students courses and experiences that will expand their mind and broaden their understanding of the world. We provide students with opportunities to sharpen their ability to analyze skillfully and communicate effectively. Students gain a firm foundation for a variety of fields including (but not limited to): law, education, libraries and archives, museums, business, governmental service and non-governmental organizations, journalism, research agencies, and non-profits; as well as for graduate school. The department’s faculty is active in research, writing, and other academic activities that enhance teaching. We offer three rigorous undergraduate degrees: a BA in Philosophy, a BA in History, and a BS in Social Studies Education. We also offer a graduate degree in Social Studies Education and minors in History and Philosophy. Undergraduate Philosophy Degrees Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy can choose to concentrate on either logic and the history of philosophy or religious studies. Coursework in the Philosophy Department includes classes on ethics, argumentation and debate, law, logic, Eastern philosophy, Biblical thought, ancient and modern philosophy, war and peace studies and comparative religions. The program provides students with a background in philosophical ideas, supplemented with strong training in a collateral area. General program requirements permit students to create programs that will prepare them for training in law, theology, planning and social service careers, or for further specialized training leading to teaching or research. Students planning to major in Philosophy should inform the Department as early as possible so that joint planning may produce a coherent program in the major field and in collateral areas. Course sequence is suggested but not required. Undergraduate History Degrees The Bachelor of Arts in History offers coursework in American history, world history, and New Hampshire and New England history. Students pursing this degree are encouraged to participate in internships and independent studies in addition to regular coursework. The Department of History and Philosophy offers minors in: History Philosophy Religious Studies
Languages & Linguistics Department
Languages & Linguistics offers students a portal to global awareness by promoting understanding, acceptance and diversity. In this globally minded setting students have unique options to expand their knowledge. Some of the programs offered include a major or minor in French and Spanish; minors in German, TESOL, and Applied Linguistics; and language course offerings in American Sign Language, Arabic, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese. Language and Linguistic students also have opportunities for study abroad experiences around the world. Languages & Linguistics Undergraduate Degrees, Minors and Options With major and minor programs in French and Spanish; minors in German, TESOL, and Applied Linguistics; and language course offerings in American Sign Language, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese, the Department of Languages and Linguistics serves as a portal to global awareness and to understanding, accepting, and promoting diversity. Degrees and Options Bachelor of Arts in French Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages Minors Applied Linguistics French German Spanish Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Academic Certificate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MEd in Language Education The Master of Education (MEd) in Language Education program brings students up to date on the latest practices, programs, and changes in education laws. There is a growing need within New Hampshire and throughout the country for trained language teachers. The New Hampshire Department of Education lists French, Spanish and TESOL as critical shortage areas. The program offers the following concentrations: French Education, K-12 Certification, Spanish Education, K-12 Certification Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Education, K-12 Certification Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Education (non-certification)
Musci, Theatre & Dance
You love to perform. You love to teach. Whether you are singing your heart out in a classical chamber choir, delivering a scorching monologue, teaching a voice lesson, conducting a rehearsal, or flexing your muscles through modern dance, the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is there to help you perfect your technique, encourage your creative spirit, and give you a chance to shine. Located in the Silver Center for the Arts, the creative heart of the Plymouth State University campus and community, our department has plenty to offer students in every discipline. Majors in music, music education and theatre, with options that range from music technology, voice or piano performance and pedagogy to theatrical design, theatre history, dramatic writing and music theatre performance A self-designed interdisciplinary dance major (that can be combined with other majors such as theatre or business) and a dance pedagogy curriculum approved by the National Dance Education Organization Flexible minors in music and dance that allow you to dive into your artistic passion Passionate, talented faculty who are practicing artists, performers, educators and technicians A variety of performance opportunities, including chamber ensembles, instrumental groups, jazz combos, choral groups, symphonic band, contemporary dance ensemble and Plymouth State Theatre Opportunities to work with renowned guest artists, choreographers and composers Outstanding facilities, including the 680-seat Hanaway Theatre, a recital hall, studio theatre, electronic piano lab, MIDI lab, state-of-the-art Wenger rehearsal rooms, dance and acting studios and theatre shops Music Majors Music majors at Plymouth State receive a great deal of individualized attention from master teachers, and many opportunities to perform. Our commitment to teaching is reflected in the quality of instruction and guidance which our students receive at all levels and in all of our degree programs. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers two degree programs in music: The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides you with a liberal arts education with heavy emphasis on musical study and performance, under one of four concentrations, or options : Commercial Voice Performance Contract Option in which you work with the Music faculty to tailor a course of study suited to your individual interests Music Technology (See what Music Tech grads are doing!) Piano Performance and Pedagogy Vocal Performance and Pedagogy The Bachelor of Science in Music Education is an accredited program that certifies you to teach vocal/choral, instrumental and general music in grades K-12. Music Minor Students majoring in other areas may consider the Music Minor. Requirements Every music program at PSU has a Performance Studies requirement, which varies from discipline to discipline. Keyboard proficiency exams are required for all B.S. Music Education, B.A. Music/Voice Performance & Pedagogy and B.A. Theatre/Music Theatre Performance majors at Plymouth State University. Theatre Majors The theatre program at Plymouth State University allows students to concentrate on a theatre discipline while pursuing a liberal arts education. Our program stresses classroom work, first and foremost, in all academic areas. We believe that a fine theatre artist or technician should be versed in numerous disciplines and have a basic understanding of many areas of study and inquiry. To varying degrees, our theatre program options take advantage of every area of academic study offered at Plymouth State. PSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with options in: Acting Contract Option Dramatic Writing Music Theatre Performance Theatrical Design-Tech A Theatre Minor is also available. A list of all courses in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is available through PSU’s online course catalog. All theatre courses begin with the letters “TH.”
Psychology Department
Engage in the fascinating study of the mind, brain and human behavior. Explore why people act and think the way they do. Through research projects, internships and examination of the work of renowned psychologists throughout the world, you will gain a better understanding of the human mind and how it works. As a psychology major you’ll experience: A Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, with options in developmental psychology, mental health, and psychology and law Coursework in child development, cognitive psychology, personality, psychology of aging, abnormal psychology, community mental health and other topics A diverse and committed faculty with expertise in research and clinical work An Honors Program that allows undergraduates to partner with faculty sponsors to complete original research projects Opportunities to engage in community internships and research activities Preparation for graduate school or a career in health, child development, law and other fields Undergraduate Degrees, Options & Minors The Psychology Department offers a range of degree programs and options to meet your academic and professional needs. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology includes coursework that focused on the science and study of behavior and mental processes. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology allows students to focus on specific areas of behavioral study and mental process. Available options: Developmental Mental Health Psychology and Law The Psychology Department offers minors in Psychology MEd in School Psychology The Master of Education (MEd) in School Psychology is a 69-credit program designed for individuals who desire certification in school psychology at the state and national level. Those candidates who already possess a master’s degree in a related field will want to explore the post-master’s CAGS or professional certification program. Candidates are expected to possess strong interpersonal skills.
Social Science Department
The Social Science Department at Plymouth State gives you the opportunity to explore and answer significant questions about the nature of humanity, society, politics, history, the environment and other subjects. Through a combination of classroom experiences, field work, travel, research and technology, social science students discover the world, from Africa to India, Europe to New England. Social Science Department Outcomes: Graduating Students in majors within the Social Sciences will be able to: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through an appreciation for various forms of diversity at a global, national and regional level. Conduct research ethically, as evidenced through effective research design and implementation. Write clearly and concisely in the conventions of the respective core discipline(s) of their major (AN/SO, GE, PO, SS). Exhibit effective oral communication through personal interaction as well a classroom presentations, individually or as part of a group, to a larger audience. Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills through writing and verbal assessments Identify the skills and perspective relating to the practical application of their discipline to professional settings. This diverse department offers: Majors in anthropology, environmental planning and geography, political science, public management, social science, sociology and tourism management and policy. Minors in anthropology/sociology, Pacific Rim studies, political science, Geographic Information Systems and global tourism Certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Hospitality Management Specialized coursework in areas including global and regional politics; issues of race and gender, travel and tourism, popular culture and public policy; techniques of computer map analysis Opportunities for field studies, travel, internship and service experiences A committed faculty with a variety of research and teaching interests Social Science Department Undergraduate Degrees, Options, Minors & Certificates The Social Science Department offers a range of degree options to meet your academic and career needs. The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology offers a comprehensive study of human behavior, focused on global diversity, ethnic and gender identity, social class and other areas. Students can choose from options in anthropology or sociology. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning offers a combination of coursework in the social and natural sciences, business and other disciplines, preparing students for careers in planning and management at the local, state and federal level. The Bachelor of Science in Geography offers coursework focused on the relationship between human and natural worlds. Options are available in geographic information systems and terrain analysis. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science explores the role of government in local, state and national communities. Research, problem solving and decision-making skills are emphasized. The Bachelor of Science in Public Management offers coursework in politics, government, business, economics and other fields. This degree program prepares students for graduate study in public administration or employment in public and private organizations at the local, state and federal level. The Bachelor of Science in Social Science offers students an opportunity for interdisciplinary coursework across the social science disciplines, with a concentration focus in two: anthropology, sociology, environmental planning, geography, history and political science. Students wishing to pursue certification in the social studies (grades 5-12) can obtain certification through the Social Studies Education program. The Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management and Policy offers students the opportunities to become skilled tracking trends within the tourism industry, develop a keen sense of the history of the tourism industry thereby bringing greater efficiency to large and small tourism and hospitality ventures. Certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificates in Hospitality Management The Social Science Department offers minors and certificates in Anthropology/Sociology Geographic Information Systems Geography Global Tourism Pacific Rim Studies Political Science MEd in Heritage Studies Heritage Studies explores the intricate relationships and subjects of identity, memory, intangibility/tangibility, dissonance and place. It is a multidisciplinary program in understanding the construction of heritage within the social sciences. Using place-based methods, our accomplished faculty including folklorists and archivists will explore a number of heritage landscapes to uncover the meanings of what is a living heritage. In this flexible master’s degree program, students may design a program of study based on their personal or professional interests, using local, national, and global cultures as inspiration. The program consists of three core education courses, two Heritage Studies courses, an elective component, and an internship or practicum. Students in this degree program could expect to complete coursework within two years. Graduates of this program work in a variety of settings including museums, public and private schools, tourist destinations, and libraries and historical societies. Some teach, while others conduct research and manage heritage materials and sites. MA in Historic Preservation The Master of Arts (MA) in Historic Preservation is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of historic preservation issues and opportunities that promote the protection of historic and cultural resources. Students will gain strong organizational, practical and administrative skills ideal for careers in historic preservation, heritage tourism and/or heritage resource management.