The Major in Art, B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) is a liberal arts degree with two concentrations: Art History and Integrated Visual Studies.
Both concentrations begin their study with the Foundations courses. They explore form and observation, time and structure, color and composition, materials and space, and global art history. In the second year, students begin to explore different concentration areas and get hands-on experience in dedicated, well-equipped studio spaces designed to support their research and creative exploration. As juniors and seniors, students deepen their skills and ideas by taking upper-division courses in their chosen concentration each semester.
The Major in Art (B.A.), Art History concentration students develop critical skills to understand global visual arts within social, historical, and aesthetic contexts. Classes combine lectures and discussions with small seminars for deeper engagement. They explore a second field of study, selected with an advisor, while gaining exposure to a foreign language and aesthetic philosophy. Study abroad is a key part of the program, offering immersive, location-responsive experiences that integrate studio art, art history, education, humanities, and languages. These opportunities are built into the curriculum, making international study accessible and enriching.
The Major in Art (B.A.), Integrated Visual Studies concentration is a studio-research-focused program that lets students blend visual arts with another field such as psychology, tech, business, or any area of interest. Through creative research, arts-based projects, and interdisciplinary exploration, our IVS students build a unique skill set that extends beyond traditional art spaces. They refine artistic skills, experiment with new techniques, and develop a distinct creative voice. The program is a balanced mix of hands-on studio classes and academic courses that connects with a secondary field of study, creating innovative, interdisciplinary projects that reflect students' personal and academic journey. By mirroring the research-driven, process-oriented work expected in graduate school, IVS gives our students a strong foundation for advanced academic and professional opportunities.
Building an Innovative Career in Art & Culture
Students earning a B.A. with a major in Art develop a broad set of transferable skills, including strong communication, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities. To enhance practical experience and professional development, participation in internships, cooperative education, service learning, and study abroad opportunities is highly encouraged. Employers value art majors for their versatile skill sets and their visual literacy, an increasingly vital ability in today’s image-driven world. As part of the College of Liberal Arts, students in the Department of Art and Art History have access to career resources that help them create their future. We encourage our students to participate in internships, cooperative education, and service-learning opportunities to enrich their practical training and development.
Depending on their interests, chosen electives, or area of concentration, our students can go on to wide variety of careers, including:
- Art Archivist
- Art Critic
- Community Arts Instructor
- Creative Content Writer
- Creative Director
- Curatorial Assistant
- Multimedia Producer
- Museum Educator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Special Collections Librarian
Change or Add Major
To add or change your major to Art, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117, or send them an email.