Visual and Performing Arts, Other.

Degree Overview

Visual and Performing Arts, Other (CIP 50.9999) is a broad, interdisciplinary creative field focused on the study, creation, performance, and integration of visual and performing arts practices that do not fit neatly into a single artistic discipline. This classification captures experimental, hybrid, and emerging arts programs that blend visual art, music, dance, theatre, media, and performance into flexible, student-driven pathways. It reflects the reality that contemporary art increasingly exists across boundaries rather than within rigid categories.

For a degree search site, Visual and Performing Arts, Other represents creative freedom, adaptability, and holistic artistic development. Modern artists often work across multiple mediums—combining sound, movement, visuals, technology, and storytelling into unified experiences. This degree appeals to students who want a creative education without being locked into one medium, allowing exploration, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What Is a Visual and Performing Arts Degree?

A Visual and Performing Arts, Other degree is an interdisciplinary arts program that allows students to study and practice multiple forms of artistic expression within a single academic pathway. Programs under the “Other” designation typically emphasize integration—encouraging students to combine visual art, music, dance, theatre, media, or performance studies in innovative ways.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Interdisciplinary artistic practice
• Creative exploration across multiple media
• Performance, presentation, and exhibition
• Artistic theory, history, and cultural context
• Collaboration and project-based creation

Colleges, universities, and arts institutions offer this degree to:

• Support students with broad or evolving creative interests
• Encourage experimentation across artistic disciplines
• Prepare artists for modern, hybrid creative careers
• Foster collaboration between visual and performing arts communities

Visual and performing arts programs emphasize flexibility, creativity, and personal artistic direction.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how different art forms communicate ideas, emotions, and cultural meaning—and how those forms can be combined to create richer, more immersive experiences. You’ll study foundational artistic principles such as composition, rhythm, movement, sound, space, and narrative while applying them across multiple mediums.

The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning. Students participate in studios, rehearsals, performances, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. Rather than focusing on mastery of a single technique, programs prioritize creative synthesis—teaching students how to translate ideas between visual, auditory, and physical forms. Critical reflection and critique are central, helping students articulate artistic intent and refine their work.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Interdisciplinary creative thinking—connecting multiple art forms
• Artistic expression and performance—visual, physical, or musical
• Concept development and storytelling—ideas across media
• Collaboration and ensemble work—group-based creation
• Creative experimentation and risk-taking—innovation in practice
• Critical analysis and artistic reflection—refining intent
• Presentation and exhibition skills—public-facing work
• Portfolio or body-of-work development—professional readiness

These skills prepare graduates for creative environments that value adaptability and originality.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:

• Foundations of Visual and Performing Arts: shared artistic principles
• Interdisciplinary Studio or Performance: mixed-media creation
• Visual Art, Music, Dance, or Theatre Studies: cross-training
• Performance and Presentation Practices: live and exhibited work
• Art History, Theory, and Criticism: cultural and intellectual context
• Media, Technology, and Contemporary Art: modern platforms
• Collaborative Arts Projects: ensemble-based creation
• Professional Practices for Artists: careers and sustainability
• Capstone Project or Final Exhibition/Performance: integrated work

Programs often allow students to design individualized concentrations based on their interests.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Visual and Performing Arts, Other degree prepares students for flexible, creative careers that may span multiple roles and industries. Employment paths are often portfolio-driven and interdisciplinary.

Common career paths include:

• Interdisciplinary Artist or Performer: mixed-media work
• Creative or Arts Project Coordinator: collaborative production
• Community or Cultural Arts Practitioner: outreach and engagement
• Arts Educator or Teaching Assistant: schools and programs
• Creative Content or Media Specialist: visual and performance-based media
• Gallery, Theatre, or Arts Organization Assistant: operations support
• Graduate Study Preparation: MFA or interdisciplinary arts programs

Many graduates build careers by combining creative practice with education, administration, or applied creative roles.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in environments that support creative, cultural, and interdisciplinary work:

• Arts organizations, theaters, and cultural institutions
• Museums, galleries, and performance spaces
• Educational and community arts programs
• Media, design, and creative agencies
• Nonprofits and cultural advocacy organizations
• Festivals, events, and interdisciplinary productions
• Independent, freelance, or collaborative studios

Visual and performing arts professionals often move fluidly between sectors.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary widely depending on specialization, location, and employment structure.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level arts or creative support roles: often $35,000–$50,000
• Experienced artists, educators, or coordinators: commonly $50,000–$75,000
• Senior creatives, program managers, or successful independent artists: can reach $80,000–$110,000+

Income is often supplemented through teaching, grants, commissions, and project-based work.

Is This Degree Hard?

Visual and Performing Arts, Other is considered creatively demanding and self-directed. While it is not exam-heavy, students must manage ambiguity, take initiative, and commit sustained effort to creative development. Success depends on curiosity, discipline, and openness to critique.

The challenge lies in shaping a coherent artistic identity across multiple disciplines.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Have interests across multiple art forms
• Enjoy creative exploration and experimentation
• Prefer flexible, interdisciplinary learning
• Want freedom to shape your own artistic path
• Are interested in modern, hybrid creative careers

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a visual and performing arts program:

• Take art, music, theatre, dance, and humanities courses
• Participate in performances, exhibitions, or creative clubs
• Practice creative experimentation across different media
• Visit museums, performances, and cultural events
• Begin building a portfolio of visual and/or performance work

Visual and Performing Arts, Other (CIP 50.9999) is an expansive and future-ready degree for students who want to explore creativity without boundaries. It offers artistic freedom, interdisciplinary relevance, and adaptable career pathways across culture, education, media, and the creative economy. For those who see art as a connected ecosystem of sound, movement, image, and performance, this degree provides a powerful foundation for lifelong creative expression and professional growth.