The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Studio Art is ideal for students who want to major in art within the framework of a liberal arts degree. The degree is intended to serve the needs of undergraduate students who are interested in a broad program of general studies and also wish to develop their artistic skills and knowledge. Students can take classes in a variety of studio areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and sculpture. The program is designed to ensure that students graduate with a sound artistic base for further pursuits in life beyond the university. The BA in Studio Art usually pairs nicely with dual major degrees. Roughly one-third of the courses are taking in the degree, leaving ample room for a minor and other core classes.
Our Department of Art & Design faculty are active artists and highly trained in their respective fields. Our low professor-to-student ratio of 13-1 gives students the opportunity to receive individual instruction in a studio class setting.
View Curriculum Program Manual
Career Preparation
According to the US Occupational Outlook Handbook, "fine artists typically display their work in museums, in commercial or nonprofit art galleries, at craft fairs, in corporate collections, on the Internet, and in private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (requested by a client), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. View recent student work here.Program Objectives
Creative Scholarship
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design by using related problem-solving skills to compose, analyze, and interpret visual information.
- Students will acquire manual skill and technical vocabulary related to a variety of artistic mediums with the purpose of developing a portfolio of original work.
- Students will acquire a working knowledge of the history of art, and an understanding of the historical, religious, and social circumstances that shaped each period.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze their own work and the work of others.
Professional Development and Service
- Students will demonstrate the ability to present their work publicly and effectively communicate their ideas both orally, and in writing with an understanding of basic professional practices in the field.
- Students will demonstrate an awareness of the visual world around them, and an appreciation and understanding of visual aesthetics.
Technical Proficiency
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the wider context of visual problem solving related to digital technologies.
- Students will acquire skills and vocabulary related to the use of software applications relevant to their field of study.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to utilize technology and hardware relevant to their field of study.
