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2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Studio Art

The B.A. and B.S. programs emphasize breadth of experience over specialization in a single medium. Students complete a more diverse curriculum including coursework in two and three-dimensional topics.

Requirements for a Major in Studio Art

Art majors seeking a B.A. or B.S. degree must complete a minimum of 45 credits in art and design.

General Education

In the GVSU General Education requirements, the Foundation section lists ART 101 - Introduction to Art as a choice. ART 101 is not required for the BA or BS in Art and Design. Some of the material in ART 101 will be duplicated in the required coursework, art majors are advised to take one of the other classes in the General Education Arts category.

Foundation and Review Courses

After completing the Foundation Program (ART 150, 151, 152, 155, and 157), all art students are evaluated for entrance into the design and fine arts programs. All art students are required to submit their collective work for faculty review.

Based on the review, students may be asked to do remedial work and submit to a second review. If a second review is unsuccessful, the student will be asked to leave his or her degree program.

Students seeking a major in studio art can earn either the B.A. or B.S. degree. Requirements include completion of the following:

Other Requirements:

1. Art History Electives, Credits: 9

2. Two courses in different 2-D areas selected from the following list, Credits: 6

3. Two courses in different 3-D areas selected from the following list, Credits: 6

4. Two studio courses at the 300 level or above, Credits: 6

5. ART 495 - Issues in Art (capstone) Credits: 3
Completion of the art history component of the B.A. or B.S. program is a prerequisite for ART 495. Students register for a section taught by an art history professor.

B.A. degree cognates:

Foreign language (third-semester proficiency in a foreign language).

B.S. degree cognates:

Science (three courses)

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Studio Art

A general fine arts curriculum (check specific major requirements with your advisor) working toward a B.S. or B.A. degree.

First Year

Second Year

  • Two courses from art history, Credits: 6
  • Four studio courses, Credits: 12
  • Four general education courses or electives

Third Year

  • One course from art history, Credits: 3
  • Two studio courses, Credits: 6
  • Seven general education courses or electives

Fourth Year



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