Creative Sector

The primary purpose of the Art (BA) major is to foster creativity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the practice and history of the visual arts. We seek to help students develop visual literacy, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills that will enable them to confidently explore possible avenues for creative expression in the visual arts.

Art majors can pursue careers in a variety of fields. Those interested in fine art may go on to graduate programs that confer a Master of Fine Arts degree. Students focusing on art history or graphic design often find rewarding careers in museum work or the applied arts. The College’s curriculum makes it easy for those interested in a career in the applied arts to complement their studies with a business minor, while those seeking to teach art can complete their certification requirement through the College’s Department of Education.

The study of communication is at least as old as written language itself. The first "scholar" of communication is also the first named historical author, the ancient Mesopotamian priestess, princess, and poet Enheduanna. As a vibrant component of a liberal arts education—since the inclusion of "rhetoric" in the trivium of subjects establishing classical Greek education—the study of communication has changed over the centuries. Today, students engage communicative inquiry as a method of developing the portable skills that will serve them in their collegiate studies and beyond. Through examining the collaborative construction and negotiation of meaning, between self and others, as it occurs within cultural contexts, students who earn a major in Communication will be able to construct effective messages in oral and written forms, as well as engage in collaborative work as interdependent group members, while adjusting their communicative strategies to account for various audiences, contexts, and diverse organizations and cultures in which they will advocate.

Students of communication also have the opportunity to take their skills and put them into use immediately, as part of their every-day lives, but also in more applied and specialized contexts, such as working for the student newspaper or engaging in intercollegiate debate tournaments with the award-winning Howling Yotes.

Students pursuing a Digital Marketing major are introduced to essential concepts in business, marketing, and digital strategies related to search, social, and content creation. Online interactions are the leading force that drives organizations to get their message out to consumers. The courses in this major meet the rapidly shifting digital landscape in today's internet-driven world. The Digital Marketing major provides a combination of business and digital courses focused on this emerging area within the marketing field. The benefits of a Digital Marketing degree, include: 

• Demand for Digital Marketers: With businesses increasingly relying on digital platforms, the need for skilled digital marketers is increasing. Graduates in this field enter a thriving job market with good earning potential and a vast range of career options. 
• Comprehensive Skillset: The program provides a thorough foundation in essential areas like content strategy, social media, analytics, email, and digital advertising. Students graduate with versatile, in-demand skills that employers prioritize. 
• Real-World Experience: Included are practical, hands-on projects, simulations and an internship, giving students direct experience with real-world campaigns and tools. 
• Career Flexibility and Growth Opportunities: Digital marketing skills are transferable across industries. This degree equips students for roles in small or large businesses, advertising agencies, non-profits, and beyond, allowing students to shape their career path in various directions. 
• Staying Current in a Fast-Paced Field: Digital marketing is constantly evolving. This program provides up-to-date knowledge and critical thinking skills to adapt to changes, helping you stay ahead in this dynamic industry and maintain a competitive edge over time.

The Literature and Creative Writing major offers study in the areas of American, British, and postcolonial literature and creative writing (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction).  The major is designed for anyone interested in literature and writing and prepares one for a wide variety of careers and graduate programs, including but not limited to writing, editing, teaching, publishing, journalism, law, marketing, public relations, and the fine arts.

The Music major helps students improve their musicianship while providing an in-depth study of music and its place in culture. Students also gain professional knowledge to help them in careers or graduate school related to digital visual and audio production and the larger music industry.

Studying music at the College produces graduates who are able to think deeply about music and perform at a high level. The College has produced an Academy Award-winning composer and many other successful musicians. Professional performance, musical theatre, teaching, writing, composing, conducting and producing are common careers for our graduates, though a College of Idaho music degree prepares its holder to succeed in a wide variety of work environments.

H2: Groups & Ensembles

Students at The College of Idaho also have access to attend or participate in dozens of professional-level musical performances every school year. Student performance opportunities include opera and musical theatre productions.  Below is a list of the groups and ensembles available on campus. For more information, please click the heading above the group or ensemble you are interested in and you'll be connected to an appropriate person.

The Theatre major is a generalist degree for the student who wants a broad and flexible theatre education experience. Theatre at The College of Idaho aims to provide many opportunities for students to use theatre as an instrument for personal, intellectual, social, and creative development.

Students are actively involved in making theatre at The College of Idaho by participating in mainstage productions ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary plays to musical theatre. Scarlet Masque, a student theatre organization on campus, provides additional opportunities to hone your theatrical skills. Our comprehensive curriculum includes classes in acting, stagecraft, directing, theatre history, stage makeup, stage combat, and applied theatre (lighting, costuming, and scenery practicum). All the while, students receive individual mentoring from professors who work professionally as actors, directors, and theatrical designers.