Departments
Over 100,000 people attend the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Art's exhibits, lectures, and performances every year, by way of its four dynamic departments including the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History, and Design, the Department of Communication, the Department of Music and the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. The college has been noted as the cultural gateway of Wayne State University and connecting the university's nearly 25,000 students and 2,500 faculty members to the community and its museums, galleries, libraries, theatres and other venues. There are also opportunities to intern with some of metro Detroit's top companies in advertising, public relations, journalism, or other industries.
Art, Art History, and Design
What better place in Michigan to study art, design or art history than Detroit – the first American city to be designated a City of Design by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2015. Our mission is to prepare students to apply their skills, creatively solve complex problems, and build meaningful and successful careers in an increasingly competitive landscape.
- Nationally and internationally renowned guest artists, curators and critics
- Two on-campus galleries with full exhibition seasons and gallery learning community
- City-wide community engagement opportunities with youth and seniors include Mobile Arts workshops
Communication
Detroit is the 14th largest media market in the country. And it’s Michigan’s business hub. International corporations call this area home and so do local nonprofits. Wayne State’s Department of Communication taps into the energy and opportunities in this resurgent city and its vibrant metro area.
- Nationally acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity
- WSU Forensics, nationally ranked for more than 40 years with a $1M endowment
- Nationally accredited program in Public Relations
- Hands-on television production of MetroArts in partnership with Detroit Public Television
Music
Within easy distance to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre, top-notch jazz venues and recording studios, Department of Music students have opportunities not found anywhere else.
- Perform in the acoustically superb Schaver Music Recital Hall and the world-class Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
- Participate at National music festivals and events including the Detroit Jazz Festival
- Learn from faculty who are active musicians, many of whom are members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theatre
Theatre and Dance
Detroit hosts Broadway productions and renowned dance companies. It also nurtures its own burgeoning communities in theatre, dance, and music. Being an active participant in the artistic explosion that is shaping Detroit’s revitalization gives the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance its edge.
- Students gain hands-on experience through 7 touring companies, 20+ productions, 160+ performances
- Professional grade studios – 7 for dance, 5 for acting, 3 for design, 1 Pilates studio, 1 movement studio,1 voice studio
- Sought after visiting choreographers, directors and designers