School of Art, Design and Art History
Mission Statement
The School of Art, Design and Art History is a collaborative community that fosters independent thought and creativity, embraces the diversity of cultural expression, and cultivates excellence in the making and understanding of visual art.
Goals
The School of Art, Design and Art History discerns the following five distinct goals for the teaching of art at JMU:
- To prepare future professional artists and designers.
- To educate future art historians and museum specialists with a global perspective on the visual arts.
- To develop and license future elementary and secondary art teachers.
- To enrich the general education of non-art majors.
- To supply professional instruction in the visual arts for students who wish to enrich their education by studying art as a second major or minor.
To meet these goals, the School of Art, Design and Art History offers three degrees, a choice of four majors and select areas of emphasis. Teaching licensure in art is available as part of all degree programs. Minors are offered in select areas. All degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours. A full description of degree requirements is listed under "Degree Requirements."
Currently available degrees, majors and areas of emphasis are as follows:
Bachelor of Arts
Art History
Studio Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Studio Art
Bachelor of Science
Studio Art
Studio Art with an emphasis in Industrial Design
Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills
Art students at JMU have the opportunity to prepare for a wide variety of art and art-related career fields. Because the School of Art, Design and Art History 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 possible careers include:
- Advertising Designer
- Artist
- Art Critic
- Art Educator
- Art Historian
- Ceramist
- Conservator
- Gallery Owner
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- Jeweler
- Multimedia Designer
- Museum Curator/Educator
- Painter
- Photographer
- Printmaker
- Sculptor
- Textile Designer
To discuss specific career options, students should contact the school and make an appointment with a member of the faculty.
Accreditation
Supplementing JMU's general accreditation, all degrees offered by the School of Art, Design and Art History are professionally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In addition, the B.F.A. in interior design is professionally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly the Foundation for Interior Design Educational Research).
Special Admission Requirements
Art History Majors
Students intending to major in art history are not required to submit a portfolio or additional material for review, but should follow the regular JMU admissions process.
To enroll in the museum studies concentration in art history, students must have a 3.3 GPA in the major and a minimum of nine credits in Art History (ARTH) and General Education Art History (GARTH) courses.
Graphic Design Majors
Students intending to major in graphic design must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admission requirements, entering first year students are highly encouraged to submit a portfolio for review. For transfer/change of major students who intend to major in graphic design, a portfolio review is required. A statement that explains the student's educational and artistic goals as well as articulates the preferred area of study and reasons for choosing it should accompany all portfolio submissions.
The portfolio review is seen as evidence of a student's interest and potential for future success in art. The portfolio review is also an opportunity for entering first year students and transfer/change of major students to be considered for nomination for a scholarship. All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount, up to the full cost of tuition. The dates for the SADAH portfolio reviews, as well as other specific information about the portfolio review process, are posted on the SADAH website or can be obtained in the art office located in rooms 375/377 in Montpelier Hall. Transfer and change of major students who are not recommended for admission may reapply the following semester. Students seeking official acceptance into the graphic design major must enroll in GRPH 208 and submit a portfolio representing work completed in GRPH 200. Computer Graphics, GRPH 202. Design Methodology and GRPH 206. Introduction to Typography. Students not admitted may reapply the following semester.
Interior Design Majors
Students intending to major in interior design must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admission requirements, entering first year students are highly encouraged to submit a portfolio for review. For transfer/change of major students who intend to major in interior design, a portfolio review is required. A statement that explains the student's educational and artistic goals as well as articulates the preferred area of study and reasons for choosing it should accompany all portfolio submissions.
The portfolio review is seen as evidence of a student's interest and potential for future success in art. The portfolio review is also an opportunity for entering first-year students and transfer/change of major students to be considered for nomination for a scholarship. All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount, up to the full cost of tuition. The dates for the SADAH portfolio reviews, as well as other specific information about the portfolio review process, are posted on the SADAH website or can be obtained in the art office located in rooms 375/377 in Montpelier Hall. Transfer and change of major students who are not recommended for admission may reapply the following semester.
Students seeking official acceptance into the interior design major must enroll in INDE 208 and submit a portfolio representing work completed in INDE 200. Interior Design Studio, and INDE 202. Interior Design Studio II. Students not admitted may reapply the following year.
Studio Art Majors
Students intending to major in studio art must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admission requirements, entering first-year students are highly encouraged to submit a portfolio for review. For transfer/change of major students who intend to major in studio art, a portfolio review is required. A statement that explains the student's educational and artistic goals as well as articulates the preferred area of study and reasons for choosing it should accompany all portfolio submissions.
The portfolio review is seen as evidence of a student's interest and potential for future success in art. The portfolio review is also an opportunity for entering first-year students and transfer/change of major students to be considered for nomination for a scholarship. All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount, up to the full cost of tuition. The dates for the SADAH portfolio reviews, as well as other specific information about the portfolio review process, are posted on the SADAH website or can be obtained in the art office located in rooms 375/377 in Montpelier Hall. Transfer and change of major students who are not recommended for admission to the studio art major may reapply the following semester.
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Coordinator: Dr. John Ott
Phone: (540) 568-6319
The Bachelor of Arts in art history is intended for students who wish to study the history of the visual arts, including the cultural and social context in which they were created. It is the mission of the art history program to educate students with a global perspective on the arts.
Western art history is emphasized, coupled with opportunities to study the art of select non-Western traditions. Students majoring in art history will develop a general knowledge of the principle monuments and artists of all major historical art periods. Students also will:
- Become acquainted with the art history of non-Western cultures.
- Locate unfamiliar works within major style periods and cultures.
- Describe, analyze and interpret the form and content of individual works of art in relation to the cultures from which they originate.
- Recognize major art media.
- Understand at least three major historical periods of art in detail.
- Become familiar with art history theory and methods of analysis and criticism.
- Research and write about significant artists, artistic events, periods and artistic concepts.
The art history program encourages majors and minors to participate in internship opportunities at museums, galleries and other art related settings, and it provides up-to-date information about jobs and graduate programs in art history and related fields. Visiting scholars, campus art exhibitions, trips to major museums and the JMU Studies Abroad Program provide students with opportunities to study and apply their art history knowledge outside the classroom. Upon completion of the art history major, students will have been exposed to a broad background and knowledge of the opportunities for graduate school and employment. The art history program also advocates interdisciplinary education and actively supports students who double major with other disciplines.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education 1 | 41 |
| Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 2 | 0-14 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) | 3 |
| University electives 3 | 23-37 |
| Major requirements | 39 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student's chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Language, Literature and Culture's placement test.
3 Depends on number of hours needed to fulfill the B.A. foreign language requirement. If they are completed in six hours, students should use the larger number of general electives to complete a second major or minor that complements art or art history or, for students intending to pursue graduate degrees, to gain reading knowledge of a second foreign language.
Major Requirements
The major in art history requires 39 credit hours in art history and studio courses, as the following chart shows. At least 6 of these credit hours must be 400-level art history courses.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| ARTH 300. Art History Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Non-Western Electives (choose one of the following): | 3 |
| Any course in African, Far Eastern, Oceanic Art or Art of the Americas | |
| Western Electives | 12 |
| Pre-Renaissance Art (choose one of the following): | |
| Any course in Ancient or European Art pre-1400 | |
| Renaissance to Baroque Art (choose one of the following): | |
| Any course in European Art 1400-1750 (including JMU Semester Abroad courses) | |
| Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Art (choose one of the following): | |
| Any course in European or American Art 1700-1900 (including JMU semester abroad courses) | |
| Modern and Contemporary Art (choose one of the following): | |
| Any course in 20th Century or Contemporary Art | |
| Art history electives (300-400 level) 2 | 9 |
| Studio art electives (any level) | 6 |
| 39 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 ART 305, Seminar in Aesthetics, may count as an art history elective. A maximum of three credits from ARTH 490, ARTH 495 or ARTH 499 may count toward the major.
Museum Studies Concentration
The museum studies concentration enriches the art history curriculum by offering course work that examines the critical role that museums have played in constructing the discipline and pedagogy of art history. History and theory-oriented classes will introduce students to the role and function of museums in society and the ways in which museums both reflect and perpetuate the values of the cultures that create them. Experiential practica or internship courses will expose students to the wide range of work conducted in museums, including curatorial, collections management, conservation, education, design and installation, media and public relations, publications, development, and administration.
While the concentration is academic and not vocational, it offers students valuable hands-on experience beneficial for admission into graduate school and entry into the competitive market of art-related professions. Virginia is a state that boasts a plethora of art museums, house museums, history museums, and historic and archaeological sites. Art history majors who complete the concentration will be well positioned for seeking employment in regional and state museums.
The museum studies concentration consists of five courses (15 credit hours). Students are required to complete three core courses and two elective courses. Students may only count three credit hours toward both the art history major and the museum studies concentration.
A 3.3 GPA in the major and a minimum of nine credits in Art History (ARTH) and General Education Art History (GARTH) courses are required to enroll in the concentration. To apply, students submit an unofficial transcript to the area coordinator. Students may apply to the concentration in the fall or spring semester, but no later than the last day of the course add registration deadline.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| ARTH 394. Introduction to Museum Work | 3 |
| ARTH/HIST 408. The Museum: History and Controversies | 3 |
| ARTH 495. Internship in Art History | 3 |
| Electives (choose two of the following): | 6 |
| ARTH/HIST 396. Introduction to Public History | |
| ARTH/HIST 406. Monticello | |
| ARTH 491. Exhibition Seminar | |
| ARTH/ANTH/HIST 492. American Material Culture | |
| ARTH/HIST 493. Historic Preservation | |
| ANTH 494. Field Topics in Archaeology | |
| 15 | |
Internship/Independent Study Credit
A maximum of three credits of art history internship, independent study, or honors course work may be applied toward the major in art history. A student may petition the art history coordinator to apply six credit hours toward the art history major if the internship or independent study course work is directly relevant to the student's interests and career goals.
Requirements for Art History as a Second Major
Students in any degree program may study art history as a second major by completing the 39 credit art history requirement. Students studying art history as a second major do not need to complete the requirements for the B.A. degree if their first major will complete the requirements for a different baccalaureate degree. However, non-B.A. degree students completing art history as a second major are strongly encouraged to complete the B.A. foreign language requirement.
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World II: Renaissance to Modern | |
| Foreign language courses | 6 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9 |
| General Education course | 3-6 |
| General electives | 6-9 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | |
| Choose one of the following: | 6 |
| Foreign language courses (if needed) | |
| General elective | |
| General Education courses | 18 |
| Studio Art Elective | 3 |
| 30 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| Non-Western art history elective | 3 |
| Western art history electives | 6 |
| ARTH 300. Art History Seminar | 3 |
| General electives | 3 |
| Studio Art elective | 3 |
| General Education courses | 12 |
| 30 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| Art History electives | 12 |
| General electives | 18 |
| 30 | |
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
Coordinator: Mark Rooker
Phone: (540) 568-6410
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is intended for students interested in pursuing a program of art study that promotes lifelong learning with an emphasis on the humanities. The B.A. in studio art is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or background in the humanities. Students majoring in studio art will:
- Grasp how artworks are created.
- Understand how the visual arts relate to the culture that influences them.
- Gain an overview of the sequences of style and meaning evident in the history of art.
- Improve their ability to articulate their ideas and knowledge about art to others.
- Learn about career opportunities in art and closely related fields.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education 1 | 41 |
| Foreign Language courses (intermediate level required) 2 | 0-14 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) | 3 |
| University electives | 17-31 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 45 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student's chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Language, Literature and Culture's placement test.
Major Requirements
The studio art major requires a minimum of 45 credit hours in art and art history, as the following chart shows.
| Required Art Courses | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Courses: | |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar 1 | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| 3-D Studio Art courses (choose one of the following): | 3 |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 230. Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| Studio art courses (300-400 level) 2 | 6 |
| General art electives (any level) 3 | 15 |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) 4 | 3 |
| 45 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 The six credits of studio art electives (300-400 level) must be taken in a single studio area. Graphic design and interior design course credits cannot count as a concentration area. Studio art credits cannot be double-counted.
3 The 15 credits of general art electives (any level) must include a minimum of nine credit hours in studio art.
4 Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9 |
| General Education courses | 9 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| Required studio art course | 3 |
| Foreign language courses (if needed) | 6 |
| General Education courses | 12 |
| General art electives (any level) | 3 |
| 30 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| General art electives (any level) | 9 |
| General electives | 6 |
| B.A. philosophy requirement | 3 |
| General Education courses | 9 |
| 30 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| Studio art courses (300-400 level) | 6 |
| Art or general electives | 24 |
| 30 | |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Coordinator: Trudy Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3488
The graphic design major provides professional education within a liberal arts environment. Students learn the vocabulary, visual perception, methods, processes, craft and technology of graphic design, which includes specialized courses in print design, advertising, computer graphics, illustration, web design, package design and special topics courses addressing current design issues and problems.
The study of the historical and cultural context of the designer broadens students' knowledge base and nurtures their creativity. Frequent field trips, guest speakers and internship opportunities provide students with exposure to the professional field.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the B.F.A. in graphic design is selective and competitive for a limited number of reserved seats in upper-division (300-400 level) graphic design courses. Declaration of graphic design as a major and completion of lower-division (100-200) prerequisite art courses does not guarantee admission into the program. Admission to upper-division GRPH courses is based on completion of all prerequisite art courses and merit as determined by a faculty review of portfolios submitted in satisfaction of the course GRPH 208, Portfolio Review.
GRPH 208, Portfolio Review, is a 0 credit, pass/fail course that functions as a prerequisite to enrollment in all 300-400 level graphic design courses. Students should enroll in GRPH 208 during the semester following completion of GRPH 200, GRPH 202 and GRPH 206 (or concurrently with GRPH 206). GRPH 208 portfolios are reviewed each semester. Students enrolled in GRPH 208 will be emailed at the beginning of the semester and will be informed of the exact time and location of the GRPH 208 portfolio review.
NOTE: Any art major may take GRPH 200, GRPH 202 or GRPH 206, but is restricted from taking any 300-400 level graphic design course until GRPH 208 has been taken and passed.
Accepted students who receive a passing grade for GRPH 208 will be able to register for GRPH upper-division courses for the following semester. Students not accepted will have one opportunity to reapply in the following semester or may choose to continue in another major within the School of Art, Design and Art History.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| University electives | 1 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 78 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
The graphic design major requires 78 credit hours in art, art history and art-related courses. Of these hours, 27 must be in graphic design courses, as the following list shows.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Courses | |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 108. Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ART 305. Seminar in Aesthetics | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Required two-dimensional studio art courses (choose two of the following): | 6 |
| ART 252. Introductory Painting | |
| ART 260. Introductory Photography: Black and White | |
| ART 270, ART 272 or ART 274. Printmaking | |
| ART 350. Figure Drawing | |
| Required three-dimensional studio art courses (choose two of the following): | 6 |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| or ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 230. Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| Concentration Courses (required) | 21 |
| GRPH 200. Computer Graphics | |
| GRPH 202. Design Methodology | |
| GRPH 206. Introduction to Typography | |
| GRPH 208. Portfolio Review | |
| GRPH 306. Intermediate Typography | |
| GRPH 406. Advanced Typography | |
| GRPH 408. Type and Image | |
| GRPH 410. Graphic Design Portfolio | |
| Concentration Courses (Electives) | 9 |
| GRPH 300. Illustration | |
| GRPH 304. Package Design | |
| GRPH 340. Poster Design | |
| GRPH/SMAD 312. Web Design | |
| GRPH 390. Independent Studies in Graphic Design | |
| GRPH 490. Independent Study in Graphic Design | |
| GRPH 496. Internship in Graphic Design 2 | |
| Art and art-related electives 3 | 6 |
| Art history electives (300-400 level) 4 | 6 |
| 78 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 A maximum of six credit hours of practicum or internship may count toward the degree.
3 Studio art and art related electives may include courses from general fine arts, interior design, graphic design and internships, but excludes courses taken to fulfill the studio concentration.
4 Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 108. Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9 |
| General Education courses | 6 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Required two- and three-dimensional studio art electives | 6 |
| Studio concentration | 9 |
| General Education courses | 9 |
| 30 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Required two- and three-dimensional studio art electives | 6 |
| Studio concentration | 9 |
| General or art elective (any level) | 3 |
| ART 305. Seminar in Aesthetics | 3 |
| General Education courses | 6 |
| 30 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| Studio concentration | 6 |
| General or art related electives | 12 |
| General Education courses | 12 |
| 30 | |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Coordinator: Ronn Daniel
Phone: (540) 568-5850
JMU's interior design major educates leaders in the profession of interior design. The program offers an intensive education in the design process. The curriculum instills purpose, craft, technological competence and versatile thinking. The graduates are passionately dedicated to the creation of meaningful interiors.
Graduates of the program are encouraged to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam after two years of work experience.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the B.F.A. in Interior Design is selective and competitive for a limited number of reserved seats in upper-division (300-400 level) interior design courses. Declaration of interior design as a major and completion of lower-division (100-200) prerequisite art courses does not guarantee admission into the program. Admission to upper-division INDE courses is based on completion of all prerequisite art courses and merit as determined by faculty review of portfolios submitted in satisfaction of the course INDE 208, Portfolio Review.
INDE 208 is a 0 credit, pass/fail course that functions as a prerequisite to enrollment in 300-400 level interior design courses. Students should enroll in INDE 208 during the semester in which they are enrolled in INDE 202. INDE 208 portfolios are reviewed during the spring semester (February) prior to pre-registration. Students should contact the area coordinator of interior design to determine the exact time and location for the INDE 208 portfolio review.
NOTE: Any art major may take INDE 200 and INDE 202, but is restricted from taking any 300-400 level interior design course until INDE 208 has been taken and passed.
Accepted students who receive a passing grade for INDE 208 will be able to register for INDE upper division courses for the following semester. Students not accepted will have one opportunity to reapply the following spring semester or may choose to continue in another major within the School of Art, Design and Art History.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| University electives | 1 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 78 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
The interior design major requires 78 credit hours in art, art history and art-related courses. Of these credit hours, 45 must focus on interior design, as the following chart shows.
| Required Art Courses | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Courses | |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 108. Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ART 305. Seminar in Aesthetics | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Choose three of the following: | 9 |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| or ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 260. Introductory Photography: Black and White | |
| ART 270, ART 272 or ART 274. Printmaking | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| GRPH 200. Computer Graphics | |
| INDE 392. Topics in Interior Design | |
| INDE 420. CAD III: Digital Design | |
| INDE 470. Contemporary Design Theory | |
| INDE 490. Independent Studies in Interior Design | |
| MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing | |
| Required Concentration Courses 2 | 45 |
| INDE 200. Interior Design Studio I | |
| INDE 202. Interior Design Studio II | |
| INDE 208. Portfolio Review | |
| INDE 210. Architectural Graphics | |
| INDE 220. CAD I: Digital Design | |
| INDE 320. CAD II: Digital Design | |
| INDE 300. Interior Design Studio III | |
| INDE 302. Interior Design Studio IV | |
| INDE 330. Materials and Methods I | |
| INDE 332. Materials and Methods II | |
| INDE 400. Interior Design Studio V | |
| INDE 402. Interior Design Studio VI | |
| INDE 440. Professional Practices in Interior Design | |
| INDE 496. Internship in Interior Design | |
| ARTH 370. History of Interior Design | |
| ARTH 476. Modern Architecture | |
| 78 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 A maximum of six credit hours of practicum or internship may count toward the degree.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| General Education | 15 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| Art/Art History Foundation | 12 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| INDE 200. Interior Design Studio I | 3 |
| INDE 202. Interior Design Studio II | 3 |
| INDE 208. Portfolio Review | 0 |
| INDE 210. Architectural Graphics | 3 |
| INDE 220. CAD I: Digital Design | 3 |
| INDE 370. History of Interior Design | 3 |
| General Education | 12 |
| Art/Art History Foundation | 6 |
| 33 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| INDE 300. Interior Design Studio III | 3 |
| INDE 302. Interior Design Studio IV | 3 |
| INDE 320. CAD II: Digital Design | 3 |
| INDE 330. Materials and Methods I | 3 |
| INDE 332. Materials and Methods II | 3 |
| ARTH 476. Modern Architecture | 3 |
| General Education | 9 |
| Art/Art History Foundation | 3 |
| INDE 496. Internship | 3 |
| 33 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| INDE 400. Interior Design Studio V | 3 |
| INDE 402. Interior Design Studio VI | 3 |
| INDE 440. Professional Practices in Interior Design | 3 |
| Interior Design Electives | 9 |
| General Education | 6 |
| 24 | |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
Coordinator: Mark Rooker
Phone: (540) 568-6410
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art is intended for those students whose goal is the professional production of visual art. Only those students serious about preparing for a studio career in the visual arts and willing to commit the time and energy necessary to achieve professional competence in their chosen area of studio concentration should enroll.
These areas of concentration within the B.F.A. in studio art degree seek to:
- Develop students' visual vocabulary.
- Foster a deeper understanding of the formal visual relationships present in the art and design process.
- Enhance their aesthetic awareness of art forms.
- Promote the competency to independently seek further professional growth.
Students develop competency in several media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, metals and jewelry, printmaking, photography, glass, mixed-media) and foster 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 or more in-depth study at the graduate school level.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| University elective | 1 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 78 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major and Concentration Requirements
The general fine arts concentration requires 78 credit hours in art, art history and art related courses, as the following list shows.
| Required Art Courses | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Courses | |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 108. Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ART 305. Seminar in Aesthetics | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Studio art courses (choose six of the following): 2 | 18 |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel or | |
| ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 230. Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 252. Introductory Painting | |
| ART 260. Introductory Photography: Black and White | |
| ART 270, ART 272 or ART 274. Printmaking | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| ART 350. Figure Drawing | |
| GRPH 200. Computer Graphics | |
| Studio Concentration (choose one of the following): 3 | 15 |
| Ceramics | |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 320. Intermediate Ceramics: Molds and Casting | |
| ART 322. Intermediate Ceramics: Surface Development | |
| ART 420. Advanced Ceramics: Portfolio Development | |
| (repeatable up to 9 credits) | |
| Fiber Arts | |
| ART 230. Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 330. Intermediate Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 430. Advanced Fiber Arts (repeatable up to 9 credits) | |
| Metals and Jewelry | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 340. Intermediate Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 440. Advanced Metal and Jewelry | |
| Complete an additional 6 credits in ART 340 and/or ART 440 | |
| Painting and Drawing | |
| ART 252. Introductory Painting | |
| ART 350. Figure Drawing | |
| ART 352. Intermediate Painting | |
| ART 452. Advanced Painting | |
| Complete an additional six credits from 400-level painting and drawing courses | |
| Photography | |
| ART 260. Introductory Photography: Black and White | |
| Complete two of the following courses: | |
| ART 360. Intermediate Photography: Experimental Black and White | |
| ART 362. Intermediate Photography: Digital | |
| ART 364. Intermediate Photography: Large Format | |
| Complete two of the following courses: | |
| ART 460. Advanced Photography: Alternative Processes | |
| ART 462. Advanced Photography: Color | |
| ART 464. Advanced Photography: Portfolio Development | |
| Printmaking | |
| ART 270. Printmaking: Screenprinting | |
| ART 272. Printmaking: Relief, Intaglio and Monotype | |
| ART 274. Printmaking: Lithography | |
| ART 470. Advanced Printmaking (repeatable up to 6 credits) | |
| Sculpture | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| ART 380. Intermediate Sculpture | |
| ART 480. Advanced Sculpture (repeatable up to 9 credits) | |
| Art History electives (300-400 level) 4 | 6 |
| Art and art-related electives 5 | 15 |
| 78 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 Courses cannot be double-counted in studio concentration.
3 Credits taken to fulfill the studio concentration must be taken in a single studio area.
4 Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
5 Studio art and art-related electives may include courses from graphic design, interior design, art education and internships but excludes courses taken to fulfill the studio concentration.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 108. Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9-12 |
| General Education courses | 3-6 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Required two- and three-dimensional studio art electives | 9 |
| Studio concentration | 6 |
| General Education courses | 9 |
| 30 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Required two- and three-dimensional studio art electives | 9 |
| Studio concentration | 6 |
| General or art electives (any level) | 3 |
| ART 305. Seminar in Aesthetics | 3 |
| General Education courses | 6 |
| 30 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Studio concentration | 6 |
| General or art electives | 9 |
| General Education courses | 12 |
| 30 | |
Bachelor of Science in Studio Art
Coordinator: Mark Rooker
Phone: (540) 568-6410
The Bachelor of Science degree in studio art is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have a preferred interest or stronger background preparation in math, the natural sciences or the social sciences. The major of studio art allows students to study in one of two areas: studio art or studio art with an emphasis in industrial design. The studio art major allows students to:
- Develop students' visual vocabulary.
- Provide a range of elective options that complement the major in studio art.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education requirements 1 | 41 |
| Quantitative requirement 2 | 3 |
| Scientific Literacy requirement 2 | 3 |
| University electives | 28 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 45 |
| 120 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 In addition to course work taken to fulfill General Education requirement.
Major Requirements
The studio arts major requires 45 credit hours in art and art history courses, as the following chart shows.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar 1 | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| 3-D Studio Art courses (choose one of the following): | 3 |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding | |
| ART 230. Weaving and Other Fiber Arts | |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| Studio art electives (300-400 level) 2 | 6 |
| General art electives (any level) 3 | 15 |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) 4 | 3 |
| 45 | |
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 The six credits of studio art electives (300-400 level) must be taken in a single studio area. Graphic design and interior design course credits cannot count as a concentration area. Studio art credits cannot be double-counted.
3 Must include a minimum of nine credit hours in studio art. Up to six hours in art history may be included.
4 Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9-12 |
| General Education | 6-9 |
| 30 | |
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| Required studio art elective | 3 |
| Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education) | 3 |
| General Education course | 9 |
| General art electives (any level) | 6 |
| General elective | 3 |
| 30 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| General art electives (any level) | 9 |
| General elective | 3 |
| Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education) | 3 |
| General Education courses | 12 |
| 30 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| Studio art electives (300-400 level) | 6 |
| General electives | 9-12 |
| General Education courses | 12-15 |
| 30 | |
Bachelor of Science – Industrial Design Emphasis
Coordinator: William Tate
Phone: (540) 568-6577
The studio art major with an emphasis in industrial design seeks to:
- Integrate knowledge of the visual arts with applied design technology.
- Enhance problem-solving and communication skills in the creation of design concepts.
- Develop student knowledge that optimizes the function, value and appearance of manufactured products and systems.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education requirements 1, 2 | 41 |
| Quantitative requirement 3, 4 | 3 |
| Scientific Literacy requirement 3 | 3 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 78 |
| 125 | |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 Math and GISAT courses may double count in the emphasis.
3 In addition to course work taken to fulfill General Education requirement.
4 May be fulfilled by successfully completing GISAT 141.
5 The total credit hours are typically fewer because of the option of double counting several courses with General Education.
Major and Emphasis Requirements
The industrial design emphasis requires 60 credit hours in art and art history courses and a combined 18 credits in electives from ISAT and COB, as the following list shows.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Courses | |
| ART 102. Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance 1 | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern 1 | 3 |
| Art and Design Electives (choose four of the following): | 12 |
| ART 240. Metal and Jewelry | |
| ART 280. Sculpture | |
| ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter's Wheel | |
| INDE 200. Interior Design Studio I | |
| INDE 202. Interior Design Studio II | |
| INDE 210. Architectural Graphics | |
| INDU 320. CAD II: Digital Design | |
| INDU 420. CAD III: Digital Design | |
| INDU 496. Internship in Industrial Design | |
| Art and Design Requirements: | 15 |
| INDU 390. Industrial Design Studio (repeat three times) | |
| INDU 220. CAD I: Digital Design | |
| GRPH 200. Computer Graphics | |
| Art and art-related electives (200-400 level) 4 | 9 |
| Art history electives (300-400 level) 3 | 6 |
| ARTH 303. History of Design (required) | |
| Choose one of the following: | |
| HIST 327. Technology in America | |
| INDE 370. History of Interior Design | |
| ARTH 372. Modern Art from 1900-1945 | |
| ARTH 472. Modern Art since 1945 | |
| ARTH 476. Modern Architecture | |
| ISAT electives (choose five of the following): | 15 |
| GISAT 151. Analytical Methods: Applied Calculus I 2 | |
| ISAT 152. Analytical Methods II | |
| ISAT 211. Issues in Modern Production | |
| ISAT 311. Role of Energy in Modern Society | |
| ISAT 331. Automation in Manufacturing | |
| ISAT 410. Sustainable Energy Development | |
| ISAT 411. Energy Economics and Policy | |
| ISAT 430. Materials Science in Manufacturing | |
| ISAT 431. Manufacturing Processes | |
| ISAT 435. Integrated Product and Process Development | |
| ISAT 471. Transportation: Energy, Environment and Society | |
| ISAT 480. Selected Topics in Integrated Science and Technology | |
| College of Business electives (choose one of the following): | 3 |
| COB 191. Business Statistics | |
| COB 218. Legal Environment of Business | |
| MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing | |
| 78 | |
1 May double-count toward General Education Cluster Two.
2 May double-count toward General Education Cluster Three.
3 Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
4 Art and art-related electives may include courses from general fine arts, interior design, graphic design and internships, but excludes courses taken to fulfill the studio concentration. Up to six hours in art history may be included.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century | 9 |
| Cluster Two: Art and Humanities 1 | 6 |
| GHIST 101. World History to 1500 | |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | |
| Cluster Three: The Natural World 1 | 10 |
| GISAT 112. Environmental Issues in Science and Technology | |
| GISAT 113. Issues in Science and Technology: Living Systems | |
| GISAT 141. Analytical Methods | |
| 31 | |
1 May double-count toward General Education program.
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 205. Foundations Seminar | 3 |
| ISAT elective | 3 |
| Cluster Two: Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Cluster Four: Social and Cultural Processes | 7 |
| Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community | 6 |
| 31 | |
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| INDU 222. CAD I: Digital Design | 3 |
| INDU 390. Industrial Design Studio | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 |
| Art electives | 3 |
| ARTH 303 or Art History elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| ISAT electives | 6 |
| COB electives | 3 |
| 27 | |
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| INDU 390. Industrial Design Studio | 6 |
| Concentration electives | 9 |
| ARTH 303 or Art History elective (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Art electives | 3 |
| ISAT electives | 6 |
| General electives | 4 |
| 31 |
Coordinator: Dr. Katherine Schwartz
Phone: (540) 568-6464
In addition to the general education and academic major requirements, students desiring PreK-12 teaching licensure in art must complete 23 credits of additional course work in art education, education and psychology, and 16 credits of student teaching. It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in professional education courses. For a complete description of admission and retention policies and procedures for teacher education, refer to the College of Education.
Students seeking licensure are encouraged to consult regularly with the program coordinator of art education. The undergraduate degree leading to licensure must include the following minimum requirements in art:
- Nine credits must be earned in art history and art appreciation.
- Six credits must be earned in ceramics and crafts, with a minimum of one course in ceramics.
- Six credits must be earned in three-dimensional media.
- Twelve credits must be earned in two-dimensional media.
- Twenty-seven studio credits, with a minimum of six credits in each of three separate studio areas, must be earned.
Course Requirements
The following is a list of the required courses leading to PK-12 art licensure and a suggested sequence of when each may be taken.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| ARED 300. Art Activities in the Elementary School (fall, third year) | 3 |
| ARED 302. Secondary Art Education Methods (spring, third year) | 3 |
| ART 304. Methods of Art Criticism (spring, second year) | 3 |
| ARED 400. Visual Arts Across the Curriculum (fall, fourth year) | 3 |
| ARED 490. Special Studies in Art Education | 3 |
| (taken concurrently with ARED 300, ARED 302 and ARED 400) | |
| 15 | |
Required Education and Psychology Courses
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development 1 | 3 |
| EDUC 360. Foundations of American Education | 3 |
| READ 420. Content Area Literacy, K-12 | 2 |
| EDUC 480. Student Teaching (spring, fourth year) | 16 |
| 24 | |
1 GPSYC 160 may double-count toward General Education Cluster Five.
Minor Requirements
Students may select a minor from the following areas. A minimum of 18 credit hours is required for any minor. The art minors attempt to:
- Broaden students' understandings of the value and role of the visual arts in general culture.
- Deepen their appreciation for personal artistic production.
- Enhance their creativity and ability to think independently.
Art Minor
Students enrolled in any degree program may minor in art by completing a minimum of 18 credit hours in art, graphic design, industrial design or interior design courses, as the following chart shows. The student's minor program is subject to approval by the school director.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 104. Drawing I | 3 |
| Art or art-related courses (any level) 1 | 12 |
| 18 | |
1 Art studio courses are restricted to ART, GRPH, INDE and INDU courses.
Art History Minor
Students enrolled in any degree program may minor in art history by completing a minimum of 18 credit hours in art history courses, as the following chart shows. The student's minor program is subject to approval by the school director.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| GARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance | 3 |
| GARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
| Art history courses (300-400 level) 1 | 12 |
| 18 | |
1 For studio art, graphic design and interior design majors, required ARTH courses in the art emphasis program may count toward the art history minor. Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
