Programs
Majors
BFA Major Requirements - University Course Catalog
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) - Studio Art
The 78 credit BFA-Studio Art program is a professional art degree that prepares individuals to work as creative artists in a wide range of visual media. Students have opportunities to work in foundation through advanced levels in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and digital and lens-based media. Studio work is complimented by the study of art history, and grounded in art theory, extensive exposure to contemporary art, and interdisciplinary practice. The BFA degree provides the preparation needed to enter into an MFA program, the required qualification to teach at the college or university level. There is a track available for students who transfer in with a completed AFA to complete this program in four semesters (45 credits).
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) - Graphic Design
The 81 credit BFA-Graphic Design program teaches students processes to identify and solve visual communication problems in a variety of contexts, investigate conceptual and technical applications for creating and disseminating visual communication, and integrate print and digital practices to create effective user-driven communication. Project work is grounded in visual concepts, form, and research to use, create and integrate symbols, typography and imagery for applications including system, identity and information design; package design; user experience; motion graphics; web design; and interactive design. This program requires 6 credits of internship, so students graduate having completed 1-2 work experiences. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design is recognized by both the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) and The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) as the degree for entry-level professional practice and growth as a graphic designer. There is a track available for students who transfer in with a completed AFA to complete this program in four semesters (45 credits).
BA and BS Major Requirements - University Course Catalog
BA (Bachelor of Arts) Art Major
The 51 credit BA-Art is designed to give all students an opportunity to develop an awareness of and experience in the visual arts, and an understanding of the history and development of art. Students will take a range of classes in a variety of media including traditional studio (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics) lens-based (video and photography) and digital media. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is available to students desiring a more concentrated studio art experience with an exhibition emphasis.
BS (Bachelor of Science) Art Education Major
The 53 credit BS-Art Education program provides students a broad base of experience in the visual arts, with a professional education series of coursework that allows them to become licensed Pre K-12 art teachers in the state of Minnesota. Students in this program complete state-required testing and student teaching in order to qualify for licensure.
Minors
Minor Requirements - University Course Catalog
Art Minor
The 18 credit Minor in Art gives non-art majors the opportunity to take studio art courses in a variety of media at the foundation and intermediate level. The 18 credit minor provides students with the opportunity to develop their artistic abilities within the studio arts. Students will learn the foundations of art and art history then explore a studio arts area of concentration. The minor complements numerous majors throughout the university, including Marketing, Mass Communications and Psychology.
Graphic Design Minor
The 21 credit Minor in Graphic Design gives students a strong introduction to the foundational elements of Graphic Design. Coursework includes foundation classes in drawing and design principles, and intermediate classes in graphic design practice, as well as the history of design. Students will learn the foundations of art, the basics of graphic design like integrating text with image, typography and production. The minor complements numerous majors through the university, including Mass Communications and Marketing.
New Media Art and Music Minor
The 24 credit Minor in New Media Art and Music is a multi-disciplinary minor that focuses on the intellectual, creative and technical skills associated with new media. The New Media minor is appropriate for those with majors in art or music.
Art History Minor
The 21 credit Minor in Art History includes foundation classes in art history and a broad selection of survey and seminar style classes ranging from contemporary art to non-western art history. The minor complements numerous majors through the university, including studio art and graphic design majors who want to deepen their historical knowledge of the visual arts.
Certificates
Certificate Requirements - University Course Catalog
2D Art Certificate
The 9 credit Certificate in 2D Art offers the opportunity for students to take beginning and intermediate studio courses in drawing, painting and printmaking.
3D Art Certificate
The 9 credit Certificate in 3D Art offers the opportunity for students to take beginning and intermediate studio courses in sculpture and ceramics.
Digital Art Certificate
The 9 credit Certificate in Digital Art offers the opportunity for students to take beginning and intermediate studio courses in digital art, exploring a variety of programs and processes.
Lens-Based Art Certificate
The 9 credit Certificate in Lens-Based Art offers the opportunity for students to take beginning and intermediate studio courses in photography and video.
Galleries
Our galleries are a big part of our academic programs. Students learn the process of showing at a gallery, putting together a collection, and how to run gallery. Galleries also offer a great tool in teaching students through viewing artists' work.