Art Major (ART)

The Art major is designed to provide students with foundational skills in traditional and experimental media, a broad understanding of the history of art, and advanced study in their studio practice or art historical research. The major provides an introduction to a variety of media, processes, and topics that may be catered to suit particular student interest and career goals. The flexibility of the art major affords students the opportunity to pursue other academic interests, including a departmental major in another academic area. Art majors will produce and present a capstone project that is studio- or research- based. Students with an emphasis in Studio Art will finish their program of study with a body of work that is documented through a portfolio of works and supporting documentation. Students with an emphasis in Art History will prepare and present a research paper that incorporates art historical or curatorial methodologies and utilizes primary research.

Students majoring in Art find career opportunities in a wide variety of professional fields, including advertising and design studios; web design and development; teaching in public or private schools; management of cultural programs in city, state, or federal government agencies; museums, galleries and other cultural institutions; In addition, graduates start small businesses and begin independent professional practices. Our undergraduate major prepares students for graduate study in fine arts, curatorial, and art history programs.

Students completing a degree in Art within the Art Studio Track will:

• demonstrate knowledge of 2-D design, 3-D design, digital media and art history;
• apply studio skills to visual communication
• defend conceptual work through presenting, writing and speaking effectively
• create a portfolio that both encapsulates the student’s work and prepares her/him for future career opportunities

Students completing a degree in Art within the Art History Track will:

• demonstrate knowledge of 2-D design, 3-D design, digital media and art history;
• apply research skills to art historical facts, themes and issues
• defend conceptual work through presenting, writing and speaking effectively
• create a portfolio that both encapsulates the student’s work and prepares her/him for future career opportunities

For more information about the Art major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.

DEGREE TYPE: BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)

PROGRAM CONTACT: Professor Daniel Graham

Students majoring in Art must choose one track.