Studio Art B.A.
Our department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with courses in the areas of painting, sculpture, digital media, printmaking, art theory, and graphic design.
Students enter the program with an intensive foundations program that focuses on the fundamentals of composition in both two- and three-dimensional applications. Upon completing the foundations courses, students are encouraged to experiment and expose themselves to all of the various media offered by the department. Students are expected to develop a strong artistic voice based upon an understanding of contemporary art-critical practices as well as an in-depth understanding of the technical skills needed to create compelling contemporary art.
Additionally, students in the program have numerous opportunities to extend their involvement in the major and in the arts, such as through internship programs and opportunities to work in the Herman Maril Gallery, the department's student-run gallery. Students also have the opportunity to organize and curate exhibitions featuring the work of other students in the department.
The Department of Art offers three tracks to a Bachelor of Arts Degree:
All majors enter the department in Track 1, the open B.A., and take a required group of six foundation courses. After completion of the foundation courses, students may continue in Track 1 without portfolio review, or may choose to submit a portfolio of work completed in Track 1 courses for admission into Track 2 or Track 3. Portfolio reviews for both specializations takes place during the spring semester, usually in March.
Major Tracks
Track 1: B.A. in studio art.
This is an open program with no portfolio admission requirement. This track provides ample space for outside electives, encourages interdisciplinary interaction and provides double major or double degree possibilities. The Art Education Curriculum works with Track 1. Credit requirements: 36 credits in studio art and 12 credits in supporting courses in art history and/or art theory, for a total of 48 credits.
Track 2: B.A. in studio art with advanced specialization.
This track is restricted to students admitted by competitive portfolio review and is aimed at students who envision graduate study or professional careers in art. Students accepted into this track will complete, in addition to the requirements for Track 1, a 12 credit advanced specialization in specific media areas, including ARTT 481: “Advanced Specialization Seminar.” Areas of specialization include: digital media, painting, printmaking, sculpture and intermedia. Credit requirements: 48 credits listed in Track 1 plus 12 credits in advanced specializations, for a total of 60 credits.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants will use the Scholarship Universe portal. The link will be activated on the first day of classes following Spring Break and will remain available until 4:00 p.m. on April 15th.
You will be prompted to upload your materials and information as you work your way through the online application.
Application Materials
For application materials, view this PDF.
Track 3: B.A. in studio art with a concentration in graphic design.
This track is restricted to students admitted into the graphic design concentration through a competitive portfolio review. This program provides a pre-professional orientation emphasizing interactive design, graphic design theory and interdisciplinary research. Students accepted into the graphic design program must complete a specific sequence of courses at both the 300 and 400 level. Graphic design courses are only available to students who have been admitted to the graphic design concentration. Credit requirements: 21 credits in foundation and studio art electives and 12 credits in supporting courses in art history and/or theory (ARTT 361: “Design Literacy: Decoding Our Visual Culture,” a graphic design concentration requirement, satisfies 3 credits of the supporting area for graphic design students) for a total of 60 credits.
Students interested in Track 3 must have completed or be enrolled in the required foundation courses to apply to the specialization. The strict course requirements in graphic design make early application to Track 3 optimal. Students may re-apply one time.
Our Honors Program
The Department of Art Honors Program is offered to a select number of upper-level undergraduate studio art majors. This competitive program allows students to work in private studios, partake in the honors seminar and participate in the honors thesis exhibition during their senior year.
Check out the Honors Program page for more information on the Department of Art honors program, including application form.
Awards and Fellowships
Numerous awards and fellowships are available for students in the major as well. These awards include the Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship, which awards full in-state tuition for one academic year, and the John Dorsey Prize for Outstanding Curatorial Practice, which awards the winner with a budget to be used for the curation, promotion and exhibition of a dedicated show in the Herman Maril Gallery.
Check out the Scholarships and Awards page for a full list of all awards and fellowships offered to undergraduate art majors.
Visiting Artists and Scholars
The Department of Art boasts a strong Visiting Artist Lecture series as well. Recent visiting artists have included Laurie Anderson, Sanford Biggers, Chakaia Booker, Oliver Herring and Ellen Lupton.