Tell me more about this field of study.
A degree in visual arts is for students interested in working with both their head and their hands. This course of study mainly teaches the student the language of vision and the exploration of ideas along with history and philosophy. While many artists go on to become self-employed by producing and marketing their own art work, others find work inside organizations as designers, craftsmen, or technicians. Some become successful small business owners such as printers, artists/craftsmen, graphic designers, as well as museum workers, curators, gallery workers, educators, and administrators. Many continue on to graduate studies in the arts.

Tell me more about specializations in this major.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art is intended for students interested in pursuing a program of study that encourages a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or background in the humanities. Students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in general fine arts are prepared with a competence in several media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, metals and jewelry, printmaking, photography, and mixed-media) and a professional command of at least one medium. Upon completion of the degree, students are prepared to pursue the professional production and exhibition of their own art of more in-depth study at the graduate level. Students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design learn the vocabulary, visual perception, methods, processes, craft and technology of graphic design. This includes, but is not limited to, specialized courses in print design, advertising, computer graphics, illustration, package design and special topics courses addressing current design issues and problems. Students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in interior design are prepared to formulate, propose, and execute creative design solutions that incorporate the needs and issues relating to the interior environment, including those dealing with commercial and residential design. The Bachelor of Science degree in studio art is intended for students interested in pursuing a program of study that encourages a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or stronger background preparation in math and/or the social/natural sciences. Students completing the Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Industrial Design will learn to integrate knowledge of the visual arts with applied technology to create design systems that optimizes the function, value and appearance of manufactured products.

Which emphasis is most popular?
Graphic design is chosen by about one half of the students in the art major.

What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?
There are no common combinations but some examples may include: Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Educational Media, English, Film Studies, Media Arts and Design, Psychology, and Theater & Dance.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Successful art and design students are creative, skilled at problem solving, and have an entrepreneurial approach to their work and life.

CAREERS
Art students at JMU have the opportunity to prepare for a wide variety of art and art-related career fields. Because the School educates art students as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, graduates have an enhanced ability to think independently, respond flexibly, work productively and compete successfully for employment in career fields that value original and thoughtful creativity. Some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.