Vocalist and instrumentalists from Latin Beat Ensemble performing in Campus Commons Performance Hall.

College of Performing & Visual Arts

A place where passion and aptitude are transformed into professional skills for a meaningful career in the arts.

Celebrating Creativity. Supporting Artistic Growth.

The College of Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) is home to three distinct schools: Music, Art and Design, and Theatre Arts and Dance. Together, we offer more than 30 graduate and undergraduate programs. Additionally, we offer UNC students from all disciplines the chance to express their creativity and hone their artistic talent through electives and extracurriculars.

State-of-the-Art Learning & Performance Spaces

PVA students across disciplines create, produce, practice, play and perform in a variety of spaces, including:

28+ Wenger sound isolation rooms
5 recording and production studios
16+ art studios
2 theaters
Campus Commons Performance Hall and other music performance spaces
3 art galleries

We’re also proud to be an All-Steinway School, one of only a few institutions in the region to carry this prestigious designation.

Our Schools & Programs

Explore PVA’s individual schools to learn about our academic programs, exceptional faculty, unique learning spaces and performance and exhibition opportunities.

School of Art & Design

We offer a bachelor’s degree in art and design, with concentrations in studio art, education or graphic design. We also offer a flexible graduate degree program.

Students creating bowls in ceramics class.

School of Music

We offer a variety of music-focused programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. You’ll find options ranging from Jazz Studies to Music Business and more.

UNC jazz orchestra performing in 2024 Jazz Fest.

School of Theatre and Dance

We offer bachelor’s programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design and Technology, Theatre Education and Theatre Studies, plus a Dance minor. We also offer graduate degrees in Theatre and Dance Education.

A stage full of performers in the musical Cinderella in Langworthy Theatre.

You belong in this thriving arts scene.

As an arts student, you'll perform and showcase your work in many ways, starting from your first year. And we make sure you're supported in multiple ways while doing it, whether it's academically or financially.

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