Explore the Arts

4-week Art, Music, Film & Performance
Residential Commuter Option

First Summer 2026

A Summer College Program

Courses will be determined by emphasis choice.

Explore the Arts – Create, Perform, Inspire!

Choose your passion—Art, Film, Music, or Theatre—and dive into hands-on classes, mentorship, and performances. Earn college credit while bringing your creativity to life!

*For International Students, get started here.

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Dates
May 25-June 23, 2026

Courses determined by emphasis choice
6 hours of transferrable college credit

Apply By
April 1, 2026

Choose Your Emphasis

Art

Immerse yourself into Studio Art as you draw and explore dimensional artwork.

 

Theatre

Immerse yourself into Musical Theatre through dance, acting, and singing classes.

Music

Take string, woodwind, brass, percussion or piano weekly lessons with UM faculty, play in large and small ensembles, and learn about music history and literature.

  • 100-level Studio Lessons (1-credit hour)
  • Large Ensemble (1-credit hour)
  • Chamber Ensemble (1-credit hour)
  • MUS 103: Introduction to Music (3-credit hours)

Film

Watch and learn about everything that goes into making a movie.

  • Thea 202: Introduction to Cinema (3-credit hours)
  • Thea 262: Fundamentals of Film Production (3-credit hours)
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From the Program

Program Details

Explore the Arts

is an enriching experience of classes, activities, and faculty mentorship for students with a passion for art, music, theatre arts and film production. This program welcomes aspiring artists who are ready to hone their artistic talent and learn about careers in the arts.

Application Process

Students must provide the following materials when completing the application:

  • Endorsement/ Recommendation letter (must be from public school teacher, private teacher, community member, or professional)
  • Sample of work (e.g., monologue, musical selection, photos taken, picture of artwork)
  • Self-recorded and works in progress are acceptable
  • Statement: 100-words describing your submitted work and/or aspirations as an artist

Before the Program

Students will start receiving detailed information upon acceptence to the program. Students must attend two online orientation sessions, and will receive detailed information about move-in via email prior to the move-in date.

During The Program

Students in Summer College take two college-level courses taught by University of Mississippi faculty, earning 6–7 transferable credit hours and building a college GPA. Courses follow university grading policies and appear on a permanent transcript. Outside the classroom, students participate in a residential co-curriculum that fosters independence, social skills, and community engagement through activities and service opportunities.

Highlights:

  • Experience college academics and earn transferable credits
  • Develop life skills while living independently and making lasting friendships

End of the Program

Students are required to move out at designated times based on their final exam schedule. More details will be given during one of the online orientation sessions.

Cost of Program

$3,500

What’s Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meal plan
  • Programming

What’s Not Included

  • Shuttle/van transportation to and from Memphis International Airport (unless requested)
  • Airfare to and from The University of Mississippi
  • Weekend meals
  • Personal spending money

Ready for your Summer College experience?

APPLY NOW

Pre-College Programs

Office of Pre-College Programs
P.O. Box 1848
The University of Mississippi
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-7621
Fax: (662) 915-1535

About Pre-College Programs

As the Office of Pre-College Programs at Mississippi's first comprehensive, public university, we offer transformative opportunities for learning and development to children and youth across the state, the nation, and the world. The Office of Pre-College Programs changes lives and communities by providing opportunities for the children of Mississippi and beyond to cultivate growth through learning, discovery, and human connection.

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