What arts programs does Barnard College offer for undergraduates?

Barnard offers strong undergraduate options in the arts, especially because students can combine Barnard’s own departments with Columbia University resources. For visual and performing arts, the main academic areas include Art History, Dance, Music, Theatre, and the interdisciplinary practice-based major in Visual Arts. Students can take classes, work with faculty, and join productions or exhibitions across both Barnard and Columbia.

For studio and visual work, Barnard has a Visual Arts major that emphasizes artmaking and interdisciplinary practice, along with Art History for students more interested in historical and critical study. For performance, Barnard undergrads can study Dance, Music, and Theatre through coursework and production opportunities, and the location in New York City adds a lot of access to museums, galleries, performances, and internships.

Barnard is especially appealing for students who want flexibility rather than a conservatory model. You can pursue the arts seriously while still taking advantage of a liberal arts curriculum, and cross-registration with Columbia expands the number of classes, ensembles, and performance spaces available. There are also student-led groups, campus performances, and collaborative opportunities that let undergrads stay active in the arts outside the classroom.