Students who are accepted into the Department of Art are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Visual Arts degree program. This degree allows great flexibility in the studio arts because the student may choose to concentrate their studies in one particular studio or pursue an interdisciplinary path. The BS degree, which requires an academic minor, provides an abundant breadth of knowledge while allowing the student to develop skills in multiple mediums. The balance of art classes to liberal art classes provides a well-rounded undergraduate education.
The Department of Art also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Visual Arts degree that is frequently used by those with a double major (e.g., psychology and art, art history and art). In addition to the Foundation core courses, students in the BA degree complete five studio classes and requisite art history classes. The student may concentrate in an individual discipline or take a range of studio classes. The objective of this curriculum is to provide a broad-based liberal arts education with a fundamental understanding of studio art practice.
Upon completion of the art foundation core and basic studio classes in a particular medium, students in the BA or BS program may choose to apply to one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs. Entrance into a BFA program is by portfolio and interview; the student applies directly to the specific program of interest. For more information, see Majors in Fine Arts.
A minimum grade of C or better is required for all major courses and transfer courses. A minimum grade of C- or better is required for Art History courses.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Program
57 credits, plus a required academic minor (15-24 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation Courses (15 Credits) | ||
| ARS100 | Drawing: Visual Thinking I | 3 |
| ARS101 | Drawing: Visual Thinking II | 3 |
| ARS102 | Design: Color | 3 |
| ARS103 | Design: Form | 3 |
| ARS112 | Art Seminar | 3 |
| 200/300/400-level Studio Courses (24 Credits) | ||
| Any combination of basic 200-level (maximum of three), 300-level, and 400-level ARS and/or DDF studio courses, by advisement. 1 | 24 | |
| Required Progress Review (3 Credits) | ||
| ARS364 | Work in Progress Review I | 1.5 |
| ARS365 | Work in Progress Review II | 1.5 |
| Required Cognate Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| ARH201 | Art of the Western World I | 3 |
| ARH202 | Art of the Western World II | 3 |
| Any two (2) upper-division art history or art theory courses, by advisement | 6 | |
| Capstone Course (3 Credits) | ||
| ARS491 | Creative Art Projects: BA/BS | 3 |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement outside the major (15-24 Credits) | ||
| An academic minor of the student's choice | 15-24 | |
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The 200-level course prerequisite must be met before any 300- or 400-level course may be taken. Students are urged to obtain early advice on course selection in order to organize an individual program in the best possible way.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Program
48 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation Courses (15 Credits) | ||
| ARS100 | Drawing: Visual Thinking I | 3 |
| ARS101 | Drawing: Visual Thinking II | 3 |
| ARS102 | Design: Color | 3 |
| ARS103 | Design: Form | 3 |
| ARS112 | Art Seminar | 3 |
| 200/300-level Studio Courses (15 Credits) | ||
| A combination of basic 200-level studio courses plus 300-level studio courses. 1 | 15 | |
| Required Cognate Courses (15 Credits) | ||
| ARH201 | Art of the Western World I | 3 |
| ARH202 | Art of the Western World II | 3 |
| Any three (3) upper-division art history or art theory courses, by advisement | 9 | |
| Capstone Course (3 Credits) | ||
| ARS491 | Creative Art Projects: BA/BS | 3 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
The 200-level prerequisite must be met before any 300-level course may be taken.
Visual Arts (BA, BS) Program Learning Outcomes
By the time they graduate, Visual Arts majors will be able to:
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Expand knowledge of diverse histories and contemporary practices in studio art, design, and art education.
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Demonstrate—in written, visual, and oral forms—an understanding of a work of art or design, in terms of its social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical context.
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Develop and articulate self-reflective practices as artists, designers, teachers, and citizens.
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Create collaboration and engagement with local and global art, design, and learning communities.
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Build professional networks to support lifelong learning and sustainable practices.
