CAA advances studio-based learning, critical studies, and public art: providing an experience that is unique to our region and vital to the world.

Academic Programs

Schools of Architecture; Art; Film and Photography, and the Department of Music.

Disciplinary- accredited professional Schools offer programs that span traditional areas of study, such as the fine arts to highly technical emerging fields such as music technology. Nationally recognized programs in architecture and film draw significant numbers of out-of-state students. Our programs balance access with excellence and limited space by requiring students to pass through a gate (GPA, Portfolio review, audition) after one year of study.

Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture), BFA/BA Studio Arts, BFA/BA Graphic Design, BA Art Education, BA Art History, BA Motion Picture/Video/Theater (Film), BA Photography, BA Music, Bachelor of Music Education, BA Music Technology.

Graduate Degrees: Masters of Architecture, Masters of Fine Arts in Studio, Masters of Art in Art History, and Masters of Fine Arts in Science and Natural History Filmmaking. (MFA the terminal studio based degree).

  • Over 1200 majors or 7.8% of the total student body
  • 25 core courses in the arts including studio, history, and lecture
  • Excellent instruction with intensive hands-on studio experiences
  • Unique programs that are especially well suited to MSU academically and geographically
  • Critical to the state – providing professional architects, designers, music educators in virtually every community
  • Globally connected and responsible

Teaching and Learning

Coming Soon

Research and Creativity

Much of the research and creative activity in the college is vested in the individual activity of faculty with strong records of publication, presentation, exhibition, competition, performance, and client-based work. In addition two research centers are part of the college:

Creative Research Lab – College level lab coordinates funded, applied research and creative projects that are multidisciplinary, and collaborative. Current projects include the College Access Challenge Grant, a federal U.S. Department of Education program that enables all states to address issues to increase underrepresented students to continue with their education and go to college; and a funded project with ReHau, a polymer-based materials company, to create a demonstration house for the testing and monitoring of their products.

Integrated Design Lab - Affiliated with the School of Architecture, IDL is one of five labs in the Pacific Northwest funded by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. The lab conducts daylight and energy modeling and analysis to assist architects and engineers design high-performance buildings that achieve at least 25 percent energy savings over code.

Outreach / Service

Much outreach is connected with individual faculty research and creative work. In addition there are several notable programs focused on outreach.

Shakespeare in the Parks (SIP)– Known for their professional Shakespearean touring company, SIP has been performing each summer all over Montana, Wyoming and southern Idaho since 1973. Free to the community, donations and grants provide funding. SIP also has education programs serving Montana; Shakespeare in the Schools serving high schools and middle schools; SHAKES! serving elementary schools with minimal costs to the schools.

Community Design Center- Affiliated with architecture the center works with regional non-profit clients to address architectural programming needs. Often working collaboratively with business, government, and tribal partners.

Remote Studio, Community Projects, Design/Build – Architecture programs that provide students the experience of integrated design projects from concept to completion. Examples: On-going relationship with Yellowstone Park to examine the built environment of the Park. Two international projects include a Sherpa climbing school in Nepal and a new project examining slums in Nairobi.

MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking (SNHF)– Students create films for partners- including Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and National Parks.

Terra: The nature of our world – Multiple award winning website created, produced and run by SNHF students. Terra is one of the top ten science education websites in the world.

Music Ensemble Tours – Within the state and internationally. Entertain, recruit and create

Supporting CAA

The college awards more than $80,000 in student scholorships yearly. To talk about ways to give please contact Development DIrector Allison Linville at 406-994-6725.