Art, B.A. Program (120 units)
Program Description
The Art Department offers three programs of study in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree. The Art History and Visual Studies concentration develops students’ skills in research, visual analysis, and argumentation, leading to a range of careers in the arts or to graduate study. The concentration in Studio Arts and the concentration in Design provide broad survey art and design practices in preparation for continued professional development or creative and design careers.
The B.A. Degree Concentrations:
- Art History & Visual Studies
- Studio Arts
- Design
The program core plus concentrations require 51 units of study in the Department to complete the major. Students of Design or Studio Arts who wish to meet full professional expectations or attend Graduate School are encouraged to choose one of the concentrations in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A). program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from our Bachelor of Art degree program go on to pursue careers as:
• Artist • Designer • Art Librarian • College Professor • Curator • Development Coordinator • Digital Asset and Rights Manager • Director of Cultural Affairs • Gallery Director • Gallery Sales Consultant • Museum Educator • Museum Visitor Services Specialist • Public Art Program Manager • Registrar or Collections Manager.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in appropriate art-making skills and tools.
- Imagine, ideate and create using an open, confident, and flexible method through creative processes and design thinking.
- Critique and think critically about art works using appropriate concepts from art history and theory, in the context of culture, contemporary art, and in public and global spheres.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively through their work.
- Integrate arts-related skills in developing professional practices and planning for ethical, sustainable civic engagement.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consists of 51 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consists of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 12 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and AACE advisors for information.
Studio Arts Concentration
The Studio Arts Concentration is offered for students who want to develop a rigorous foundation in fine art practice. With an emphasis on 2D, 3D and emergent art media, students will gain a working knowledge of drawing, painting, digital media and photography. Following 2-3 semesters of study, faculty advisors work with students to design a coherent course of study, with focus in at least one area. Through hands-on studio courses, as well as art historical research, students will conclude their studies with a solo art exhibit and demonstrate a critical understanding of historical and contemporary art practice. (Intermediate and upper division courses in hands-on media are available to students pursing either the B.A. or the B.F.A. degrees.)
Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements
In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate requirements for graduation, which are described in the Requirements, Exams & Testing chapter of this catalog.