Let's Create!
The Art Department has three undergraduate degree programs - a Bachelor of Science in art, a dual major in graphic design and marketing communications and the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Major options include art education, art history, graphic design and studio arts. All students will take classes in drawing and the fundamentals of two-dimensional and three-dimensional principles of art, while also pursuing their desired specialization. Explore below to learn more about our degree plans.
Need to Know Info
GPA requirement for all art degree seeking students:
- 3.0 GPA in art courses
Graphic Design and Photography:
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree requirements:
- Students must choose a major: art history, ceramics, glass, graphic design, painting, photography or printmaking
- Mid-program review
- Final review
- Senior thesis
Bachelor of Science in Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Majors
Ceramics Major
- Our ceramics studio area provides you will opportunities to become part of one of the best undergraduate programs in the United States!
- Our well-equipped studio has space to study high fire gas reduction, soda, wood firing, low fire electric and primitive processes.
- Vessels and sculptural concepts are options you'll be exposed to in both intro and studio classes.
- We strive to integrate process, materials and meaning in the studio experience and have several levels of study in the ceramic arts.
- Our approach to making pottery includes traditional techniques and concepts covering the use of the wheel and constructing forms by altering thrown pieces and by using slabs, pinching, extrusion, and patterns.
- Conceptual perspectives associated with ceramics as well as idea, symbol, metaphor and meaning of process are introduced in your first classes and carried through to more advanced studies.
- Advanced students are encouraged to explore their own directions and to experiment with the possibilities of clay, glazes and various techniques and ideas that are presented in the classroom.
- We promote the development of an active dialogue between students and faculty and work to both build a foundation and expand on your working knowledge of contemporary and historical ceramics relative to the context of our modern lives.
- You'll engage in professional artist practices and develop a positive appreciation of the visual arts.
Glass Major
- Our glass area offers you a comprehensive experience in the medium, combined with creative development.
- You'll be able to work with glass in a 2D manner by learning stained glass and sandblasting techniques and with 3D approaches such as glass blowing, casting or slumping. You'll also be encouraged to combine these methods with other media to enhance your artistic perspective.
- Appropriate techniques are fused with aesthetic and conceptual concerns so you'll be able to develop your creative voice.
Graphic Design Major
- Graphic design is a type of visual communication used to impart information and messages to an audience.
- Graphic design presents opportunities for ethical thought processes, cultural investigation and visual expression and the profession permits designers to investigate and solve a variety of communication problems for a diverse clientele and audiences.
- As a student, you'll investigate these methods of communication, working toward an understanding of the strength well-utilized imagery possesses.
Painting Major
- Our painting studio is a community space for students working with paint-related media. The studio offers both natural and artificial lighting and provides ample work space for students at all levels and is outfitted with teaching technology needed to facilitate presentations and discussions.
- As a student, you'll be guided through a targeted and structured program of study and may work solo or in groups, participating in presentations and critiques.
- Advanced exploration of your own chosen themes and painting approaches is encouraged in advanced studio courses. Painting courses cover an array of painting media and approaches, stress the importance of a solid foundation and encourage individual expression and creative pursuits.
Photography Major
- Our photography area provides opportunities to work with analog (conventional and alternative processes) and digital materials.
- Traditional black and white film and wet lab processes in a darkroom setting provide a core foundation for all photography students.
- You'll also have access to a Macintosh lab, scanning and printing facilities for digital work. Craftsmanship and creativity are fostered!
Printmaking Major
- Printmaking emphasizes traditional processes, as well as techniques that are non-toxic when possible.
- As a student, you'll be encouraged to develop individual directions while learning technical skills in the mediums of intaglio, relief, lithography, monotype and alternative methods. Computer imaging related to personal ideas and medium development is also used in printmaking.
- Our three studios are equipped with three presses: American French Tool Etching Press, Conrad Combination Press, Takach Lithography Press and a Nuarc Vacuum Exposure Unit, as well as professional hand rollers and plate support.
