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Certificate in Performing and Creative Arts

Purpose

The Performing and Creative Arts Certificate at Wilmington University provides students with a foundation in performance, film, and creative expression across multiple media. Designed for aspiring artists, educators, and creative professionals, this 18-credit certificate emphasizes both artistic development and technical proficiency.  Students can explore the creative process through theater, acting, film, and digital media production while gaining practical experience in collaboration, storytelling, and communication. Flexible elective pathways allow students to specialize in areas such as fine arts, digital media, film and directing, lighting and production, screenwriting, or editing.  This offers a customizable experience aligned with individual goals and creative interests.

This program is ideal for students seeking to enhance their artistic portfolio, add understanding in the performing and media arts industries, or add creative expertise to another field of study. The certificate can be completed independently or as part of a degree program.

Program Competencies

  1. Explore the foundations of performance and production through an understanding of theater, film, and creative expression.
  2. Demonstrate performance skills including voice, movement, characterization, and emotional authenticity.
  3. Apply visual storytelling and technical production techniques.
  4. Collaborate creatively and professionally within performance and production settings, demonstrating respect for diverse perspectives, roles, and artistic approaches.
  5. Integrate artistic concepts, technical skills, and/or creative problem-solving to produce expressive, original works in visual and performing arts contexts.
 

Degree Requirements (18 Credits)

Creative Performing Arts Core

DRA 105 Introduction to the Theater

DRA 110 Acting

VFP 100 Camera and Cinematography

Student chooses one of the following pathways:

Fine Arts Pathway

Choose three (3) classes from the following:

Art Elective

Music Elective

COM 431 Media and Society

DSN 110 Fundamentals of Drawing

DSN 210 Basic Photoshop

HIS 230 History of Art and Design

TEC 215 Basic Photography

Media and Editing Pathway

ANI 201 Fundamentals of Motion Graphics

VFP 203 Intro to Non-Linear Editing

VFP 423 Advanced Non-Linear Editing

Film and Directing Pathway

DFM 200 Introduction to Digital Film-Making

DFM 300 Directing Digital Films

DFM 350 Digital Film-Making II

Production and Lighting Pathway

VFP 301 Lighting for Production I

VFP 302 Lighting for Production II

VFP 400 On Location Production Techniques

Screenwriting Pathway

ENG 360 Creative Writing

COM 245 Writing for the Media

VFP 307 Streaming Media

Prior-Learning Pathway

ART 440 Portfolio for the Arts 1

ART 441 Portfolio for the Arts 2

ART 442 Portfolio for the Arts 3

This information applies to new students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. All enrolled students should log in to MyWilmU Degree Works to view their personalized course and program completion requirements. You may also refer to the academic catalog for the general curriculum for this program from previous academic years.