Art + Design (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Arts in Art + Design develops skills in three concentrations: Design, Fine Art and Art History.

Selected courses in design, studio art and art history develop competencies for graduate school or careers in arts administration, marketing, art therapy, or education.

Core courses common to both programs lay a strong foundation for upper level work in both BFA and BA degree programs and provides the opportunity for students to easily move from the BA into the BFA program within the first two years to timely graduation.

As an additional opportunity, the New Mind Design Student Design Agency gives Art + Design majors the opportunity to work in a design agency under the guidance of faculty mentors. Statistics show that most designers and artists will freelance at some point in their careers, so this experiential learning experience will develop entrepreneurship and professionalism.

Review Courses and Requirements

Why ESU?

Students in the BA program will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience for various art and design related industries such as graphic design, fine art, arts administration, fashion, additive manufacturing, and more.

The BA program has prepared many students to further their education in specific areas such as Art Therapy and Curatorship. Core courses lay a strong foundation for upper level work and provides the opportunity for students to easily move from the BA into the BFA program where a student can choose a more specific and career focused concentrations in graphic design, product design and Fine and New Media Art.

Concentrations

Fine Art is at the heart of creative expression. Fine artists have historically been pioneers for innovations in the fields of design, entertainment, even STEM areas. You will acquire skills in traditional fine art techniques like drawing, painting, clay, traditional and new media. A required thesis project and portfolio will prepare you for the next step to further your career for graduate programs in art therapy, art education, and art administration.

Design is a creative process that integrates art and technology to communicate ideas and information. You will create dynamic solutions in graphic design, illustration, 3D modeling, rendering, 3D printing, product design and other fabrication processes. Up to date industry professional design software will prepare you for careers in the design field. Project based assignments and required internships make sure you will be ready to meet the challenge of the 21st century marketplace. Art directors in graphic, product, and visual communications design studios stress the importance of a strong art background for success in these fields.

Art History develops your aesthetic literacy through study of cultural history. You can explore American and world cultures through the study of their art, architecture and design. It is interdisciplinary: incorporating the fields of philosophy, history, political science, literature, and sociology. You will not only learn about the art and architecture of the past, but consider the art of today within its cultural context — your life and the art and design that surrounds you. The B.A. in art history will prepare you for gallery entrepreneur careers, educators and consultants. Students can further pursue graduate school in Art History and licensed programs that specialize in conservation or consultant.

Big Belly receptacle

Students learn to create designs and illustrations for real world opportunities. Here is a poster that an Art + Design major created.

3d print

Learn how to use various equipment, software and other emerging technology that will further expand their skill set. This photo showcases a 3D scanned and 3D printed replica of the artist.

abstract

Painting instruction will expand creative abilities. This painting was created by Amber Dougherty.

Career Development at ESU

We'll help you launch your career. Support services are available through the ESU Career Development Center. The center offers a variety of internship opportunities, career planning, and employment services to all ESU students and alumni.