LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
At the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, we believe your education should extend far beyond the studio, classroom, or rehearsal hall. Our students gain real-world experience through internships, mentorships, immersive courses, and global opportunities—equipping them to thrive as artists and professionals.
Internships
Build Experience While Earning Credit
Apply your skills in professional settings, build industry connections, and explore career paths. Opportunities span Houston’s creative ecosystem and beyond, and are open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlights:
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Programs like Arts Leadership and Art History include internships/practicums within the curriculum.
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Students, employers, and faculty align on outcomes through formal learning agreements.
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Placements are tailored to degree progress and career goals.
∼ Briana Vargas Cortez, Class of 2025
Real-World Artist Mentorship Program (RAMP)
Mentorship That Moves You Forward
RAMP pairs undergraduates with McGovern alumni working across the arts. Through one-on-one mentorship, weekly career seminars, and a capstone creative project, students gain tools and confidence for life after graduation.
Highlights:
- One-on-one mentorship with alumni professionals
- Weekly seminars on career planning, résumés, and budgeting
- Public artist talks and roundtables
- $2,000 scholarship support
- Earn academic credit toward your degree
“RAMP helped me bridge the gap between school and a career in the arts.” ∼ Nicole Fischer, BFA Painting
Cougar Pride is world-wide
Embark on a transformative journey studying abroad as a College of the Arts student at the University of Houston, where Cougar Pride knows no bounds as you carry the spirit worldwide.
Unleash your creative potential by exploring the arts in diverse corners of the globe, transcending cultural boundaries and gaining a global perspective on your craft. Embrace the opportunity to learn from renowned artists, absorb inspiration from different artistic traditions, and contribute to a dynamic exchange of creativity.
As KGMCA brings you to international landscapes, you'll not only hone your artistic skills but also cultivate a profound understanding of the universal language of the arts. The University of Houston becomes your launchpad for a truly enriching and globally resonant artistic education.
Experiential Education
Learn While You Travel
Study tours offer immersive learning in cultural and artistic hotspots—locally and internationally. Led by faculty, these experiences expand students' artistic vision and global perspective.
Recent tours include:
- Cultural immersion in Mexico City (College-Wide Spring Break Study Abroad Trip)
- NYC theatre and arts tour
- Graduate summer programs abroad
- Field immersion through the Marfa Art Collective
Courses That Go Beyond the Syllabus
Hands-on courses at KGMCA bring students into Houston’s arts ecosystem through community partnerships and real-world practice.
Examples include:
- Intro to Art Conservation at the Orange Show
- Community-Based Art in Houston’s Third Ward
- Photo History and Object-Based Learning classes at MFAH
- 3rd-Year Residency at the Alley Theatre
Career Support for Artists
Through our dedicated liaison in UH Career Services, McGovern College students have access to tailored career support, including:
- Career workshops and exploration
- Resume and cover letter support
- Interview prep and graduate school guidance
- Internship and job search resources
Customize Your Creative Path
Independent studies allow students to work closely with faculty on topics not available through standard coursework. These individualized projects often lead to new creative breakthroughs or research pursuits.