Music Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A) degree provides a thorough grounding in music while allowing students to also pursue coursework in a secondary subject area such as social work, psychology, business, or many other areas.

• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree prepares students to be performers, studio teachers, church musicians, and for music-related industry or graduate school. 

• Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree in Vocal or Instrumental studies, prepares future educators for a career as a PK-12 teacher in Oklahoma and throughout the country.  Although a music education major may select either a vocal or an instrumental option, the music faculty encourages all students to have experience in both vocal and instrumental music, and strongly suggests achieving state certification in both areas to increase marketability after graduation.  

Speech & Theatre Degree:

• Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theatre degree prepares students for careers in the media and entertainment industries, professional theatre, community theatre, religious theatre, business, professional speaking, human resources, public relations, and/or for graduate school. 

Visual Arts Degree:

• Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Visual Arts prepares students for advanced study in the visual art and for entry into professional artistic employment. Possible career paths and advanced study includes visual artist (areas include commercial art, public art, community art, art activism, digital media, art restoration, studio assistant), art education (grade school/high school art teacher), graphic design (illustration/digital illustration, publication layout, web design), commercial photography, arts administration, gallery assistant/curator, and more.

Fine Arts Minors:  Minors can accompany and enhance any bachelors degree at NWOSU. 

• Music Minor is a 21-credit minor that encourages musical involvement and offers flexibility with upper-level course offerings, allowing students to explore areas of their interest.

• Musical Theatre Minor is a 21-credit minor that balances music and theatre classes while offering experience in both.

• Theatre Minor is a 22-credit minor that allows students to explore theatre production, acting, scene design, makeup design, and lighting.

• Visual Arts Minor is a 21-credit minor that engages students in the visual arts while pursing their major course of study. A minor in Visual Arts prepares students for advanced study in art and for entry into professional artistic employment.

For a detailed look at the course requirements and descriptions for these degrees, please see the Undergraduate Catalog. 

Course Rotations

• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Plans of Study

• Music
  • BA - Fall of Even Years
  • BA - Fall of Odd Years
  • BM - Fall of Even Years
  • BM - Fall of Odd Years
  • BME - Instrumental - Fall of Even Years
  • BME - Instrumental - Fall of Odd Years
  • BME - Vocal - Fall of Even Years
  • BME - Vocal - Fall of Odd Years
• Theatre
  • Speech and Theatre - Fall Even
  • Speech and Theatre - Fall Odd
• Visual Arts
  • Visual Arts - Even Year
  • Visual Arts - Odd Year

All incoming freshmen or transfers are encouraged to fill out their respective scholarship forms: Freshman Scholarship or Transfer Scholarship along with the Application for Admission to the University.

Students active in this department also may qualify for participation scholarships of up to $2,000. An audition and/or portfolio review is preferred but not required. The on-campus audition date is February 3, 2024. Auditions after February 3, 2024, can be made by arrangement with the Fine Arts Chair kkweast@nwosu.edu.

For departmental scholarships you will need to fill out a form provided by the Fine Arts Chair by February 5, 2024.

Departmental scholarships available in this area and more can be found at https://ournorthwestern.org/make-an-investment/scholarships, including numerous miscellaneous unspecified scholarships.

Current students have until March 15 for academic scholarships using the Continuing Student Scholarship Application.

The incoming freshman deadline is May 15 while the transfer student deadline is July 15.

In order to be considered for scholarships, please make sure that you complete the Application for Admission to the University and complete the FAFSA form at www.studentaid.gov.

For more information, please visit Scholarships.

• Fine Arts participation and scholarships up to $2,000 are available to all students regardless of major.
• No conflict policy for students involved in more disciplines within the Fine Arts
• 100% music education teacher placement
• Band options include: Marching Band, Chamber WInds, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble
• Choral and vocal ensembles work with nationally renowned artists through workshops, collaborations, and festivals
• Choirs tour internationally at least once every 4 years
• Annual musical with open auditions for students of any major
• 4 Main Stage theatre productions, 56 annual concerts and presentations per year
• Active participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
• Artist-in-Residency Program brings emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds to live and create artwork at NWOSU
• Opportunities to exhibit artwork at the Graceful Arts Center, the historic Runnymede Hotel, and other supportive businesses in downtown Alva