The College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Murray State University has many excellent programs for international students. The college actively promotes research and creativity among both students and faculty, and it teaches students to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively and participate actively in their communities. This program also gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, from performances and art shows to scholarly work. There are over one hundred full-time faculty available to work with students, and these programs prepare students for a variety of different careers.
There are nine major departments in this college:
This program prepares students for a variety of careers by teaching them about creative writing, technical writing, business, publishing, teaching, law and journalism. Students learn to think critically and communicate, and they are able to participate in several festivals and events, which gives them the opportunity to network and learn. The annual Reading Series brings in writers and alumni to read work and meet current students. The Shakespeare Festival performs a variety of Shakespeare's works in the Lovett auditorium. Cinema International presents multi-genre films each semester. Employers value the the communication and writing skills that students from this program develop while at Murray State.
In this program, students prepare for careers as practicing artists, craftspersons and designers. They also prepare for graduate studies in art and art history. Students can choose to concentrate in ceramics, drawing, furniture design, graphic design, metalsmithing, photography, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Undergraduate students in this program finish with a senior exhibition that allows them show their work and get feedback. Students in this program can also participate in student organizations like the Design Group, the National Art Education Association Student Chapter and/or the Organization of Murray Art Students.
The programs in this department help students develop reasoning and analytical skills, build strong oral and written communication skills and learn about statistical analysis and computer technology. This prepares students for careers in government, business, international organizations, journalism, law, marketing, and elections.
4. History
This program provides students with a foundation for a variety of careers including law, business, industry and government. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available, and students are able to focus on world civilizations. Students can also participate in Phi Alpha Theta, a national honor society in history, which promotes the study of history by encouraging historical research, publication, presentation of papers and discussion. This society also gives students the opportunity to network with others in the field.
5. Liberal Arts
This program allows students to shape their own education by combining two fields of interest, an academic minor, foreign language study, study abroad and a self-designed senior seminar project. Potential employers value the innovative, versatile academic background that liberal arts majors have.
The department of modern languages offers courses in French, German, Spanish and Japanese. These courses teach students about the culture and literatures in other countries, and help students to become more culturally and linguistically aware.
7. Music
Students in this department gain a comprehensive music education that trains them for careers as opera singers, popular recording artists, professional symphony musicians, jazz educators, songwriters, television writers, instrument technicians and/or church musicians. Murray State University's Racer Band has won awards and championships, and the department of music has been a member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1936.
8. Psychology
The psychology department helps students further their understanding of psychology through instruction, research and service. Graduate students in this program have the ability to train at the Psychological Center, which provides clinical services to students and community members. Students in this program are taught both inside and outside of the formal classroom, which qualifies them for a wide variety of careers.
9. Theatre
The department of theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and has alumni working around the world. This program trains students through both classroom and production events. Students can also participate in organizations and societies like "Sock and Buskin," Murray State's oldest student organization, or Alpha Psi Omega, an active chapter of a national honorary fraternity.
The college of Humanities and Fine Arts has many excellent programs for international students that give hands-on experience learning, creating and participating in events. This blog documents some of the exciting things that graduate and undergraduate international students are doing at Murray State University.
