What are the Best Colleges for the Arts in Alabama?

Considering staying in Alabama for college, but I really want to focus on the arts. Are there any exceptional colleges for the arts in Alabama? Any insight on their programs or campus life would be helpful!

If you're seeking out strong arts programs in Alabama, a few stand out.

1. University of Alabama: Located in Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama's College of Arts and Sciences houses a vibrant School of Music and a Department of Art and Art History. Almost 1,300 students major in creative disciplines here, with programs including Theatre, Music, and Art. The university offers a variety of opportunities for students to showcase their work or perform on campus and throughout Tuscaloosa.

2. Auburn University: Despite being primarily known for its engineering and agriculture programs, Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts maintains a competitive Department of Art and Art History. These programs often collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, providing students with a unique creative experience.

3. Birmingham-Southern College: As a liberal arts college, its arts programs are interwoven with the rest of the curriculum, encouraging a well-rounded education. Its Durbin Gallery often showcases student work. There's also a 'Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers' that stops by every year, which offers students interested in film a unique experience.

4. Samford University: Samford's School of the Arts covers Art and Design, Music, and Theatre and Dance. They have both performance opportunities and studio-based learning. There's also a core curriculum, called the Arts Perspectives (AP), that every Arts major has to take to ensure they gain a well-rounded arts education.

Remember though, when determining the "best" program, factors such as faculty, facilities, class sizes, internship opportunities, and alumni success can all play a role. Personal fit is also massively important; the best program on paper might not be the best fit for you.

These are just a few examples from the state. There might be other schools in Alabama that have strong arts programs too, so doing more research and visiting campuses, if possible, would be beneficial. You can also consider reaching out to current students or alumni from different programs to gain first-hand insights about the schools you're considering. Good luck with your college search!