2018-2019 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog and Student Handbook [Archived Catalog]

Commercial Entertainment, A.A./A.S.


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Major in University Parallel with Emphasis in Commercial Entertainment (A.A., A.S.)

Program and Career Description:

The Commercial Entertainment emphasis is a two-year program for students planning to complete a bachelor's degree in performance, song writing, dance or commercial music. Students pursuing careers in vocal performance, dance, song writing, commercial music production and audio recording should consider this degree. Below are a few examples of career and salary estimates.

Career Beginning Salary Experienced Salary
Singers/Dancers on Cruise Ships $25,800 $34,750
Songwriters/Composers/Music Directors $36,310 $62,850
Dancers/Choreographers $34,750 $44,540

Career Salary information taken from www.jobs4tn.gov and www.bls.gov. Check out these web sites for additional information about education requirements and preferred work styles and abilities for these careers. Salaries are not guaranteed.

Transfer Options

This emphasis is not currently a part of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway which is part of the "The Complete College Act of 2010", and therefore; it may not be fully transferable. Since general education and major requirements vary from one transfer institution to another, it is essential that transfer students decide on a transfer institution as soon as possible and refer to the major requirements in that institution's catalog when planning a program of study. The requirements of the emphasis may be modified upon request to meet the requirements in that major at a specific transfer college or university.

Articulation agreements exist between other private and non-TN public institutions. These agreements are available at www.columbiastate.edu/admissions/transfer-information.

Admission Requirements

Program applicants are selected twice a year for fall and spring semesters. Students interested in applying to the Commercial Entertainment Program should follow the procedures listed below:

  1. All applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to the College and apply for admission as stated in the College catalog.
  2. Complete a Request for Admission to Commercial Entertainment Program form before the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to enroll in the program.
    1. Forms are available in the Commercial Entertainment office at the Williamson Campus of Columbia State Community College. Prospective students may call 615.790.4420 to request that the form be received through the mail.
    2. Health Requirements
      1. Students must be physically able to participate in dance, drama, and singing.
      2. Prior to participating in stagecraft classes, it is recommended that students have a Tetanus booster if it has been more than five years since their last booster.
  3. Commercial Entertainment students must exhibit proficiency in at least one of four areas: dance, drama, singing or music. Upon receipt of the Request for Admission form, the program director will contact the student to set an appointment for an audition. Audition appointments will not be scheduled until a completed Request for Admission form is received. Due to limited enrollment, early applicants will receive first audition appointment options.
    1. Appointments for in-person auditions may be scheduled any time before the official registration day for the beginning of the semester. This audition may be recorded by the program director to be used to confer with faculty in the Commercial Entertainment program.
    2. An applicant may elect to submit a prerecorded audition on CD/DVD. The deadline for submission of prerecorded auditions is August 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester.
  4. The audition should showcase the applicant's skill in at least one of the following areas: dance, drama, and/or singing. The following table shows the requirements of the audition for each skill area.
    Requirements for Audition
    Skill Area Timeframe Performance
    Dance 1 - 1.5 minutes Choreographed routine exhibiting proficiency in jazz, tap, or ballet.
    • Dance attire required for the dance audition.
    • Musical accompaniment on CD required.
    Drama 1 minute each Two contrasting monologues.
    • Do not bring props to the audition.
    Voice 1 - 2 minutes Pop, country, jazz, or musical theatre selection.
    • Musical accompaniment on CD required.
  5. The number of applicants admitted is determined by space available. Criteria for admissions are an acceptable level of proficiency in one or more of the three skill areas as determined by the program director. The program director will notify all students in writing concerning the disposition of their application within thirty days of their audition. 

Program Requirements


Students may be required to take additional Learning Support courses.

Requirements for Graduation Include:


  • earning 25% of total program credits in residence at Columbia State.
  • earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • taking the Exit Exam.

If you have completed TN eCampus courses, run a degree audit from the student tab in myChargerNet to determine how these courses apply to this program.

Commercial Entertainment, A.A./A.S. Sample Academic Plan - Total Credit Hours: 61


Please see the Commercial Entertainment Program Director for advising and scheduling.

First Year - Fall Semester - Total Credit Hours: 16


First Year - Spring Semester - Total Credit Hours: 16


Second Year - Fall Semester - Total Credit Hours: 17


Second Year - Spring Semester - Total Credit Hours: 12


  • Natural Science Requirement Credit(s): 4
  • Humanities/Fine Arts Credit(s): 3
  • Social/Behavioral Science Credit(s): 3
  • Guided Electives Credit(s): 2

Note(s):


Students pursuing the A.A. degree must complete 6 semester hours of the SAME foreign language.

For more information contact:
Cathy Hudnall at
chudnall@columbiastate.edu or 615.790.4420
or
Williamson Campus at 615.790.5926

Columbia State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution,is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educational institution. CoSCC- CEN-02-14-18

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