The University of Kentucky is expanding its College of Fine Arts with two new undergraduate degree programs in film and sonic arts and music industry, designed to prepare students for careers in the state’s growing entertainment sectors. Mark Shanda, dean of the College of Fine Arts, stated that the programs respond to increasing workforce demands across both fields.
“The film and sonic arts degree directly aligns with the states’ ever-expanding film and immersive entertainment industry,” Shanda said. "The commercial and business backing that local creators require is supplied by the Music Industry curriculum, which draws upon the legacy of musical talent found throughout the Bluegrass region. We anticipate significant enrollment growth with both of these options.”
Film program merges departments as Kentucky industry grows
The School of Art and Visual Studies, School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, School of Journalism and Media, and International Film Studies all contribute their faculty, facilities, and coursework to the film and sonic arts program. Kentucky’s film industry has generated more than 27,000 jobs and contributed $795 million to the state’s gross domestic product since 2022. Matthew Brock, a senior lecturer in the School of Art and Visual Studies, noted that the curriculum merges traditional boundaries.
“This degree program blends the best academic education of film and audio production across campus into customizable pathways where hands-on learning is required,” Brock said. “This is not a traditional film degree or a traditional audio production degree.”
Music major provides flexible skills for billion dollar industry
Eli Uttal-Veroff, a lecturer in the program, pointed to broader economic figures, noting that the music industry generated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2025.
“The brilliance of this major is it provides meat-and-potatoes skills for most roles in the music industry and the flexibility for students to become experts in whichever specialty they choose,” Uttal-Veroff said.
Rachel Shane, chair of the Department of Arts Administration, emphasized the structural focus of the degree.
“Students will be able to understand music not only through performance or history, but also through the systems that support the industry, including media, entrepreneurship, event management, audience development and organizational resilience,” Shane said.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Programs
What specific faculties contribute to the film and sonic arts degree?
The interdisciplinary program draws resources from the School of Art and Visual Studies, the School of Music, the Department of Theatre and Dance, the School of Journalism and Media, and International Film Studies.
Do students in the music industry major need prior performance experience?
No, the degree is specifically designed for students interested in the business and operations behind music, regardless of formal performance backgrounds.
What career paths are available for music industry graduates?
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities in areas such as artist management, record labels, music publishing, talent agencies, production, recording studios, distribution, merchandising, public relations, and live music events.
Related reading