The art department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in: Commercial Art, Art Management, Art Therapy, Studio Art, and Art Education for students interested in pursuing a career in any area of the visual arts. Students are admitted to the art program as BA majors through a portfolio review process and only after being admitted to the University. After their first semester sophomore year, students are reviewed again to determine their eligibility to pursue the BFA degree.
Art majors are introduced to their discipline through foundation courses in design and drawing as a means of guaranteeing unified knowledge as students move into their chosen area of focus. Students engage regularly in critiques and have various opportunities to exhibit their work in formal and informal venues within the department and around campus. The department provides a creative environment in which students can best learn to express themselves both verbally and visually. This is achieved through classroom interaction as well as informal gatherings within the studios throughout the day and evening.
A successful BFA graduate will find professional work within the graphic arts field, art education K-12, art therapy, art management, professional studio/co-op/gallery, or go on to graduate school. A successful B.A. student will pursue similar paths that may lead to work with community art centers, art organizations, or their own art studios.
Art students have opportunities to exhibit their work and see professional exhibits in three on campus galleries: Studio Gallery, Lower Gallery, and Perkinson Gallery. They also have the chance to sell their work in the student-run gallery "The BlueConnection" which is part of the Art of Entrepreneurship class. Students regularly work with local community groups as interns, volunteers or members. These art groups include Gallery 510, Decatur Arts Council, Decatur Public Library, Decatur Public Schools, Decatur Ad Club and NOVA Gallery.
Art students have the opportunity to travel to various locations nationally and internationally to see artwork and be inspired to create their own art. Locations include Chicago, St. Louis, the Four Corners Region of the Southwest, France, Italy, Spain, etc.