Art and Design
Cultivate your creative voice in our Art and Design program. We focus on nurturing your intellectual and artistic skills, preparing you to lead in visual arts and drive social change.
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Music
Our music programs start with core courses that provide a strong foundation in music theory, ear training, and sight-reading. These courses help you understand the fundamentals of music, including scales, harmony, rhythm, and notation.
Theatre
Our theatre degree programs include a mix of core courses that cover the fundamentals of theatre, including acting techniques, theatre history, script analysis, and stagecraft.
Discover Your Vision for the World
We are committed to intellectual practices that uniquely develop your creative and critical capacities which are crucial for success in contemporary visual arts professions. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mentor the next generation of visual arts leaders for creative social change.
Why study art and design at Marian?
- Study with credentialed Ph.D. and M.F.A. full-time studio faculty who are active professionals within their respective fields.
- Small class sizes that allow for individualized faculty attention.
- State-of-the-art digital art and design studio.
- High-quality exhibitions program and galleries that engage students with visiting professional artists and designers.
- Experience Study Abroad through consortium programs or Marian-sponsored courses (past courses have included Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, Spain and Turkey).
- Intern with local and regional arts organizations, design and advertising firms.
- Our close proximity to downtown Indianapolis provides excellent access to community arts events and organizations like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Harrison Center for the Arts, Stutz Artists Association, and Mass Ave Arts district.
- Proven track-record for preparing students to become successful artists, designers, educators, and art therapists.
Scholarship - Eligibility
To apply for the Art and Design Talent Scholarship, you should meet these criteria. Please note: ALL scholarship submissions are due by December 1.
- Have completed the Marian University admissions application process and been admitted in good standing.
- Possess strong potential for academic success.
- Plan to major in visual and creative arts.
- Commit to an educational experience framed within the context of Marian University's Franciscan values of dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship.
Scholarship - Application Requirements
Your scholarship application should include these materials.
- Essay: A one-page printed essay on why you want to major in visual and creative arts at Marian University.
- Image list: A separate image list document should accompany your visual portfolio and essay. It should include:
- Your name
- Title of artwork
- Dimensions of work
- Medium
- Digital portfolio: Ten (10) digital images (approx. 1024 x 768, 72 dpi) of your recent original works. No duplicates or derivatives of works by other artists will be accepted.
Scholarship - Submission Methods
- Our preferred method for receiving your digital portfolio is. pdf and/or .jpg files emailed to the address below. Your portfolio may be comprised of individual files grouped into one folder that is then compressed and saved as a .zip file. Or your essay, image list, and portfolio images can be compiled into one document and then saved as a .pdf.
- An alternate method is for you to submit your work on a CD or flash drive. If you would want your CD or flash drive returned to you, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage.
The Music Programs at Marian University serve our community through curricular, extra-curricular, and service.
The Marian Music Programs engages non-music majors and music majors from diverse backgrounds and abilities through participation in music ensembles that learn and perform music from various genres and styles. Marian University prioritizes music with African, Latin, and non-Western roots equally with musics originating from Europe. These priorities are reflected through our course offerings, curriculums, and repertoire selections.
In addition to its curricular and extra-curricular purposes, the MU Music Programs also exist as a service-oriented program. As such, our ensembles perform for many events on and off campus as part of our service to the university and to the community. This is one example of ways that our students regularly engage in HIGH IMPACT LEARNING activities in the arts.
Degrees Offered
- B.A. Music
- B.A. Music Education (Instrumental or Vocal tracks)
Minors
Ensembles
- University Band (MUS103)
- Marching Band and Concert Band
- Pep Band (extra-curricular)
- Jazz Band (MUS107)
- Choirs
- University Choir (MUS102)
- Sacred Choir (MUS108)
- *Chamber Singers (MUS101)
- String Ensemble (MUS109)
*indicates an auditioned ensemble
Programs and Events
NAfME Collegiate Chapter
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Chapter at Marian University is a student organization dedicated to fostering a love for music education. The chapter provides members with opportunities for professional development, networking, and community engagement through events, and workshops.
At Marian University, you will be prepared to be a creative leader with curiosity, discipline, and empathy. You will gain valuable hands-on experiences through our classes, department productions, and the opportunity to interact with arts organizations that call Marian University home.
Statement of Diversity
The Department of Performing Arts welcomes all students of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. The environment is open, creative, innovative, friendly, and supportive allowing all students to succeed. Students will have the opportunity to explore music from various cultures, genres, and belief systems including, but not limited to, social justice.