BA Program
Studio Art Majors
Studio Art offers two program options: a 36 credit major and a 60 credit major. There are five Studio Art areas of concentration: digital media, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. An art minor is also available.
The underlying philosophy of the undergraduate program begins with the premise that art is central to a liberal arts course of study. In common with students in all the liberal arts, art majors are exposed to sound arguments, have an opportunity to criticize, and present ideas visually and verbally. 36 credit majors develop a solid comprehension of visual principles and acquire basic foundation skills. 60 credit majors choose an area of emphasis and work toward developing an individual creative voice.
Requirements for Studio Art Majors
36 credits
- 18 credits in core courses, including four studio courses and two introductory art history surveys
- 6 credits in Lower Division Electives (200-level)
- 12 credits in Upper Division Electives (300-level and above)
60 credits
- 27 credits in core requirements comprised of nine studio courses
- 12 credits in art history
- 6 credits in studio electives
- 15 credits in studio art concentration
Admission to 60 credit major
The 60-credit art major is aimed at encouraging students who demonstrate both an unusual degree of accomplishment and potential. In the second semester of their sophomore year, or thereafter, students should submit from 12 to 20 works of art, in a portfolio or sheet of slides, to the Art Department for review.
Portfolio requirements
The portfolio should reflect a student's intended area of focus: painting and drawing, sculpture, printmaking or photography. The portfolio review is intended to give students an opportunity to demonstrate a maturing level of visual culture and the emergence of an artistic voice. Ultimately, an exemplary portfolio will display a high level of visual literacy and technical ability at the service of individual expression. This orientation will lead a student to further study at art school or at graduate school. Portfolios should be submitted to the art department secretary during the seventh week of the semester.
If a student is accepted as a 60-credit art major, the student should seek advisement from the undergraduate adviser and the faculty member they work with most to determine a set of personal goals within their remaining course of study.
