Students learn how to create images and objects that express personal, cultural, or commercial ideas. They connect with and respond to influential artists, designers, and thinkers from diverse cultures and historical periods, and they explore human themes like beauty, politics, and identity. Our students gain ways of knowing themselves, express ideas, and understand people and cultures, of today and yesterday.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
A combination of art and education courses helps students develop an artist-educator
identity. Graduates are fully prepared to teach at any K-12 level or in museums, and
some choose to pursue graduate programs in art therapy. This concentration is highly
regarded with alumni teaching in school districts across the region and state.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The graphic design concentration encompasses the full scope of visual communication.
Students learn how to create powerful images using a combination of illustration,
typography, photography, and digital manipulation. Graphic design students develop
the software skills and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this exciting
profession. Alumni are performing creative roles at Apple, EA Sports, Volvo, and independent
design and advertising firms.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
(specializations in interdisciplinary studies in art; or photography and lens-based
media)
This concentration empowers students to experiment with a wide range of media including drawing, painting, watercolor, photography, ceramics, animation, illustration, and sculpture. Students develop craftsmanship, technical mastery, and original ideas. Studio art students have opportunities to exhibit their work in juried shows, competitions, senior exhibitions, and other events.
Bachelor of Science
The B.S. concentration in Studio Art allows students to combine studies in art with
another field. Many choose related coursework in marketing, psychology, or media studies.
Students who graduate from this concentration are prepared to combine their artistic
skills with other interests.
Bachelor of Arts
The Art History concentration offers interdisciplinary studies of historical and contemporary
objects, styles, and topics. Students develop strong research, writing, and analytical
skills. The concentration prepares students for work in galleries, libraries, and
museums and the pursuit of graduate studies in the humanities.
The department strongly encourages students to seek internships and study abroad opportunities as a supplement to their studies. Students may also pursue work-study positions on campus for financial support while contributing to the inner workings of the university.
Internships and other opportunities are available locally, regionally, and nationally. Students are encouraged to discuss these with their advisors and faculty mentors.
Students gain the ability to further refine and focus their creative voices. They will become responsive, flexible, and independent creatives, makers, and thinkers contributing to visual culture. Art students will develop an understanding of the visual arts through a studio-based curriculum and develop professional practices to pursue work as an: independent artist, college instructor, museum worker, or arts administrator.
The Department of Art does not require a portfolio review or any special requirements beyond the regular admissions process. Knowing that our students come from all walks of life and have varying levels of exposure to the arts, the department prefers not to place an extra barrier to admission. It is the belief of our department that incoming students can be coached up and prepared for success by our talented, caring faculty.
1 of 5 NASAD accredited art programs in Virginia
1 of 5 NASAD
accredited art programs in Virginia
(National Association of Schools of Art and Design)
Less than 350 institutions nationwide
Less than 350
institutions nationwide
have earned the prestigious NASAD accreditation
Coming soon! Arist Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity
Coming soon!
Arist Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity
Classes are anticipated to be held in the new 178,000 sq. foot facility starting in the Fall 2024 semester
The Department of Art is proud of our students! They produce professional, original
works of art and research.
We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.