Department of Communication & Performing Arts
Creative Expression through Media, the arts
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About the Department
Get on the stage, on the screen, or behind the scenes
The Department of Communication & Performing Arts cultivates creative, thoughtful, and ethical communicators, artists, and performers for a world shaped by media, storytelling, movement, and performance. At the University of St. Thomas, our faculty, artists, creatives, and performers themselves, equip students to engage with and help create the culture around them through artistic expression and strategic and effective communication.
Academic Programs
Communication &
Performing Arts Degrees
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (66 credits)
Train to step on to the stage at the University of St. Thomas. Join a professional dance company, choreograph for stage and screen, or teach the arts to the next generation of talent—whatever you choose, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from UST can help you get there.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre (71 credits)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at the University of St. Thomas in Houston provides intensive, professional training for students pursuing careers in musical theatre and the performing arts. Through the lens of both the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition, students gain expertise in musical theatre and performance.
Joint Bachelor of Arts in Drama/Communication (60 credits)
Combine your creativity by gaining a joint Bachelor of Arts in Drama/Communication. For more information, reach out to Admissions.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (33 credits, 18 for minor)
Communication students at the University of St. Thomas blend faith and reason to create clear, original, courageous work—grounded in truth through reflection and technical mastery.
Bachelor of Arts in Dance (42 credits, 21 for minor)
Student pursing the B.A. in Dance will enjoy the same rigor as the BFA with less credit hours for completion.Students benefit from faculty experienced in all levels of dance accompanied with UST’s close connections with professional dance companies in Houston.
Bachelor of Arts in Drama (39 credits, 21 for minor)
The Bachelor of Arts in Drama at the University of St. Thomas prepares students to become versatile theatre artists through intensive, hands-on training in acting, directing, playwriting, design, technical theatre, and production. Through the lens of both the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition, students explore artistic expression through the drama of live theatre production and performance.
Student Experience
Why study communication, dance, or drama at UST?
1. Strong, Hands-on Programs
Dive into real creative work from day one in The Department of Communication & Performing Arts at UST. Through classroom and work with Stoic Theatre productions, student films, digital media projects, live performances, and professional partnerships, you’ll build a competitive portfolio while gaining practical skills in a close-knit environment.
2. Houston Advantage
One of the most diverse, vibrant cities in the U.S., Houston has a thriving arts, theatre, film, and media scene. UST is in the heart of the Museum District —steps away from cultural hubs, internships, and networking. Houston is also where news happens with local television networks within minutes of campus. Students are invited to visit the Arts District and Theatre District with friends to take in the culture and city around them through the arts. Students also often visit and intern at local news stations for first-hand experiences.
3. Catholic, Liberal Arts Foundation
UST students combine thorough artistic training with a broad liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, moral clarity, leadership, and service—strengths that set our graduates apart in both creative fields and beyond.
Studying with Artists and Creatives
Communication & Performing Arts
Faculty and Leadership
Marek Ryszard Dojs
Marek Dojs is the Chair of the Department of Communication & Performing Arts and is an Associate Professor of Communication. He is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and scholar whose work spans documentary film, media production, storytelling, communication and media studies, history, and memory studies. His scholarship is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, particularly its emphasis on truth, human dignity, and the formative power of culture and communication.
Career Opportunities
Become a professional artist, writer, performer
See the many ways you can contribute to society through a career in communication and the performing arts.
Actor
Advertising Copywriter
Artistic Director
Broadcast Producer
Choreographer
Communications Specialist
Content Creator
Dance Educator
Dance Therapist
Digital Media Producer
Director (Stage/Film)
Drama Teacher
Event Coordinator
Filmmaker
Journalist
Marketing Coordinator
Musical Theatre Performer
Production Manager
Professional Dancer
Public Relations Specialist
Singer
Social Media Manager
Stage Manager
Video Producer
Vocal Coach
Voice Over Artist
Writer
More questions?
Communication & Performing Arts FAQs
See frequently asked questions below.
What types of activities can students do in The Department of Communication & Performing Arts
Students have all types of activities at their finger tips through The Department of Communication & Performing Arts. A few include:
- Film screenings
- Workshops
- Theatre outings
- Guest speakers
- Festivals
- Digital storytelling projects
- Student film festival
- Media showcases
What kind of scholarships are offered in communication and performing arts?
Each program has unique scholarship opportunities for majors and non-majors. Find out more at stthom.academicworks.com.
What are some upcoming performances I can attend?
The current Dance Program Performance schedule and the current Stoic Theatre performance schedule will be added soon!
What are the course offerings in The Department of Communication & Performing Arts?
Some of the course offerings in the fall for Dance, Drama and Communication are:
- DANC 1300 – Ballet I
- DANC 1310 – Modern Dance I
- DANC 1320 – Global Dance Forms
- DRAM 1331 – Acting I
- DRAM 1336 – Stagecraft
- COMM 1360 – Media Literacy
- COMM 2360 – Digital Storytelling
What are the honor societies in Communication and Performing Arts?
We have two honor societies. For Communication, students can join Lambda Pi Eta. For Drama, students can join Alpha Psi Omega.
Join Our Community
Engage in a Creative Community
Communication & Performing Arts students enjoy a collaborative, support, creative learning environment. Students and professors challenge one another to explore their creative strengths while engaging in new ways to express a message—whether written, filmed, or performed. We invite you to join in the unique way we articulate a message through a Catholic, liberal arts perspective.