College of the Arts

The College of the Arts (COTA) at California State University, Long Beach is a community. More than 3,000 majors and minors study within the College of the Arts, working with faculty, staff, and guest artists in the School of Art, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, and the departments of Dance, Design, Film and Electronic Arts, and Theatre Arts. Additionally, the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center and the Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum are valuable resources for the campus and Greater Long Beach region and are proudly part of the College of the Arts.

Academically, COTA has more than 100 full-time and 150 part-time faculty members allowing the College to offer nationally-recognized, accredited degree programs including:

• Bachelor of Art Degrees in Art, Dance, Design, Film and Electronic Arts, Music, and Theatre Arts
• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees in Art, Dance, Interior Design, and Theatre Arts
• Bachelor of Science Degrees in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Music Degrees
• Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Art, Dance, and Theatre Arts
• Master of Arts Degrees in Art, Dance, and Design
• Master of Music Degrees
• MFA/MBA in Theatre Management
• Post-Baccalaureate Art Certificates in Museum Studies and Biomedical Illustration

Learning opportunities within the college reflect its commitment to the arts in all its forms. For students seeking a degree in the arts, COTA provides an environment designed for individual achievement in the context of a diverse, engaged community. Curriculum and classroom experiences are strategically crafted to honor and acknowledge tradition, history, and the evolution of art forms while also encouraging unique, singular voices, disruption of norms, and innovative creativity. At the core of our mission is an appreciation of all cultures and art forms, and acknowledgement of their lasting value to the quality of life.

The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum and the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center are vital and  important campus and community partners - allowing students as well as the larger campus and Greater Long Beach communities access to world class arts experiences. The college as a whole is a regional resource for arts and cultural events, showcases, guest lectures, and accessible, innovative artistic expression.