Visual Arts (B.A.)
Hours - 45-51 Credit Hours
Effective Sep. 2020
Last Revised 8/14/2020
Program Requirements
Graphic Design Concentration (51 Credits)
Required Visual Arts Core — 6 Credits
Required Art History and Theory Core — 12 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 201 | Global Art History I | F, W, S | 3.0 | ENGL 101 |
| ART 202 | Global Art History II | F, W | 3.0 | ENGL 101 |
| ART 316 | Graphic Design History | S | 3.0 | ART 201 or 202; Graphic Design major concentration admission required |
| ART 442 or | Readings in Aesthetics or | F, W | 3.0 | ART 201 & 202 for Painting Majors or 316 for Graphic Design Majors; and senior standing |
| HUM 442 | Philosophy of Art | F, W | 3.0 | HUM 151 and 251; or FILM 102 and 300 |
All students Must Pass the Portfolio Review before advancing to the Visual Arts Graphic Design Concentration: Projects from Art 119 and 156 must be uploaded to Behance and submitted electronically on the program website. After completing the prerequisite courses students may apply by April 30th. Accepted students may begin Graphic Design coursework the semester indicated in the admittance letter.
Graphic Design Concentration — 33 Credits
Required — 27 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 210 | Digital Design | F, W, S | 3.0 | ART 119, 156 |
| ART 212 | Digital Photography | F, W, S | 3.0 | Graphic Design Majors: ART 119, 156 Painting Majors: ART 119, 265 |
| ART 270 | Typography | F, W | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, Portfolio Review |
| ART 280 | Branding | F | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, Portfolio Review |
| IT 240 | Fundamentals of Web Design and Technology | F, W, S | 3.0 | |
| ART 370 | Web for Designers | W | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, 270, 280, IT 240 |
| ART 380 | Publication Design | F, W | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, 270, 280 |
| ART 444 | Motion Graphics | F, W | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, 270, 280, 370, 380 |
| ART 445 | Packaging Design | F, W | 3.0 | ART 119, 156, 210, 212, 270, 280, 370, 380 |
Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 399R | Internship in Visual Art | F, W, S | 3.0 | Non-BFA Candidates |
| ENTR 383 | Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | F, W, S | 3.0 | Pre- or corequisite: ENTR 180 |
| ART | 221R, 225, 265, 306, 312, 325, 335, 345, 365, 375, 390R, 425, 447, 465, 495R | TBA | 3.0 | Diverse Prerequisites. Permission of Instructor |
| FILM | 102, 218, 300, 318, 365R | TBA | 3.0 | Diverse Prerequisites. Permission of Instructor |
Painting Concentration (45 Credits)
Required Visual Arts Core — 6 Credits
Required Art History and Theory Core — 12 Credits
Concentration
All students Must Pass the Portfolio Review before advancing to the Visual Arts Painting Concentration: Projects from Art 119 and 265 must be uploaded to Behance and submitted electronically on the program’s website. After completing the prerequisite courses students may apply by April 30th. Accepted students may begin Painting coursework the semester located in the admittance letter.
Painting Concentration — 27 Credits
Required — 21 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 210 | Digital Design | F, W, S | 3.0 | ART 119, 156 |
| ART 212 | Digital Photography | F, W, S | 3.0 | Graphic Design Majors: ART 119, 156 Painting Majors: ART 119, 265 |
| ART 221R | Figure Drawing | F, W | 3.0 | ART 119 |
| ART 225 | Painting Concepts | F, S | 3.0 | ART 119 |
| ART 325 | Figure Painting | W | 3.0 | ART 119, 221R, 225, 265, Portfolio Review |
| ART 335 or ART 345 |
Watercolor or Digital Painting |
S - odd years S - even years |
3.0 | ART 119, 210, 221R, 225, 265, Portfolio Review |
| ART 425 | Advanced Painting | F | 3.0 | ART 119, 210, 221R, 225 |
Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 470 | Artist Portfolio Production | W | 3.0 | Permission of instructor. Non-BFA candidates |
| ENTR 383 | Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | F, W, S | 3.0 | Pre- or corequisite: ENTR 180 |
| ART | 156, 265, 270, 280, 312, 335, 365, 375, 390R, 399R, 444, 447, 465, 495R | TBA | 3.0 | Diverse Prerequisites. Permission of Instructor |
| FILM | 102, 218, 300, 318, 365R | TBA | 3.0 | Diverse Prerequisites. Permission of Instructor |
Program Outcomes
Upon completing a major in Art, students will:
- Demonstrate studio proficiency in hand crafted visual art production techniques.
- Demonstrate studio proficiency in digital imaging and computer software production techniques.
- Demonstrate methods of critical thinking through critique, compositional analysis, and interpretation of the elements and principles of design.
- Demonstrate informed understanding and appreciation of the history of art, theories of art, and the role of art in education through written and oral communication.
- Demonstrate proficiency in professional practices of visual arts documentation and presentation through portfolio production and exhibition.
- Demonstrate leadership and self-directed learning through independent study, student research and internship.
Program Descriptions
The visual arts curriculum serves five main purposes: (1) to prepare competent professionals in various fields of visual arts; (2) to qualify artists and designers to solve conceptual and technical problems inherent in visual arts; (3) to train art students to critically assess and discuss works of art; (4) to prepare art educators for teaching the visual arts at the secondary level; and (5) to generally develop individuals’ aesthetic sense by helping them experience art.
Career Opportunities
The Art major prepares students for many visual art and humanity-related careers and provides a solid foundation for art and design graduate programs. Studio art majors can specialize in one of two media tracks (graphic design, or painting). Students in the graphic design track are trained as graphic designers in digital and print media for branding, publication, and web design, including additional skills in illustration, photography, and video. Students in the painting track are trained to work as self-employed freelance artists, with the skills necessary.