The Visual Arts faculty is dedicated to nurturing the creativity and development of each student. In small classes, students work closely with teachers who are professionals in their fields, emphasizing individual growth. The major offers a wide variety of classes at the introductory and advanced level. In the introductory classes students become familiar with the fundamentals. As students advance through the program they master techniques and are encouraged to be thoughtful and engaged participants in the creative process.
The major allows students to experience classes in traditional two and three-dimensional studio arts and in the newest expressive tools in digital and photographic media. It provides a rewarding, fulfilling and challenging experience.
Students in the Visual Arts major receive the artistic and academic background necessary to advance their creative work and prepare for diverse professions. We encourage students to experience the possibilities of these professions through internship opportunities.
CURRICULUM
Prerequisites:
| Course # |
Course name |
Credits |
| FA 1000 |
Introduction to Fine Arts (any variant) |
3 |
| VA 1770 |
Basic Design |
3 |
| VA 1780 |
Three-dimensional Design |
3 |
| VA 1790 |
Light and Color |
3 |
| VA 1800 |
Drawing |
3 |
Total credits: 15
Requirements for the Visual Arts Major:
| VA 3300 |
Portfolio and Presentation |
3 |
| VA 3950 |
Design Concepts |
3 |
| VA 3980 |
Fine Arts Seminar (Capstone Course) |
3 |
| VA 4050 |
Independent Studio |
3 |
Choose two from the following:
| VA 2720 |
History of Photography |
| VA 2910 |
History of Visual Arts: Paleolithic to Gothic |
| VA 2920 |
History of Visual Arts: Renaissance to Contemporary |
| VA 2930 |
Contemporary Art |
| VA 2940 |
Tribal Arts of North America and Africa |
Total credits: 18
Major Electives:
Choose four of the following:
| VA 2072 |
Computer Art |
| VA 2730 |
Photographic Design |
| VA 2738 |
Digital Imaging: Photoshop |
| VA 2750 |
Printmaking I |
| VA 2760 |
Computer Graphics: Illustrator |
| VA 2780 |
Sculpture |
| VA 2796 |
Photography I |
| VA 2797 |
Digital Photography |
| VA 2800 |
Figure Drawing |
| VA 2810 |
Painting I |
| VA 2813 |
Watercolor |
| VA 2819 |
Studio: Painting and Drawing |
| VA 2850 |
Ceramics I |
| VA 2870 |
Artist’s Books |
| VA 3___ |
VA Studio Art classes at the 3000 level |
Total credits: 12
Visual Arts majors are encouraged to enroll in Visual Arts courses beyond the required categories of the Visual Arts major and apply them toward general elective Liberal Arts credit.