BA in Art

Home / Find a Program / BA in Art

Want to learn more? Speak with an admissions counselor.

The B.A. in Art provides the student with a broad experience in a variety of media through a wide selection of studio courses, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, drawing, 3D animation, and printmaking among others. The flexibility of this degree allows students to tailor their course of study to focus on their area of interest. The B.A. in Art degree offers students career flexibility, providing them with the skills to work in an art gallery, museum, for-profit art-related business, and non-profit creative agencies.

Students may combine a B.A. in Art with a certification in either Elementary Education or Secondary Education. A double major in art and business/ marketing for careers in advertising, marketing and design communications.

For students interested in a career in art therapy, the department offers a double major in art and psychology with an art therapy concentration in conjunction with the School of Psychology and Counseling (please see description of the double major below and under the School of Psychology and Counseling section for more details). The Double Major in Art and Psychology with Art Therapy Concentration is designed to provide a strong preparatory base for graduate study in art therapy and meets the educational requirements for entry into Caldwell’s graduate program. Registration and practice as an art therapist requires master’s level preparation. Qualified undergraduates in the double major with Art Therapy Concentration may also take advantage of the opportunity to pursue their M.A. in Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization in an accelerated manner through the Combined B.A./M.A. program.

Statement of Outcomes Assessment

JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 200 2D Design and Color, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.

It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester

SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to write a research paper on a topic that relates to their area of interest and to propose a direction for their exhibition. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.

B.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 2 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled for three to four students at one time. Each student is designated a gallery area in which to mount a selection of works specifically and independently developed for this exhibit. B.A. students must complete at least one upper level course in the area of study chosen for their Senior Thesis Exhibit. For example: Both Painting I and Painting II are required for students presenting painted works for their Senior Thesis Exhibit. The full time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each individual. The session follows the procedures outlined for the B.F.A. critique session.

The B.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not receive a grade of C or above in the senior seminar or minor program

Courses

Catalog