At the School of Art+Design, students learn the meaning of a life informed by aesthetic experience, where experimentation, collaboration and a commitment to making help to forge rewarding career paths in the visual arts and design. Our curriculum centers on historical and theoretical study, through which students build critical thinking skills, alongside studio-based practice that embraces new con
cepts, materials, and technologies. Our faculty of working artists is dedicated to creating a supportive climate in which students have the inspiration, resources and freedom to see, think, make and grow. Programs
Visual Arts (BFA, BS)
The School of Art+Design offers four-year curricula in graphic design, painting/drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and interdisciplinary visual arts Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to establish a program of study that allows the student to develop particular areas of interest and to prepare for the larger world of art and design. In the rigorous common foundation year, students investigate introductory courses in a number of visual arts disciplines before specializing in a major area of study. Students who wish to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study between two disciplines can apply for the visual arts interdisciplinary major starting in sophomore year. In addition, we offer the BS in visual arts, which provides an overview of contemporary art-based research methods and cultural theories, art history, and studio practice in a broad liberal arts context. Visual Arts (MFA)
The visual arts MFA in the School of Art+Design is a two-year interdisciplinary, pluralistic graduate course of study. This small, highly selective program fosters the artistic, intellectual, and professional growth of each student through close engagement with faculty, visiting artists and critics, as well as rigorous academic study and independent studio work. Students have access to individual studios, along with tremendous facilities, and are expected to produce a complete body of work during their two years in residence. Alongside core studio practice, students interested in advancing their teaching skills and pedagogical approaches to art making can pursue opportunities to assist in the teaching of undergraduate courses, with the potential to design and offer courses. Joint MFA in Visual Arts/MA in Art History
MFA visual arts students have the option to pursue a three-year course of study resulting in both the MFA degree in visual art and an MA degree in art history. Students can apply separately to the MA program before beginning their MFA studies, or during their first year of MFA coursework. Visiting Artists
Each semester, weekly visiting artist lectures host noted artists, curators, critics and historians to share their perspectives, expertise and current work, and to give insight into contemporary issues facing artists and designers. Facilities
Our Visual Arts building is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the US, with 160,000 square feet of dedicated space for making. Students have access to state-of-the-art software, hardware, and equipment specifically geared to match the height of students’ creative and professional ambition.
