Undergraduate Art Programs

Expand your knowledge of creative expression and its history through the exposure, education and understanding of Western and non-Western artistic and cultural heritage, while also developing your own artistic abilities in a variety of mediums.

As an art major, you will develop your artistic skills and abilities, celebrate your growth as an individual and broaden your understanding of the history, creation, exhibition and business of art. An Art degree will also give you the experience of working in a variety of forms of artistic expression.

Curriculum

What You’ll Learn

Through a comprehensive study of art forms and opportunities for the exhibition of your own work, the Art program will provide you with both foundational knowledge and portfolios of your work to help you craft the beginnings of your career in visual art. Gardner-Webb will offer you concentrations in two-dimensional art such as drawing and painting or three-dimensional work in ceramics and sculpture. 

During your senior year, you will exhibit work demonstrating a concentrated focus in technique, style and content, while also developing your critical thinking and communication skills by presenting a thesis defending your work.

Available Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Art

In addition to the University’s required general education and prerequisites, the Bachelor of Arts in Art requires 50 credit hours of coursework, including 14 hours of history, exhibition and topics courses and 24 hours of foundation studio classes. A total of 12 elective hours must completed in courses at the 300 level or above. Nine of those hours must be taken in one studio sequence.

For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

In addition to the University’s required general education and prerequisites, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art requires 65 credit hours of coursework, including 17 hours of art academics and 24 hours of foundation studio courses. Twenty-four hours of elective coursework at the 300 level or above is also required, including 15 hours from one studio concentration and the remaining nine hours from outside the concentration.

For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Second Major in Art History

Students may earn a second major in Art History by completing 30 hours of classes and earning a grade of “C” or better in a combination of Art History courses (21 hours) and Art Electives (9 hours).  Students earning a second major in Art History must complete and present an independent research paper in art history.

For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Second Major in Studio Arts

Students may complete a second major in Studio Arts by earning a grade of “C” or better in Foundation Studio courses (30 hours) and two Art History courses (6 hours). The student completing a second major in studio arts must mount an exhibit of the strongest work that the student has produced during studio classes. 

For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Minor in Studio Arts

The University offers a minor in art history which requires 18 credit hours of coursework. The minor in studio art requires the exhibit of a body of the strongest work that the student produces during studio classes.

For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

Outcomes

What You’ll Do

Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in art pursue a variety of careers in creation, exhibition, education, and more. Common employers include

  • studios
  • museums
  • design firms
  • museums and historic sites
  • libraries
  • schools
  • advertising firms
  • publishing and illustration companies

Fine Arts majors often work in studios, at historic sites, or for school and community art programs. Many students with a Fine Arts degree create careers as self-employed artists, while others pursue additional education to teach in public or private schools or at a college or university.

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