Explore communication, art, graphic design, theater arts and more.

Our diverse programs empower students to transcend traditional boundaries of thought and action. At the School of Arts and Humanities you’ll become a lifelong learner dedicated to personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and creative passion. Your work in your major will go beyond the classroom, preparing you for success in your career through internships and real world experiences.

 

Departments

Department of Communication

Students are equipped to thrive in a demanding and innovative field. Read more about this department, the professional and student organizations you can join, available scholarships, and upcoming events.

Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Students are challenged to learn about multilingualism and multiculturalism so that they are prepared to live in a global world. Learn about this department and hear what some of our alumni have to say about life after the hilltop. 

Department of Literature, Writing and Rhetoric

Students majoring under this department become proficient in the written language and are primed for writing-intensive careers. Discover more about this department, majors and minors available, student organizations you can join, and upcoming events.

Department of Performing Arts

Students train with the best and have the real life experiences needed to excel in the creative field. View more about  this department, professional opportunities available such as the Actors’ Equity Association, musical programs you can get involved with and available scholarships.

Department of Philosophy 

Gain transferrable life skills such as rational analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Learn more about this department and how you’ll be prepared for success after graduation — whether through a job or continuing your educational journey.

Department of Religious and Theological Studies 

Students explore the meaning and purpose of life through a religious lens. Read about this department, student organizations you can join and available scholarships.

Department of Visual Studies 

Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and then cultivate and refine their skills through areas such as graphic design, video, photography, game studies and painting. See more about this department, majors and minors available, student organizations you can join, and our alumni successes. 

Meet Our Dean and Our Faculty

Sharon Diane Nell, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.

Dear Future Arts and Humanities Students:

Embrace the opportunities and challenges ... Hop on a plane in Texas, and be in Spain in seven hours. Skype your friends in Brazil. Share ideas with students in South Korea and South Africa via video-conferencing classrooms. Champion a global human rights movement on Facebook. With every heartbeat, and tap of a keyboard, our world becomes more interconnected and accessible. Hear more from Dean Sharon Nell.

Meet the Faculty

Our exceptional faculty challenge and motivate students to think critically and creatively. As a result, perspectives are broadened and personal transformations begin. We promote the interests, strengths and goals of each student.  

We embody a bold spirit of adventure and take students abroad to countries such as France, Thailand, England and Italy. As students engage with diverse cultures and perspectives, they become global citizens.

Arts and Humanities faculty win teaching and advising awards, publish books, have pieces in juried exhibitions, perform in solo shows and contribute to the creative culture of both St. Edward's and Austin. See examples of our faculty’s work, including art exhibitions and photography collections. 

Our Events

Centers and Cultural Programs

Our Arts and Humanities programs contribute to a vibrant, creative and intellectual climate at St. Edward’s. We support a number of programs, organizations and institutions, providing opportunities for exploration and self discovery.

St. Edward's University Fine Arts Gallery

Fine Arts Gallery

The Fine Arts Gallery showcases work from students and visiting artists from the Austin community and across the globe. 

Hilltop Views, a student-run newspaper at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas

Hilltop Views

This student-run university newspaper is printed weekly. Readers can also enjoy Hilltop Views online.

Mary Moody Northen Theatre

Mary Moody Northen Theatre

Mary Moody Northen Theatre (MMNT) stands at the center of the university’s theater training program under the School of Arts and Humanities. The theater operates on a professional model, requiring students to learn all facets of theatrical production and demanding the highest level of commitment and craft in their work. 

Jonathan Safan Attends Visiting Writers Series

Visiting Writers Series

The Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writers Series brings working writers, including award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights, to campus to read from their work, talk about their writing and interact with students. 

Academic Advising

First-Year Advising

First-year students work with Academic Counseling and Support Programs. Academic counselors help students select and register for classes that are related to your interests and are appropriate for your degree plan. 

Upperclassman Advising

Upperclassmen are assigned to an advisor within the School of Arts and Humanities. Find your advisor by accessing Degree Works. See below for how to best address common advising questions.

Questions About Your Major or Degree Plan

Contact your assigned faculty advisor. 

Progress on Your Degree and Up-to-Date Degree Audits

Access Degree Works through myHilltop.

Completing a Course Off Campus

Complete the Request To Take Courses Off Campus (RTTCOC) Form and submit electronically for review. To determine courses that are acceptable to take off-campus, see the ACC equivalency guide. Learn more about CLEP Examination.

Contact the Dean's Office at 512-448-8620 for help with:

  • Registration
  • Course schedules
  • Help with registration in myHilltop
  • Honors equivalencies
  • Registration schedule

Our Alumni Successes

Here are examples of what our Arts and Humanities’ students have accomplished after graduating from St. Edward’s: 

Our Mission

Mission Statement

The School of Arts and Humanities cultivates inquiry, critical thinking, and artistic expression through the teaching, learning, scholarship, creative work, initiatives, and organizations of our students and faculty. We foster freedom and responsibility while encouraging the expansion of knowledge, the exploration of values, and the discovery of one's self as an active citizen in the world. 

Vision Statement

To fulfill this mission, we work to:

  • Prepare students for a rapidly changing world with a wide array of experiences—dynamic courses, research opportunities, internships, service learning, study abroad, and leadership development—so that they may become engaged citizens, creators, and innovators; find rewarding jobs; and appreciate the joys of lifelong learning. 
  • Create a community of diverse top-tier faculty who excel at teaching, scholarship, service, and mentorship;  
  • Provide state-of-the-art resources for students, faculty, and staff; 
  • Engage with the university and local communities through expertise, outreach, and the arts.