Visual and Performing Arts Studies (BA)

Return to: USC School of Dramatic Arts  

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies is an interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the Kaufman School of Dance, the School of Dramatic Arts, the School of Architecture, the School of Cinematic Arts, the Roski School of Art and Design, the Thornton School of Music, and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Candidates for the degree must complete the university general education requirements in addition to  the courses in the major. Students in this major complete a core of required courses that provides them with a broad understanding of the various disciplines. The work in the major is completed by choosing courses from a wide array of course offerings from all the participating schools. A total of 128 units is required for completion of the degree.

General Education Requirements

The university’s General Education  program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. In addition, all entering freshmen are expected to complete a General Education Seminar during their first year at USC. These seminars satisfy one of the Core Literacy requirements above.

Note that courses within the major may also satisfy certain Core Literacy requirements. Please work with your major adviser to determine those courses.