Everyone has something they are passionate about, and the School of Arts and Letters at Truman encourages you to investigate the world in creative and thoughtful ways. As part of this supportive community of learners, you explore the ways people have sought to express themselves and the world around them as you develop your own talents. You build a powerful academic foundation that provides you with valuable skills—including problem solving, critical thinking, and communication—you can use your entire life in any career.
Our Departments
Academic Programs
The Department of Art + Design + Art History offers aspiring artists a plethora of degree options to help cultivate skills and interests while preparing students for success in jobs markets or graduate school.
Available Degrees/Concentrations in Art:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Design
- Print/Web
- 3D Modeling and Animation
- Studio Art
- Ceramics
- Fibers
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Design
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Art History
- Studio Art
- Ceramics
- Fibers
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- 3D Studio
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Minors
- Design
- Art History
- Art Studio
- Museum Studies
- Web UX/UI Design
The Department of Classical and Modern Languages undergraduate program immerses students in language, culture, history, and literature to help achieve native-speaking proficiency. The graduate program prepares students for successful and meaningful careers in education.
Available Degrees/Concentrations in Classical and Modern Languages:
- Master of Arts in Education
- French
- Latin
- Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts
- Classics (Latin/Greek)
- Modern Language (Specialization in French, German, Spanish or a combination of languages)
- Minors
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Greek
- Italian Studies
- Japanese
- Latin
- Spanish
- Spanish for the Professions
- Interdisciplinary Minors
- Asian and Asian American Studies
- Classical Studies
- Foreign Language Teacher Preparation
The Department of English and Linguistics undergraduate program offers students freedom to tailor the major to individual interests in world literature, film, literary theory, creative writing, folklore, or linguistics while honing the craft of textual analysis and developing an advanced understanding of literature. The graduate program provides students with a detailed understanding of areas of interest while preparing students to succeed as scholars, teachers, and critics.
Available Degrees/Concentrations in English and Linguistics:
- Master of Arts
- Education
- English
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Creative Writing
- Bachelor of Arts
- Applied Linguistics/TESOL
- English
- Linguistics
- Bachelor of Science
- Linguistics
- Minors
- Applied Linguistics
- Creative Writing
- English
- Linguistics
- Interdisciplinary Minors
- African and African Diaspora Studies
- Asian and Asian American Studies
- Cognitive Science
- Disability Studies
- Environmental Science
- Film Studies
- Folklore
- International Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Women and Gender Studies
The Department of Music equips undergraduate and graduate students with a comprehensive academic background in the field of music, the advantage of private instruction and practice with well-known artists/teachers, and the opportunity to perform in nationally renowned instrumental and choral ensembles.
Available Degrees/Concentrations in Music:
- Master of Arts
- Music
- Conducting: Vocal Emphasis
- Conducting: Instrumental Emphasis
- Instrumental Performance
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Percussion
- Strings
- Music History/Research
- Piano Performance
- Theory/Composition
- Vocal Performance
- Education
- Vocal
- Instrumental
- Piano
- Music
- Bachelor of Arts
- Education: Pre-Certification
- Music: Liberal Arts Concentration
- Music: General
- Bachelor of Music
- Performance
- Choral and Vocal
- Clarinet
- Double Reeds
- Flute
- Horn
- Jazz
- Low Brass
- Percussion
- Piano
- Trumpet
- Saxophone
- Strings
- Composition
- Theory/Composition
- Performance
- Bachelor of Science
- Music Business
- Music Therapy
- Minors
- Jazz Studies
- Music
- Musical Theatre
- Musicology
The Department of Theatre offers students a comprehensive understanding of the literature, cultural context, and history of theatre and extensive practical application in acting, design, tech, and directing.
Available Degrees/Concentrations in Theatre:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Theatre
- Minors
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre
Creative Learning Spaces
Discover a dynamic learning atmosphere that includes art studios, music rooms, theaters, and study areas that encourage creativity and collaboration.
Events
Inspiring events take place at the School of Arts and Letters from art exhibits to music and theatre performances to distinguished visiting scholars.
Josh Winkler, internationally exhibiting artist and printmaker, shares his work and process with Printmaking I students.
Laura McHugh, mystery author and Truman alumna, came back to campus for a Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series presentation and to teach a mystery writing workshop.
The University Orchestra collaborated with six guest musicians from the Boccherini and Puccini Conservatories.
Students in Intermediate Drawing Exploration worked from still-life objects generously loaned by the Biology Department.
The make-up and costuming teams help prepare the actors for the performance of “Extremities.”
The Chinese Language and Culture Association held a Chinese New Year Celebration to help usher in the Year of the Dog.
Featured Events
Mission and Goals
Through the work of its students, faculty, and staff, the School of Arts and Letters exemplifies Truman State University’s liberal arts and sciences mission by:
- cultivating creative, critical, and interdisciplinary inquiry;
- providing rich academic and artistic experiences in a supportive environment;
- serving as a cultural resource for the community, region, and beyond;
- and inspiring students to lead meaningful, productive, and interconnected lives.
These attainable goals will work to enhance our students’ experience, advance our academic programs, and support our shared Mission.
- Pursue collaborative partnerships in the broader community.
- Enhance interaction between our alumni, our faculty, and our students.
- Increase visibility of our public events.
- Promote programmatic skills in our programs that have application in the world of work.
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