Bachelor of Arts in Creativity

• A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
• Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
• Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
• Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
• Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
• A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Economics majors must complete 61 credits in the major.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

• SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
• COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
• THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
• PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)

Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

• Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
  • Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Math: Must earn a "C" or higher (Other than MAT 100, MAT 208, or MAT 209; MAT 110 is recommended.)
• Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
  • History or Political Science
  • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3 (Met in Major)
• Culture & Language (9 credits)
  • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101) (Met in Related Area)
  • World Language – 2 courses in sequence
• Creative Expressions (6 credits)
  • Literature (ENG)
  • Art, Music, or Theatre

Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

• Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level) (3 credits)
• Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level) (3 credits)

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines.

Majors must complete one of the following specializations:
Alvernia Art/GoggleWorks specialization: (36 credits)
Alvernia Visual Arts courses (18 ART credits) and GoggleWorks courses (18 ART
credits) - of those 36 credits, 18 credits must be at the 300-400 level.
• Students will have a capstone experience appropriate to their interests
and will include successful portfolio review.
• O’Pake Arts Scholars will be enrolled in this concentration.
Game Arts specialization: (30 credits)
ART 103 Color and Design
ART 230 Digital Painting
COM 260 Digital Storytelling
COM 352 Video Production-Shoot, Edit, Share
LIT 213 Studies in Drama
MUS 135 Building Music I
MUS 230 Music Technology I
THR 350 Directing for the Stage
THR 352 Movement for Motion Capture
THR 360 Advanced Acting/Directing
ART courses at the 300-400 level (6 credits)
Digital Music and Sound specialization: (28 credits)
EE 200 Circuits I
MUS 051 Private Instruction (repeat for 4 credits)
MUS 135 Music Building I
MUS 230 Music Technology I
MUS 235 Building Music II
MUS 330 Music Technology II
STEAM courses (MUS or EGR) at the 300-400 level (9 credits). As a graduation
requirement, students must meet a minimal proficiency in piano/keyboard skills
as approved by the director of program. Department may recommend MUS 051 or
MUS 131 to meet proficiency.

Cooperative Education
As a Creativity student you can take advantage of cooperative work or
internship opportunities. Cooperative work and internships allow students
opportunities to apply their learning to Real World applications.
Study Abroad
As a Creativity student, you can take advantage of Alvernia’s many study
abroad options. To prepare for success in today’s global environment, you
can see another culture first-hand.
Industry
Connect with area industry through the award-winning O’Pake Center.
Alvernia’s O’Pake Center provides multiple opportunities for students to
partner with area industries and technology professionals.

• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Creativity, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for special effects
and animators, and sound, broadcast, and video technicians are projected
to grow 2 to 8 percent from 2022 to 2032. The median annual wage range is
$53,960 to $98,950 in May 2022. After earning a degree in creativity, you can
pursue a variety of careers, including:
• Art Directors
• Multimedia Artists
• Fashion Designers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Photographers
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
• Audio and Video Technicians
• Broadcast Technicians
• Sound Engineering Technicians
• Lighting Technicians