The academic program strives to meet professional standards with a curriculum that reflects the university's strong liberal arts orientation, with emphasis being placed on the production of original artwork. Art and Design courses are designed to develop increasing levels of technical expertise, critical thinking skills, art historical knowledge and understanding of current art philosophies and practices.

The Department of Art and Design offers three majors: Visual Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education. Students in all majors take core foundation classes and then branch into upper-division courses that are specific to their areas of emphasis.  All Art or Graphics majors compete their studies with a Senior Exhibition of their work in the Keller Gallery.


To Graphic Design students wondering what to purchase:  PC or Mac???

If  you're going to be an art or design major, it's a good idea to buy a Mac rather than a PC. The creative industry is Mac-leaning and all of our design courses are taught on Macs. If you already have a PC laptop, have no fear. You'll find that you will use your laptop mostly for papers, research and homework for a variety of courses. You won't begin Mac-based design courses until your sophomore year.  If you're looking for a laptop, buy the best machine you can afford  - an ibook would be fine.

The software we use in the design courses is primarily Adobe CS3. But beware: While having your own computer with the design software can be great, it can also cause problems. Adobe CS3 and other design applications are very expensive and you would need to stay current with the lab, which upgrades frequently. For your freshman and sophomore year, you'll probably need Microsoft office for mac, more than you'll need Adobe CS3.  It is wisest to wait until you are at school before buying your design software.

We have a well-outfitted lab with all the latest software, and have extended hours during the semester. Most of our students do their homework and projects in the Mac Lab, and most find it's a fun place to hang out with their friends while working on their projects. If you plan on using only the Mac Lab, you don't have to worry about owning a Mac or the software.  If you have the choice, buying a Mac laptop is best. It will help you get familiar with the Mac platform if you're not already.

On a side note, many of our students choose to buy a professional grade computer in their senior year. This gives them the advantage of having their own computer while working on their senior portfolio projects, and they have a newer machine to take with the when they graduate and don't have the lab anymore.

Extra-curricular programs

Also enriching the educational experience are many extra-curricular programs such as the Visiting Artist lecture series, the Keller Gallery program, field trips, study abroad programs, internships, and memberships in professional organizations.