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Performing Arts
Introduction
Dance Majors
Auditions for scholarships for the dance program are held each February. Students may register to audition in advance by calling 410-455-2179. Auditions are open to all potential UMBC students. However, students who have applied and been accepted to UMBC will be given priority. While the department does not hold special auditions for admission to the major, dance students must maintain good academic standing in their dance courses and must receive a grade of B or better in Intermediate Modern Dance II (the "gateway" course for the major) to continue their studies as a dance major.
Music Majors
An audition/interview before a faculty committee is required of all students wishing to major in music. The music department offers concentrations in composition, education, instrumental or voice performance, jazz, performing/musicology and recording. The audition for the performance track in voice or main instrument should include compositions that demonstrate the student's level of ability. Voice students should prepare two well-contrasted compositions, one of which must be in English. Students interested in the composition track must submit scores for review by the composition faculty. Students interested in the musicology track must submit a paper for review by the musicology faculty. Students interested in the recording track need to interview with the recording director. For more complete information, contact the department at 410-455-2942 or e-mail music_info@umbc.edu.
Theatre Majors
No audition or portfolio review is required unless you are applying for the Linehan Artist Scholars Program, the Fine Arts Award or other merit scholarships. Students should, however, notify the department of their interest so they can be advised and space be made available in the appropriate courses. For more information, contact the theatre department at 410-455-2959 or thtr_info@umbc.edu.
Visual Arts Majors
In addition to the standard UMBC undergraduate application, applicants who plan to major in visual arts must submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual Arts. Portfolio review days are scheduled by the department throughout the year. For more information contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at admissions@umbc.edu, 410-455-2291 or 800-UMBC-4U2.
A Student's To-Do List: What You Need to Know and Do Along The Way
By the end of your FIRST OR SOPHOMORE YEAR you should be able to:
Task/Knowledge
- Explore and describe what you are GOOD AT that you also like to do
- Explore and describe what you enjoy LEARNING
- Explore and begin to define WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO DO (e.g., accounting, medicine, engineering, teaching) and WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO DO IT (e.g., consulting firm, hospital, government agency, public school)
- Identify SKILL SETS needed for jobs in potential career fields
How to make it happen
- Meet with a Career Services Center (CSC) career specialist for assistance in developing short- and long-term career goals
- Use FOCUS and VAULT available on CCS’s website
- Take a variety of classes to clarify interests/skills
- Use Careerpath (www.umbc.edu/careerpath) to explore majors/career paths
- Visit University Counseling Services for self-assessment help
- Access resources in Academic and Pre-Professional Advising
Task/Knowlege
- Create a LIST OF CONTACTS who can assist you with career decision-making and implementation
- Begin a CONVERSATION with at least one of those contacts (email, letter, phone, in-person)
How to make it happen
- Learn how to conduct informational interviews
- Login to UMBCworks’ ProNet to connect with alumni and employer mentors
- Attend networking events (Career Week, Diversity Recruitment Banquet, etc.)
- Stop by to talk with faculty offices during their office hours
- Make a concerted effort to stay in touch with current and former employers, teachers/professors, co-workers, and advisors
Task/Knowlege
- Begin putting together a RESUME focusing on the strengths, education and experiences of relevance to your career goals
How to make it happen
- Access resume resources on the CSC and Careerpath websites
- Get your resume reviewed during CSC’s walk-in hours
Task/Knowlege
- Engage in an ON- or OFF-CAMPUS OPPORTUNITY that will help you gain career insight, make connections, and build relevant skills sets
How to make it happen
- Log-in to UMBCworks to update your profile; upload your resume; and search for job, research, internship/co-op, and service learning opportunities
- Obtain a part-time job related to your interests
- Attend Campus Jobs Fair and/or Summer and Part-Time Job/Internship Fair
- Connect with The Shriver Center coordinator for your major for relevant service learning, research, internship and co-op opportunities
- Visit the Study Abroad Office to explore international opportunities
- Join and contribute to an on- or off-campus club/organization
By the end of your JUNIOR OR SENIOR YEAR you should be able to:
Task/Knowlege
- Fine tune your career goals in terms of:
- FUNCTIONS (sales, community outreach, software development)
- INDUSTRIES (pharmaceuticals, non-profits, defense contracting)
- SPECIFIC COMPANIES (for example, Wyeth, Catholic Charities, Northrop Grumman)
How to make it happen
- Utilize FOCUS and VAULT on CSC’s website
- Meet with a CSC career specialist
- Gain insight, connections and relevant experience by getting an internship/co-op, working part-time, and/or volunteering
- Connect with professionals in your field (ProNet, Career Week)
Task/Knowlege
- Maintain/expand your LIST OF CONTACTS
- Conduct/continue CONVERSATIONS with these contacts
How to make it happen
- Continue to conduct informational interviews
- Utilize UMBCworks ProNet
- Join/be active in the professional organization for your field
- Attend networking events (job fairs, Evenings with Industry, Career Week)
- Develop and maintain contacts through work, internships, and volunteering
Task/Knowlege
- Conduct an EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW
How to make it happen
- Schedule a mock interview
- Access interviewing resources on CSC’s website
Task/Knowlege
- Develop a LIST OF TARGETED GRADUATE SCHOOLS
- Understand/engage in the GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS
How to make it happen
- Access the Graduate School Application Guide on CSC’s website
- Talk with faculty about your graduate education goals
- Visit CSC for help with statements and resumes
- Attend the Maryland Career Consortium Graduate School Seminar (fall)
Task/Knowlege
- Develop and implement a JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
- Develop and fine tune your NETWORKING SKILLS and develop your brand
How to make it happen
- Attend UMBC and other area job/career fairs
- Participate in UMBC on-campus interviews
- Attend employer events (i.e., Corporate Visibility Days, information sessions)
- Utilize your UMBCworks account – post your resume/search for jobs
Task/Knowlege
- Obtain a JOB OFFER OR GRADUATE SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE
How to make it happen
- All of the above! Be sure to complete the UMBC Graduating Student Report
Career Boosters
Freshman Year:
Sophomore Year:
Junior Year:
Senior Year:
Curriculum
For official curriculum for this major, please visit the online undergraduate catalog. This site is your one-stop location for academic policies, major requirements, academic support services, and the first year experience.
Other links you may find of use:
What can I do with my major?
Major Sheet for Performing Arts»