Course Planning

Studio Art Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

The Studio Art Major requires 11 courses that includes breadth across the discipline and in-depth experience in one of the six available studios:

  • Digital Fine Art,
  • Drawing,
  • Mixed-Media 3D,
  • Painting,
  • Photography, and
  • Printmaking.

The in-depth experience consists of a three-course sequence in one of the studios. The courses associated with each studio concentration can be found in the Catalog. The sequence should consist of an beginning course, and intermediate course, and an advanced course within that studio concentration. However, if the student wishes to take their concentration in Digital Fine Art, any three courses in the concentration will count as the sequence.

Within the first year, students should take at least two art classes.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year
  • Beginning 2D Studio Art  (ARTS 160)
  • And 1-2 of the following courses:
    • Beginning course in one studio
    • Beginning course in a second studio
    • One art history course (ARTH 170 or ARTH 171)
Sophomore
  • The 1-2 remaining courses listed in the first year that the student has not already taken
  • An intermediate level course in the concentration
  • A 2D or 3D elective, whichever is needed
Junior
  • Advanced level course in concentration
  • Art history course beyond the survey level
  • 1-2 electives, as needed
Senior
  • Practicum: Studio Art (ARTS 497, Fall semester)
  • 1-2 upper-level electives, as needed

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year
-
Sophomore
  • Beginning 2D Studio Art (ARTS 160)
  • Beginning course in one studio
  • Beginning course in a second studio
  • One art history course (ARTH 170 or ARTH 171)
Junior
  • An intermediate level course in the concentration
  • An advanced level course in the concentration
  • A 2D or 3D elective, whichever is needed
  • Another elective
Senior

Practicum: Studio Art (ARTS 497)

  • Art history course beyond the survey level
  • 1-2 electives, as needed

Planning Recommendations: In preparation for the senior practicum, all degree paths must complete advanced work in the primary studio sequence (studio sequence #1) by the end of the junior year.