Dec 22, 2024

Fall 2020 - Summer 2021 Course Catalog

Fall 2020 - Summer 2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Performing Arts A.S.

School: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Academic Dept: Arts and Communications
HEGIS: 5610

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2020 to Summer 2021. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) Degrees Defined

The purpose of the A.A. and A.S. is to build a foundation in a discipline, then continue to higher levels of education by transferring to a four-year institution. The A.A. contains liberal arts credits; including coursework in the arts, humanities and social sciences, and provides flexibility to pursue several careers. Conversely, coursework for the A.S. contains some liberal arts credits and coursework also directly applicable to a clearly defined career path. Click to learn more about the differences among award types.

Students are encouraged to apply early due to an extraordinary demand.

Program Description

Westchester Community College’s active Performing Arts Program, outstanding facilities, and proximity to the performing arts centers of New York City, offer students a wide and varied educational experience. The college is attractive as well because the metropolitan area and culturally rich Westchester County provide many career opportunities in the creative arts.

The course of study leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree in the Performing Arts provides a suitable program for students who are interested in transferring into BS, BA, and BFA degree programs at four-year colleges and universities. To enrich the classroom program, we also offer many extracurricular activities which train the performing arts major in areas needed to pursue a career in one of the many arts-related professions.

Students may select an emphasis in Dance, Drama (including Acting and Musical Theatre), or Music (including Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Music Technology) to meet the requirements of the Performing Arts degree. Students should consult with the Curriculum Chair to plan their degree program.

Many of our graduates who concentrate in the arts find employment in the music, film, TV, and theatre industries as well as in numerous other performing arts-related professions. Still more graduates successfully transfer their credits to continue their studies at four-year institutions and earn degrees in drama, music, or dance.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate knowledge of basic theories and techniques in music, dance and theater, including the latest cultural and technological developments.
Demonstrate an understanding of the creative process inherent in those disciplines, and of the intellectual, psychological and physical benefits of participation.
Demonstrate the ability to perform and analyze artistic works in the fields of music, dance and theater.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements - 30 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

Foreign Language or Other World Civilizations (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

Foreign Language - see SUNY General Education Courses
Other World Civilizations - see SUNY General Education Courses

American History or Western Civilization (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

American History - see SUNY General Education Courses
Western Civilization - see SUNY General Education Courses

General Education Courses (9 credits)

9 credits of additional General Education Courses (Any) - see SUNY General Education Courses

Degree Requirements - 30 Credits

History/Theory of Arts Courses (9 credits, see below)
Performing Arts Courses (18 credits, see below)
Free Electives* (3 credits, any college courses)

* Students may use these electives to increase their emphasis in their chosen Performing Arts area.

Performing Arts Courses

Students wishing an emphasis in Music, Dance, or Theatre, should contact the Curriculum Chair for Performing Arts to plan their degree program.

Music

Dance

Theatre

Minimum Total Credits - 60

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Transfer Opportunities

Transfer Agreements

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.